For Release: Immediately
August 19, 2025
Contact: J.J. Boehm, Vice President for Communications
O: 989-964-4055
SVSU, STARS offer free rides to students, faculty, staff
Saginaw Valley State University and STARS, Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services, are partnering to improve transportation access for SVSU students, faculty and staff. Beginning October 1, passengers holding an SVSU ID card can access STARS fixed route services at no charge.
The agreement between STARS and SVSU will be in effect for one year, through September 2026, with the option to continue the arrangement for two additional years.
“This partnership with Saginaw Valley State University opens up tremendous opportunities for students, faculty and staff,” said Amy Bidwell, executive director of STARS. “By allowing free access to all our bus routes with an SVSU ID, we’re helping connect people to their classes, jobs, and campus activities — removing transportation barriers and supporting academic and community success.”
John Kaczynski, SVSU vice president for governmental affairs, said the additional transportation option will benefit riders, as well as many regional businesses.
“Transportation access is a real challenge for many in our service area,” he said. “Some students don’t own a car or aren’t able to drive. They may live off campus and need to a reliable way to get to classes, or they may live on campus and need transportation to stores, restaurants and other regional businesses. This also works both ways; it opens SVSU to the broader community, making it easier for more people to visit campus and enjoy the university’s wide range of academic, professional and cultural experiences.”
Passengers can board STARS buses from more than 500 designated stops throughout the Saginaw area. Route 9 services SVSU, where the bus stop is located near the Ryder Center. All STARS routes are now on Google Maps so passengers can plan their route, including transfers.
STARS’ fixed-route service operates Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
For more information on STARS routes, schedules and rider information, visit saginaw-stars.com.