Latest news with #GoBus
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
ETCOG secures $250k grant for veteran transportation services
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) received a $250,00 grant that will provide GoBus transportation to veterans in over 14 East Texas counties. Gov. Abbott names new leaders to Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission The Texas Veterans Commission awarded 213 grants to many Funds for Veteran' Assistance programs which will aid about 40,000 veterans. ETCOG will put this money toward funding a GoBus system. GoBus is a rural public transit system in East Texas that provides rides to daily destinations such as grocery stores, meetings and health appointments. The GoBus trips are available to veterans as well as veterans' spouses, dependents survivor spouses and active military personnel. For more information about GoBus and their services visit their website: East Texas residents asked to donate fans for summer relief 'It is an honor to receive this funding award from the Texas Veterans Commission and Chair Koerner, which allows us to continue our mission to support all East Texas veterans,' said Vince Huerta, GoBus Director. 'We are dedicated to growing the program and look forward to assisting more veterans this year.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Otago Daily Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Bus company named employer of choice
An Otago bus company is the first public transport operator in New Zealand to win a reputable human resources award. Kinetic New Zealand, which delivers the Go Bus services in the Otago region, has been named a 2025 HRD Magazine 5-Star Employer of Choice Gold Award winner. The HRD Awards recognise New Zealand organisations that go above and beyond to create exceptional employee experiences in a competitive market. Kinetic is New Zealand's largest passenger transport operator, with about 300 employees based in the Otago region, and more than 4500 nationwide. The award reflects the company's strong commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and rewarding workplace within every community it serves. Kinetic New Zealand managing director Calum Haslop said it may sound "cliched", but the award genuinely belonged to everyone in the company. "We're incredibly proud to be recognised as an HRD Employer of Choice — a first for Kinetic New Zealand, and a testament to our people-first philosophy. "By building a ... workplace where everyone can thrive, we believe we're setting ourselves up for success. "From fostering a diverse workforce to offering industry-leading wages, reward and recognition programmes, and long-service awards, we invest in our people every day." He said a highlight of the past year had been the launch of the Women Up Front programme, which had already welcomed 100 new female drivers across New Zealand. "It's driving us closer to our goal of 40% female drivers by 2030. "Redressing the gender imbalance in our workforce is key to building a more sustainable commercial business long-term." As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Kinetic New Zealand was addressing barriers to employment in the transport industry. Kinetic people, culture and safety director Nicky Harrison said their research showed the key limitation to recruiting female drivers was simple — it was often not considered at all. "Our Trainee Bus Driver Women Up Front programme is all about changing that. "Our commitment to inclusion isn't one dimensional. We're also making strides in LGBTQI+ inclusion and allyship, ensuring that Kinetic New Zealand continues to be a place where everyone feels valued and supported." HRD special reports managing editor Chris Sweeney said the award was testament to the professionalism and commitment Kinetic New Zealand brought to the industry, and additionally showcased its desire to maintain first-rate standards.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GoBus to host hiring event in Tyler for public transit drivers
TYLER, Texas (KETK)– A rural transit system is hosting a hiring event on Thursday to find a public transit drivers for multiple East Texas counties. Longview to host eldercare workshop, here's how to sign up East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and GoBus will be hosting a hiring event at Workforce Solutions East Texas in Tyler from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to find drivers for the following counties: Anderson Camp Cherokee Gregg Harrison Henderson Marion Panola Rains Rusk Smith Upshur Van Zandt Wood Positions are available for candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent along with two years of professional driving and customer service experience. GoBus prefers applicants to have a commercial driver's license but it isn't required. 'We're excited to return to Tyler for this event, which continues to be a great success year after year. We truly appreciate our partnership with Workforce Solutions East Texas for hosting and supporting this job fair. It's a perfect opportunity for job seekers to connect with our GoBus team, learn more about our services, ask questions and even be considered for an on-site interview,' ETCOG Assistant Executive Director Brandy Brannon said. GoBus to launch new cross-county transit routes GoBus is ETCOG's on-demand response transit system that runs five days a week throughout at least fourteen counties. GoBus has approximately 75 vehicles and averages about 500 trips a day. 