News & Events
Please direct all media inquiries to our Director of Communications,
Lindsay Vanderbilt, at (903) 218-6442.
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) will host a Hiring Event on Tuesday, May 14th, for part-time and PRN (as-needed) GoBus Operator positions. GoBus is a convenient and reliable service that spans 14 counties in the rural areas of East Texas.
GoBus is a convenient and reliable service that spans 14 counties in the rural areas of East Texas. Our network provides transportation solutions, bridging the gap between urban areas and rural living to ensure individuals in remote areas have access to transportation. Whether you need a ride to the grocery store, doctor's appointment, friend's house, or work, we are your transportation provider! Partnering with Longview Transit, GoBus complements existing services and expands accessibility. Within the Longview area, our services extend 3/4 mile off the Longview Transit route , offering commuters a seamless connection to their destinations. This collaborative effort enhances mobility for residents, allowing them to navigate the city and its neighboring cities with ease. As part of this partnership, GoBus also serves Gladewater, Hallsville, and Lakeport. Individuals in these locations can ride within each city or to and from Longview on specific days. Book your trip in 3 easy steps: Know where and when you want to travel. 24-hour advanced notice is required. Know the addresses of your destinations when you call. Call our office to schedule your trip. All vehicles are ADA accessible and provide curb-to-curb service: GoBus will pick you up at your residence and take you to the destination of your choice. Call 903-215-8870 when you are ready for your return trip.
The East Texas Council of Governments' rural transit system, GoBus , is proud to be a recipient of the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) annual AdWheel awards, which recognize excellence in marketing and outreach efforts by transit providers nationwide. The APTA AdWheel Awards fosters creativity and innovation within the public transportation industry, highlighting best marketing practices that contribute to the betterment of public transportation. The selection process involves evaluations by industry experts for creativity, impact, community engagement, and overall effectiveness. “I am proud of our Communications, Human Resources, and Transportation teams for collaborating effectively to address an ongoing staffing need within our agency. To receive national recognition for these efforts means a lot to me and all of us here at ETCOG!” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. ETCOG received the award in the Special Event subcategory for the Best Marketing and Communications on Workforce Development. The award acknowledges team effort in hosting a one-day hiring fair dedicated to GoBus Operator positions. The event featured comprehensive activities, including on-site interviews, video highlights, and bus tours, providing prospective candidates with a glimpse of transit operations and a seamless hiring process for human resources. This recognition celebrates our commitment to workforce development and highlights the success of ETCOG’s strategic marketing and communication initiatives in attracting top talent. "We are honored to receive this prestigious APTA award,” said ETCOG Communications Director Lindsay Vanderbilt.” This recognition is a reflection of the dedication and creativity of our team and the collaboration across our agency to solve transportation hiring challenges.” A member of the ETCOG communications team joined other award recipients and marketing experts to share details on their award-winning campaigns and projects at the APTA Marketing Workshop held February 12-14, 2043, in New Orleans, Louisiana. APTA is a nonprofit international association of over 1,500 public and private sector member organizations and is the only association in North America that represents all modes of public transportation, including bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services, and intercity and high-speed passenger rail.
EasTexConnects is committed to improving the quality of life in East Texas through transportation choices. We're seeking East Texas agency and non-profit leaders to join upcoming public meetings to help address transportation barriers. Meetings will be held on November 3 and November 17 in Tyler and Kilgore to provide information on transit services available in East Texas and allow for public comment and collaboration.
TxDOT is undertaking a first-time effort to develop a comprehensive statewide active transportation plan. Its vision is to advance the choice of walking, biking and rolling for a fully integrated, safe, connected, multi-modal transportation system for all. Join TxDOT at either a local open house meeting or at the virtual meeting to help inform active transportation decisions and establish priorities and policies in places of highest need.
We are excited to announce that the Employee of the Year award goes to Katey Pilgram, who has served with ETCOG for fifteen years in the Transportation division.
Katey began her journey at ETCOG in 2008 through a temp agency, getting her start as a Dispatcher. In time, she moved up to Call Center and Technology Supervisor, then manager, and she was last promoted in 2018 to Transit Operations Manager.
