TxDOT Approves East Texas Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan

April 28, 2022

GOBUS

The 5-year Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan is officially underway after approval from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Discussion for the update of this plan began in 2021, and is the culmination of a process led by the East Texas Council of Government (ETCOG) and the EasTexConnects Committee.


This updated plan will serve as a roadmap for implementing service changes, improvements, and/or potential expansion over the five year timeframe. It will also serve as a basis for preparing grant applications for funding. While planning efforts were directed toward improving and increasing service to meet the needs of all residents, the updated plan provides an emphasis the mobility needs of the following population groups that often face transportation challenges:


  • Older adults
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Low income residents
  • Zero car households
  • Youths
  • Veterans
  • Non-English speaking residents (Title VI)


While the coordinated transportation planning process takes a broad assessment of transportation services, experience and research across the country in both urban and rural areas show that scheduled public transit is the best way to provide coordinated transportation services. Many people needing mobility options can use fixed-route and scheduled services, so often the best way to support the needs of human service agency clients, veterans, and other populations is through excellent public transportation. When public transit systems are able to meet the majority of needs through the existing fixed-route/scheduled service network, then other resources can be freed up to focus on those customers who need more specialized services – true coordination.

Coordination Plan (PDF)

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By GoBus • April 2, 2025
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By GoBus • March 25, 2025
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and GoBus will host a Hiring Event for public transit driver positions on Thursday, March 27. GoBus is ETCOG's rural, demand-response public transit system, with approximately 75 vehicles, making around 500 trips a day, five days a week, throughout 14 counties in East Texas. We are working with Compunnel Staffing to hire local and regional public transit drivers for full-time and part-time positions. The hiring event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Workforce Solutions East Texas, located at 4100 Troup Highway, Tyler, TX 75703. "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," said ETCOG Assistant Executive Director Brandy Brannon. "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," said ETCOG's Director of Transportation, Vince Huerta. "We welcome new individuals with support through an open door policy, competitive pay, and plenty of growth opportunities. We are excited to build upon the amazing GoBus family!" Positions are available to serve in Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. ETCOG is seeking applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of professional driving and customer service experience. A CDL is preferred but not required.

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By GoBus • February 12, 2025
Exciting news for Anderson County residents! GoBus is expanding its services with GoNOW, an innovative microtransit pilot program launching on March 1 in Palestine, Texas. GoNOW brings flexible, on-demand transportation to the community, making it easier than ever to get where you need to go. Like Uber, riders can request a trip through a mobile app or by phone, ensuring quick pickups, shorter wait times, and the trusted reliability of GoBus. For just $2 per trip, GoNOW will operate Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 3 PM, covering a 10-square-mile area in Palestine. Seniors may qualify for sponsored trips, and as always, veterans and active military ride free. Stay tuned for more details on how to ride with GoNOW and experience the future of public transit in East Texas! This is a demonstration project funded by the Texas Department of Transportation. For more information, visit www.gobustransit.com or call 903-218-6450.
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