Gold

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public transit agencies that provide fixed-route service to provide ‘complementary paratransit’ service to people with disabilities who cannot use the fixed-route bus service because of a disability. The STARS Gold card is used to provide this service. The STARS Gold card allows people with disabilities to schedule their paratransit rides up to 2 weeks in advance. It also grants them 1/2 fare for paratransit rides during the time that fixed route buses are in service. After fixed-routes are complete for the day, Gold card holders will have to pay full-fare on paratransit trips.

Silver

The STARS Silver card is a program to assist people with disabilities who can use the fixed-route bus service. The STARS silver card allows seniors over 60 and people with disabilities half fare on fixed route bus service.

STARS ADA Complaint Policy and Procedures

ADA Para-transit Service for Visitors

1. STARS will grant eligibility for a period of 21 days, to any visitor with disabilities who does not reside in Saginaw, Michigan, on either of two conditions [49 CFR 37.127]: 
   
   a) The visitor presents documentation that he/she meets the ADA eligibility guidelines for ADA paratransit service from another jurisdiction. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, presentation of a valid ADA paratransit ID card or determination letter from any other transit provider. . If the individual has no such documentation (of ADA paratransit eligibility), and the disability is apparent then the individual is to provide documentation of residence outside of the City of Saginaw [49 CFR 37.127(c)] 
   
   b) The visitor provides proof of residency in another jurisdiction, documentation indicating a disability that prevents him/her from using the fixed route system and certification that he/she is unable to use the STARS fixed route system. This might include, for example, a letter from a doctor. [49 CFR 37.127(d)]
2. All visitors who provide the necessary documentation will be provided the same service as any other ADA paratransit client.
3. STARS will require visitors to make a full application for STARS ADA paratransit service for any combination of 21 days during a 365-day period beginning with the visitor’s first use of the service.”

How do I request a reasonable modification?

STARS is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in all programs, services, and activities. STARS recognizes that, in order to have equally effective opportunities and benefits, individuals with disabilities may need reasonable modifications to policies and procedures. STARS’s full Reasonable Modification Policy can be found at www.saginaw-stars.com

Requests for reasonable modifications can be submitted in writing by:

• Mail: STARS, 615 Johnson St, Saginaw, MI 48607
• Email: customerservice@saginaw.com

Alternative means of filing a request, such as personal interviews, phone calls, or taped requests, will be made available for persons with disabilities if unable to communicate their request in writing or upon request.