San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | February 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Buda considers expanding transportation program

COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES

COMPLETED PROJECT

Buda City Council held a discussion Dec. 6 regarding the Senior Transportation Service, referred to as STAR. The program was established in 2005 to promote indepen- dence and enhance the quality of life of those 60 years old and older, or individuals with disabilities living in Buda. The program is free for those who meet the require- ments, and rides are oered to various locations in Buda, Kyle and San Marcos. Riders can make reservations up to 30 days in advance but no later than two days before. Eligible destinations include nonemergency or routine medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and more. At the Oct. 11 meeting, the council unanimously voted to extend STAR operating hours and hire another driver. The new hours following that meeting are Monday and Wednesday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. At the Dec. 6 meeting, the council had another discus- sion regarding the program and its limitations. “Part of the [action taken in October] was that we look into the total cost if we were to expand the program into the [extraterritorial jurisdiction],” City Clerk Alicia Ramirez said. “Generally, we get up to about 30 requests for the ETJ.” The ETJ is land on the outskirts of a city’s limits, though residents living there may still have a Buda address and/or ZIP code. The ETJ outweighs the age 65 and older population

2770

The city of Buda’s Senior Transportation Service, known as STAR, increased its ridership in 2022 by more than 50% compared to 2021. RIDERSHIP REVVING UP

1,200 1,000

1626

KYLE

800 600 400 200 0

BUNTON CREEK RD.

150

WATERLEAF BLVD.

SOURCE: CITY OF BUDA COMMUNITY IMPACT

Year

OLD STAGECOACH RD.

150

of Buda proper by nearly 1,000 residents, according to agenda documents. The city of Buda has around 1,500 residents age 65 and older, while the ETJ has around 2,330. If service expanded into the ETJ, the number of requests would increase, Ramirez said, as ridership continues to increase. However, a rise in requests and ridership would also result in increased costs for the individual taking the calls and the driver. The council elected to gure out how to fund the poten- tial expansion during the next budget cycle and discuss the matter with the city’s Task Force on Aging. For more information or to schedule a call, contact 512-532-1014.

WOODLANDS DR.

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JAN. 30. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SBKNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. The speed limit changes have been made to improve public safety. All speed limit signs were placed as of Jan. 17. B The speed limit for trac traveling on FM 150 from I-35 to Lehman Road has been reduced to 35 mph; C the speed limit from Lehman Road to Woodlands Drive/Waterleaf Boulevard has decreased to 45 mph; and D the speed limit from Woodlands Drive/ Waterleaf Boulevard to SH 21 has decreased to 50 mph. FM 150, FM 2770 speed limit changes The Kyle City Council adopted an ordi- nance Dec. 20 to lower the speed limit along portions of FM 150 and FM 2770 following the results of a Texas Depart- ment of Transportation study. A Trac going both ways along FM 2770 now has a speed limit of 45 miles per hour from near Bob Shelton Stadium to FM 150.

Regional airport taxiway reconstruction underway

Ocials with the city of San Marcos announced Jan. 13 construction is underway to replace Taxiway Charlie at the San Marcos Regional Airport, located at 1807 Airport Drive, San Marcos. In its place will be a safer taxiway outtted with an upgraded LED light system, new signage,

markings and pavement. Crews began working on the project Jan. 3, which includes the demolition of existing concrete and signage. Excavation work also began in February. The project is expected to cost $5 million, of which the City Council approved $549,273 from the general fund with the remaining

90% of the cost funded by a Federal Aviation Adminis- tration grant. Once completed, the taxiway improvements will increase safety and visibility in the area. Timeline: January-summer Cost: $5.39 million Funding sources: city of San Marcos, Federal Aviation Administration

Work began Jan. 3 at the San Marcos airport.

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023