• Free bus rides from Star Valley to Jackson June 1-5

Adjustments to the START Transit schedule is hoped to bring convenience to those who utilize the service with their work schedules. The current schedule began in April and will continue through the Summer.

START Transit Director Mike Toronto said the agency revamped its seasonal schedule this spring to better match common work shifts in Jackson.

“We have a better arrival time for those that start at nine o’clock. Previously, you’d get to work over an hour before your shift starts. We push that back. Same with our six o’clock departure time. So it connects people that are closer to the seven o’clock, eight o’clock and nine o’clock shift start time.”

Toronto, who took over as director in August, previously worked with the Utah Transit Authority in the Salt Lake Valley.

“I’ve been the director of START Transit since August of last year. I came from the Utah Transit Authority before that, where I ran fixed bus service in the Salt Lake Valley,” he said. Going from 650 employees to less than 50, Toronto says the change is a big one “but it’s a beautiful area to live in, so it’s worth it.”

The revised schedule also spreads out departure times from Jackson to provide more options for riders returning to Star Valley, rather than having multiple buses leave within the same hour.

“We expect to continue on. We’ll always make adjustments based on feedback from people and ridership trends,” Toronto said.

An upcoming promotion for START Transit will happen from June 1-5 with free rides on the commuter bus. Toronto said, “If you get on, you will not be asked to pay a fare. You do not need to purchase anything in advance. You just show up and take a ride on the bus, both to and from Jackson Monday through Friday of that week.”

Toronto said the buses also offer Wi-Fi, though connectivity can be limited in some areas.

Riders can access routes, maps, and ticketing information through the START Transit website or the Transit app.

“We have a section on our page for schedules, maps and also fare information on how much fares cost and where you can purchase them. You can also download the transit app, where you can purchase tickets. You can also see the location of the bus, and you can see the schedule.”

Once in Jackson, START Transit connects riders to local shuttle routes serving Teton Village, downtown Jackson, and surrounding areas, including stops near Albertsons, Pearl Avenue, the hospital and Snow King. The system also includes an on-demand service in East Jackson.

Regular fares remain $8 one way, with discounts available for seniors and bulk ticket purchases, along with a monthly pass option for frequent riders.

One of the most commonly used options is a 10-ride ticket bundle for $42, which lowers the per-trip cost compared to single fares. Seniors age 60 and older also receive a discount, paying half price on fares.

For daily commuters, START Transit offers a monthly pass for $105, which allows unlimited rides during the month. The pass is often compared by riders to the cost of gas and parking in the Jackson area, making it a more predictable option for frequent travel.

Passes and tickets can be purchased through the Transit app or in person at START Transit facilities.

Toronto encouraged commuters to take advantage of the upcoming free week and consider transit as an alternative to driving.

“I would encourage people to try our service, especially on that free week. When I ride, I do work. Some people can talk to their employers about that, but it’s a nice relaxing way to travel versus handling the traffic or the weather that sometimes faces us when we commute to Jackson. I myself live in Star Valley. I make that commute quite regularly and really enjoy it when I take transit.”

Director Mike Toronto said the goal is to keep options flexible for different types of riders, from occasional passengers to daily commuters, while maintaining affordability for those making the Star Valley-to-Jackson trip regularly.