'GoBus is integral to the region and its communities, providing connectivity, fostering economic activity and ensuring safe, reliable and friendly transportation services. GoBus staff are dedicated and caring individuals representing the core of East Texans. In seeking new team members, we hope to present a culture that prioritizes the community and those who work to aid its citizens,' ETCOG Director of Transportation Vince Huerta said. Huerta said that GoBus welcomes new individuals with support through an open door policy, competitive pay and plenty of growth opportunities. The business is very excited to build upon the 'amazing GoBus family.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New microtransit program available for Palestine
GoBus launched a microtransit pilot program called GoNow on March 3 in Palestine. Unlike GoBus riders, who schedule their travel 24-48 hours in advance, GoNow is on-demand transportation. 'One of the challenges we face in the area is last-minute travel; The gap exists for the here and now,' said GoBus Director of Transportation Vince Huerta. 'So with microtransit, it's a little more like an Uber type of service. With GoNow we are able to address that immediate need to go somewhere. 'It is a pilot program right now and we are hoping people will utilize it. We are excited about it.' Huerta said the GoBus program costs approximately $1.7 million miles a year – averaging around 130,000 trips a year with 25,000 of those in Anderson County alone. 'Anderson County is probably our second busiest county, next to Smith – it's up there in terms of ridership,' Huerta said. 'It's important to note that this is public transit and is available to anyone that needs to travel within the community.' Huerata said the GoBus program has a really good working relationship with Palestine and Anderson County and Pct. 2 Commissioner Rashad Mims, the county representative for the East Texas Council of Governments Executive Committee, has been a great advocate of the GoBus programs. 'Commissioner Mims' advocacy for the GoBus program has really allowed us to pursue and obtain funding to be able to launch this type of pilot program,' Huerta said. Huerta said that through a mobile app or by phone, riders can schedule a trip with shorter wait times. The cost is $2 per trip. Fare is due upon boarding the bus and riders are asked to have exact change. GoNow accepts cash, check and credit card. Customers may also purchase a reloadable GoPass from their driver for multiple trips. Seniors may qualify for sponsored trips. Veterans and active military ride free. All vehicles are ADA accessible. GoNow is available 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and covers the 10-square-mile area in Palestine. GoNow driver Daniel Tatum, of Palestine, said he enjoys his job. 'I like helping people and the ability to be someone else's lifeline,' he said. This is a demonstration program funded by the Texas Department of Transportation and administered by the East Texas Council of Governments through its GoBus transportation system. The GoBus is a rural, demand response public transit system in East Texas. They have a fleet of approximately 80 vehicles and serve the 14 counties, including Anderson County, in a 10,000-square-mile area. GoBus also offers a seasonal shuttle service, called a flex route transit service, for the riders of the Texas State Railroad and holiday activities in the city from Nov. 15 through Dec. 28. This service is operated by GoBus and funded partially by Visit Palestine. They also offered safe-transit on New Year's Eve through their 14 county region. Huerata said they have obtained a facility in Tyler that will also serve as an in-house maintenance facility and another is being built and should be ready in the next two months. They have obtained funding for a fleet replacement of 20 vehicles. Each shuttle is handicap accessible and driven by highly trained operators employed by ETCOG. For more information or to book a trip, visit or call 903-218-6450. provide safe, reliable and friendly public transportation for everyone.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
Microtransit now available in Palestine
PALESTINE, Texas (KETK) – Anderson County residents will now be able to use GoBus services beginning this month. Known as GoNOW, began on March 1 in Palestine, giving residents flexible on-demand transportation to the community. For $2 per trip, GoNOW will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., however seniors may qualify for sponsored trips. 'The county's self-proclaimed 'microtransit' initiative provides new options for those traveling within Palestine city limits, in addition to round trip routes within adjacent county towns,' ETCOG said. All veterans and active military members can ride for free. Travelers can request rides via GoNOW, an app similar to other ride sharing apps. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
