STARS Transportation: Free Rides for SVSU Students, Faculty and Staff
Get Around Saginaw — For Free with Your SVSU ID
Exploring Saginaw or getting to campus just got easier. Thanks to SVSU’s partnership with STARS (Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services), all SVSU students, faculty and staff can ride any STARS fixed route bus completely free — simply show your SVSU ID card when you board.
Whether you’re heading to class, work, shopping, or downtown, you can travel affordably, safely and sustainably.
What is STARS?
STARS is Saginaw’s public transportation system, offering fixed routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. With multiple daily stops at Saginaw Valley State University, it’s a convenient option for commuting SVSU students and employees.
- Route 9 – SVSU connects the university directly with Cardinal Square major destinations
- Buses operate Monday through Saturday with frequent service during the academic year.
- All STARS buses are ADA accessible and equipped with bike racks.
Free Rides for SVSU ID Holders
All you need to ride is your valid SVSU ID card — no tickets, passes or apps required.
What You Get:
- Unlimited rides on all STARS fixed routes
- No cost to travel anywhere STARS serves
- Access to Route 9 for direct service to campus
- Easy transfer between routes at the Downtown Transfer Center
- Simply board, show your ID to the driver and take your seat — it’s that simple.
Schedule & Route Information
- Route 9 – SVSU: Connects campus with key Saginaw destinations
- Route 9 key stops include Applebee's, VA Clinic, Fashion Square Mall, Walmart, Saginaw Valley State University.
- Hours of Operation: Route 9 - Cardinal Square runs hourly on Weekdays from 6am- 8pm.
- No service on Saturday and Sundays
How to Ride STARS
New to public transportation? No problem! Here’s how to get started:
- Plan Your Trip
STARS bus routes and times are now available on Google Maps. Enter your destination and hit the bus icon to see your path. It’ll show pickup times and bus stop locations for all bus route services. - Get to Your Stop
Arrive 3-5 minutes early. Most stops are clearly marked with the STARS logo. - Identify Your Bus
Each STARS bus is identified with a route number on it that can be seen from all angles of the bus. Also, look for the STARS colors of blue and purple to quickly notice your bus! - Board & Show Your SVSU ID
Flash your ID to the driver — that’s your free ticket! - Signal to Stop
When you are a block away from your stop pull the cord to let the driver know you want to exit at the next stop.