In a heartwarming ceremony held at Habitat for Humanity of Smith County in Tyler on September 13, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) presented $1,840,000 in grants to nine East Texas organizations. Among the recipients was the East Texas Council of Governments, which received a $250,000 grant to support its veteran transportation programs and services through GoBus. The grant presentation was made by TVC Vice Chair and Air Force veteran Kimberlee Shaneyfelt in a significant event showcasing Texas' commitment to serving its veterans. GoBus, operated by the East Texas Council of Governments, is a vital lifeline for veterans in the region. The recently awarded $250,000 grant underscores their unwavering dedication to improving veterans' lives by providing accessible and reliable transportation. This grant will expand their services, making essential resources like medical appointments, job interviews, and family connections more accessible to veterans, eliminating transportation barriers. Texas' commitment to veterans shines through in this grant, reflecting its recognition of veterans' sacrifices and pledge to support them in civilian life. These grants are made possible through a combination of funding sources, reflecting the state's dedication to supporting its veterans. The Texas Lottery Commission's games earmarked for veteran assistance generate a significant portion of the funding. Additionally, funds are collected from individual donations through driver's licenses, licenses to carry a handgun, outdoor recreation licenses for hunting and fishing, and vehicle registrations. This diverse funding approach ensures that veterans receive the support they need from various sources within the community.
ETCOG’s rural transit system, GoBus, has been awarded a 2023 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for its “Bridging Transit Gaps with GoBus” project.
The East Texas Council of Governments' rural transit system, GoBus, is pleased to be a recipient of the South West Transit Association's (SWTA) annual Spotlight Awards, which recognizes excellence in marketing and outreach efforts produced by transit providers across SWTA's eight-state region.
National Traffic Awareness Month is a month-long observance dedicated to promoting road safety, educating the public about the risks and consequences of reckless driving, and encouraging responsible road behavior. This initiative aims to bring attention to the alarming statistics of traffic accidents and fatalities that occur every year due to largely preventable factors. During National Traffic Awareness Month, various key focus areas are highlighted to educate and engage the public in discussions about road safety: Distracted Driving: The prevalence of smartphones and electronic devices has heightened instances of distracted driving. It's crucial to maintain focus on the road, avoid phone use while driving, and opt for hands-free technology when needed. Prioritizing Safety on the Road: Responsible road behavior includes avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Awareness campaigns emphasize the importance of designated drivers, ride-sharing, and responsible alcohol consumption. Speed Management: Speeding contributes to accidents and magnifies the severity of injuries in collisions. Road users are reminded to observe speed limits and drive prudently, considering road conditions. Seat Belt Awareness: Wearing seat belts is a simple yet effective measure to reduce injury risks in crashes. National Traffic Awareness emphasizes seat belt usage for all vehicle occupants. Inclusive Road Safety: Road safety encompasses drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Initiatives educate motorists and pedestrians about crosswalk safety, designated bike lanes, and adherence to traffic rules. Community Involvement: National Traffic Awareness Month encourages local communities, schools, businesses, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate in spreading awareness. Workshops, seminars, safety demonstrations, and awareness campaigns are organized to educate people of all ages about the importance of responsible road behavior. The Role of Technology: Technology plays a significant role in promoting road safety during this month. Public service announcements, social media campaigns, and smartphone apps are used to reach a wider audience with messages about safe driving practices and avoiding distractions on the road. Government Initiatives: Many government agencies also take this opportunity to introduce new road safety regulations, increase law enforcement presence, and initiate stricter penalties for traffic violations. These efforts aim to create a safer driving environment for everyone. National Traffic Awareness Month is a timely reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility. By fostering a culture of responsible driving and promoting awareness about the dangers of reckless behavior on the roads, we can work together to reduce traffic accidents and save lives. This August, let's join hands and commit to prioritizing safety while navigating the streets, not just for ourselves but for the well-being of all road users.
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3800 Stone Road
Kilgore, Texas 75662
Kilgore, Texas 75662
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