STAR cards are now required for all K-12 Fare-Free rides. Are you still waiting for your card? Please contact your school administrative office or email StarProgram@Talgov.com.

StarMetro's STAR Program (previously known as the Students Fare-Free Pilot Program) provides unaccompanied students in grades 6-12 within Leon County free transportation with a STAR Program Card AND a current signed agreement on file. The agreement and pass are valid until graduation/no longer a K-12 student in Leon County.

The STAR Program will provide students in kindergarten through fifth grade within Leon County free transportation ONLY if the student is accompanied by an sixth grade or older sibling, legal guardian or parental designee, has a STAR Program Card AND a signed agreement on file.

To opt into the STAR Program, parents of Leon County Schools (LCS) students, including charter school students, must fill out the LCS application using the blue button below. Parents of non-LCS students, such as home school students, must fill out the StarMetro application using the red button below. STAR card is for individual student/K-12 use only, not transferable to family members.

If your child is new to riding StarMetro, here is a list of things to remember:

• Find the nearest route to your destination and locate timetables. View all route maps and tables or visit Talgov.com/FindMyBus to download the latest real-time bus locator and trip planning apps.
• Determine the time that the bus will arrive at your bus stop - your starting point. Be there at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Once the bus arrives and comes to a complete stop - wait for passengers to exit and then board the bus through the front door only.
• When boarding (as a K-12 student), tell the driver you are a student and swipe your valid STAR card.
• Press the yellow tape or pull the yellow cord (near the window) to signal the bus driver that you wish to get off at the next stop when you near your destination.
• Be sure to have all of your belongings with you and exit through the closest door.
• The bus stop and public transit are considered an extension of the classroom and students are expected to observe the same code of discipline expected in the school classroom and on school buses.

Leon County Schools Summer and StarMetro Student STAR Cards Updates and Reminders:

• Student STAR cards may be used over the summer months. As a reminder, STAR cards are valid until the student graduates, regardless of the school site listed on the card, or if a student is attending a different school.
• Leon County Schools will NOT issue new STAR cards for students who don’t currently have a card/a parent registration form on file during the months of June and July, but will open up the registration process the week of July 24 via the FOCUS Parent Portal. The student will receive the card at their school within one week of the parent submitting a registration form.
• Leon County Schools will print replacement cards over the summer for students who already have a parent registration form on file. Please contact the LCS Fingerprinting Office for more information at (850) 487-7293 and to request a replacement card for pick-up.

StarMetro STAR card Replacements:

For lost, stolen or damaged cards, students will get ONE complementary replacement card. After first replacement card, students will be charged $3 fee per card OR can apply for a STAR card through Leon County Schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Student Rules

Students shall obey the following rules:

1. Stand at least five feet from the street at the bus stop. Only go toward the bus once it is stopped and the doors are open. Only enter the bus at the front door.
2. When crossing the roadway, be sure that the road is clear of traffic in both directions. When needing to cross the road, never cross in front of the bus. Cars DO NOT STOP for public buses.
3. While waiting for the bus, boarding the bus or sitting on the bus, make sure you can always be seen. If you can't see the driver,they can't see you.
4. The driver shall be in full charge of the bus and students shall always obey his/her directions.
5. Use ordinary quiet conversation and classroom conduct while on the bus.
6. Be respectful to the driver and other patrons on the bus, including the privacy of others.
7. Safety problems cannot be tolerated and may result in calling parents/guardians, Tallahassee Police Department or a School Resource Officer.
8. Refrain from foul language, racial slurs, bullying, fighting or making obscene gestures.
9. Keep hands, feet, arms, head and objects to yourself always.
10. Do not throw wastepaper or garbage on the floor or otherwise litter, mark, deface or damage any part of the bus.
11. Nothing may be thrown into, within, out of or at the bus.
12. Do not tamper with the windows.
13. Do not stand or sit in the service doorstep well.
14. Do not sit or climb on top of the seat, lay down or stand on the bus seats.
15. Remain quiet when approaching and during a railroad crossing procedure and during bus announcements.
16. Electronic devices, such as iPods, MP3 players, PCDs, tablets, etc. may be used on the bus; however, be sure to use headphones and remain attentive of your pending bus stop.
17. Band instruments, projects, athletic performance equipment and other objects will need to be held in the student's lap.
18. All athletic equipment needs to be in a backpack, book bag or an athletic bag. Examples, skateboard, baseball glove, baseball bat, baseball, basketball, pool stick, tennis racket, tennis ball, etc.
19. Always keep all your belongings with you, don't put down your electronics, purses or backpacks. StarMetro is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
20. If you are uncomfortable with another passenger or having health issues, tell the driver immediately.
21. Press the yellow tape or pull the yellow cord to signal the driver to stop at your designation. Do not move to exit until the bus is stopped.

Failure to show STAR Program Card will result in a reminder for first offense, a warning and report to dispatch for second offense, suspension off bus for third offense and possible prohibition from the program for repeated offenses.

The following are prohibited on the bus:

1. Bullying, including pushing, shoving, calling names or harassment, such as sexual gestures and aggressive behavior. Behavior on the bus should not make any student or patron feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Any harassing behavior will not be tolerated.
2. Gum chewing, eating, drinking or tobacco products, including e-cigarettes or vaping.
3. Animals or pets; including animal cages, unless approved service animals.
4. Small objects or toys that are loose and that could get underfoot and cause passengers to trip or fall. Examples: toys, such as laser lights, toy guns, flashing lights, reflective surfaces, including noisemakers and party poppers, or anything that can become a distraction for the driver.
5. Glass bottles or containers and fragile items. Aerosol cans such as deodorant, hairspray, or perfume need to stay in the student's backpack or purse.