Options for State Employees
- By bus with the STAR Pass Program
- By bicycle
- Get a ride home with SAFE-Ride (for Employees in Thurston County)
Tools for State Agency CTR Coordinators
Learn how to develop a Commute Trip Reduction program in your organization. More...
STAR pass program
The State Agency Rider (STAR) Pass is provided through a partnership between the State and Intercity Transit. State employees assigned to a worksite in Thurston County may ride without charge on any Intercity Transit route. Passes are pre-paid by the State, with no charge to the employee. Employees with state photo ID will receive a STAR Pass validating sticker that will identify them as a state employee to the Intercity Transit drivers. Employees in agencies with no state photo ID card will be issued a STAR Pass card through the STAR Pass program at the Washington State Department of Transportation.
For more information about the program or how to get a STAR Pass, please contact:
- Program Coordinator: George Blake
Ph: (360) 705-7922 or George.Blake@wsdot.wa.gov
Pierce Transit Olympia Express STAR Pass Subsidy Program
As of October 2nd Pierce Transit will no longer operate Olympia Express Routes 601 and 602 (603A) due to budget reductions. September 30th is the last day that will count toward a voucher.
For more information and alternative routes, see the transit links below.
Transit Agency Websites:
Mason Transit Star Pass Subsidy Program
The STAR Pass is not valid on any Mason Transit route. There is no charge for travel on a Mason Transit bus within Mason Transit. The cost of a one-way commute trip on Mason Transit’s Route 6 between Olympia and Shelton is $1.50.
The STAR Pass program will subsidize STAR Pass holders forty four cents ($0.44) for each one-way commute trip taken on a Mason Transit bus. For every 25 one-way commute trips taken on a Mason Transit bus you will receive an $11 commuter bonus voucher that can be applied to the purchase of a Mason Transit monthly pass ($22.00).
You may receive this subsidy in addition to any you may be receiving from your agency as long as collectively you are not receiving more than the cost of a monthly bus pass ($22.00) in tax free vouchers. If your agency offers a cash taxable subsidy, you may collect the full amount even if the total amount including the commuter bonus voucher is more than the cost of a monthly bus pass.
To receive the subsidy you must be registered with the STAR Pass Program (.doc 81kb) at the Washington State Department of Transportation. For each completed Mason Transit Subsidy calendar (.doc 86kb), STAR Pass holders will receive an $11 voucher that can be used towards the purchase of a Mason Transit monthly pass.
Grays Harbor STAR Pass Subsidy Program
The STAR Pass is not valid on any Grays Harbor Transit route. The STAR Pass program will subsidize STAR Pass holders fifty-five cents ($0.55) for each one-way commute trip taken on a Grays Harbor Transit bus. For every 27 one-way commute trips taken on a Grays Harbor Transit bus you will receive a $15 commuter bonus voucher that can be used towards the purchase of a Grays Harbor Transit monthly pass(Zone 1&2 for $60 or Zone 2 for $45) or a 20- trip punch card (Zone 1&2 for $36 or Zone 2 for $30).
You may receive this subsidy in addition to any you may be receiving from your agency as long as collectively you are not receiving more than the cost of a monthly bus pass or 20-trip punch card in tax free vouchers. If your agency offers a cash taxable subsidy, you may collect the full amount even if the total amount including the commuter bonus voucher is more than the cost of a monthly bus pass or the 20-trip punch card.
To receive the subsidy you must be registered with the STAR Pass Program (.doc 81kb) at the Washington State Department of Transportation. For each completed Grays Harbor Transit Subsidy calendar (.doc 89kb), STAR Pass holders will receive a $15 commuter bonus voucher that can be used towards the purchase of a Grays Harbor Transit monthly pass or a 20-trip punch card.
What is the STAR Pass Program?
The State Agency Rider Pass (STAR Pass) allows State employees, assigned to a worksite in Thurston County to ride without charge on any of Intercity Transit’s route services.
Who is eligible to receive a STAR Pass?
All State employees assigned to a worksite in Thurston County are eligible to receive the STAR Pass at no cost to them. The passes are pre-paid by the State through an allotment by the Legislature from the state vehicle parking account. Employees wanting a STAR Pass are required to sign-up for the program though their agencies.
How does the State benefit from the STAR Pass?
The STAR Pass is a service provided to state employees assigned to work sites in Thurston County. The STAR Pass program benefits the state by providing fare-free transit to employees during their work day, thus eliminating their need to either use their own vehicle or a state vehicle while performing their work. The STAR Pass also supports the state’s commitment to commute trip reduction by providing an alternate commute mode option to its employees.
How does the STAR Pass work?
Employees who have state agency picture identification (ID) will receive a STAR Pass validating sticker for their agency photo ID that will identify them as a state employee to the Intercity Transit bus drivers. Those without picture ID can receive a STAR Pass card with picture ID that will enable them to ride the transit system.
I live and commute from Pierce County. Can I use my STAR Pass on Intercity Transit Olympia Express Route?
Yes - the STAR Pass is valid on all Intercity Transit routes. The STAR Pass is not valid on any Pierce Transit bus.
My agency provides CTR subsidies. Can I still collect their subsidy?
Agencies that provide subsidies for alternate commute modes (transit, vanpool, biking and/or walking) may continue their programs, except they no longer will have to purchase or provide passes or vouchers for Intercity Transit routes.
If you receive a monthly voucher for commuting on Intercity Transit, your agency will no longer provide you one. Agencies should continue their CTR subsidy programs, excluding the vouchers for Intercity Transit service. Agencies should continue to provide vouchers for transit to other counties and for vanpools as well as cash incentives for biking, walking, and carpooling.
The two programs (STAR Pass and individual agency CTR programs) are provided from different funds and for different purposes. The STAR Pass is a transit service provided to state employees assigned to worksites in Thurston County. The STAR Pass benefits the state by providing a transportation option for state employees between and among state worksites in Thurston County other than using their own or a state vehicle. It also supports the state’s commitment to commute trip reduction program because employees may use their STAR Pass to commute to work. Overall, the STAR Pass will help to relieve congestion on Thurston County roadways. Unlike CTR subsidy requirements, employees using a STAR Pass will not have to keep, or turn in, a calendar documenting their STAR Pass transit use.
I ride my bike (or walk, or ride the bus) and collect a taxable cash incentive from my agency. Can I still get a STAR Pass and collect my cash incentive?
Yes! Per above, the STAR Pass program and your agency’s CTR program are provided from different funds and, though they complement each other, each was implemented for separate reasons.