START Bus - Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit

The START Bus system provides essential public transportation throughout Jackson Hole and surrounding communities, with in-town shuttles and regional routes to Teton Village, Star Valley and Teton Valley. Whether you're commuting to work, heading to the ski resort, or reducing your environmental footprint, START Bus is your reliable transportation solution.

In-Town Service

Under START's fall 2026 fares, rides within Jackson town limits were free; from November 27, 2026, a one-way fare of $2 applies to START On-Demand, the Town Shuttle and the Teton Village routes. The Town Shuttle connects neighborhoods, downtown businesses, shopping areas, and community facilities. In-town service reduces traffic congestion, provides transportation for residents without vehicles, and supports environmental sustainability by decreasing single-occupancy vehicle trips.

Rides between the Village Road Transit Center at Stilson and Teton Village were also free under the fall 2026 fares; from November 27, 2026, that ride costs $2. This service is particularly valuable during the busy winter ski season when parking at Teton Village can be challenging.

Route Network

START operates an extensive network of routes serving Jackson Hole and neighboring valleys:

• Town Shuttle (TOS): In-town service connecting downtown, residential neighborhoods, and major destinations
• Teton Village Local (TVL) and Teton Village Express (TVX): Connect Jackson to Teton Village and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, essential for workers and visitors
• Teton Valley Commuter (TVC): Monday-to-Friday commuter service between Teton Valley, Idaho, and Jackson
• Star Valley Commuter (SVC): Monday-to-Friday commuter service between Star Valley, Wyoming, and Jackson

START also runs START On-Demand service. Route schedules vary seasonally to match demand patterns; the fall 2026 schedule, for example, ran from October 12 to November 26, 2026.

Fares and Passes

START's published fares for fall 2026 (through November 26, 2026) were:

• Free: Rides within Jackson town limits and between the Village Road Transit Center (Stilson) and Teton Village
• $3 each way: Jackson to Teton Village
• $8 each way: Teton Valley (Driggs/Victor) and Star Valley (Alpine/Etna) commuter routes
• Monthly Passes: $105 for the Star Valley or Teton Valley commuter routes
• Employer Pass Program: Local employers can buy START Bus passes for their employees at a 10% discount

Most fares were half price for ages 5 to 12 and 60 and over, and Teton Village, Wilson and Hoback services were free for Teton County, Wyoming students in grade 12 and under. From November 27, 2026, one-way fares are $2 on START On-Demand, the Town Shuttle and the Teton Village routes, a round trip between Jackson and Teton Village is $4, and the Star Valley and Teton Valley commuter routes cost $10 each way. Current fares are listed on the Town's official website, jacksonwy.gov.

Schedules and Real-Time Information

START Bus provides multiple ways to access schedule information and track buses in real-time:

• Transit App: Download the Transit app on your smartphone to view real-time bus locations, arrival predictions, and route planning
• Phone Information: Contact START Bus for schedules, route information, and customer service
• Online Resources: Visit the START Bus website for downloadable schedules, route maps, and service updates
• Bus Stop Signs: Most stops display route information and schedules

Real-time tracking is particularly useful during winter when weather conditions can affect travel times. The Transit app shows exactly where buses are on their routes, allowing riders to time their trips accurately and minimize waiting in cold weather.

Environmental and Community Benefits

Public transportation provides significant environmental and social benefits for Jackson Hole:

• Reduced Emissions: Each person riding START Bus instead of driving alone reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality in the valley
• Traffic Congestion Relief: Public transit reduces the number of vehicles on roads, easing congestion in downtown Jackson and on Highway 22
• Affordable Transportation: START Bus provides essential mobility for workers, students, and residents who don't own vehicles or prefer not to drive
• Parking Reduction: Fewer cars on the road means less demand for parking spaces, preserving land for other uses
• Livability: A strong public transit system enhances community livability and aligns with Jackson's commitment to environmental stewardship

The Federal Transit Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, supports public transportation systems like START Bus through funding and technical assistance.

Joint Town-County Operation

START Bus is a joint operation of the Town of Jackson and Teton County, demonstrating effective intergovernmental collaboration. Both jurisdictions contribute funding to support operations, capital purchases, and service expansion. This partnership allows START to provide comprehensive service throughout the Jackson Hole area rather than being limited to municipal boundaries.

The system is funded partially by the Town of Jackson, Teton County and the federal government, along with fare revenue. This diversified funding model provides stability and allows continued service improvements.

Fleet and Facilities

START Bus operates a modern fleet of buses equipped with:

• Wheelchair accessibility (ADA compliant)
• Bicycle racks for multi-modal transportation
• Ski and snowboard racks during winter season
• Comfortable seating and climate control
• GPS tracking for real-time arrival information

The system maintains buses and parks fleet vehicles at facilities shared between town and county operations. Regular maintenance ensures reliable service and passenger safety.

Riding START Bus

Using START Bus is simple:

1. Find your nearest bus stop or use the Transit app to locate stops along your route
2. Check the schedule or use real-time tracking to know when the next bus arrives
3. Wait at the designated stop; flag the driver if you're at a less-used location
4. Board, pay the exact cash fare if one is required (drivers cannot make change), or show your pass
5. Find a seat or hold onto handrails if standing
6. Signal your stop by pulling the cord or pushing the button when approaching your destination

Drivers are helpful and accustomed to assisting new riders. Don't hesitate to ask questions about routes, stops, or connections.

Future Service Expansion

START Bus continues to evaluate service improvements and expansion opportunities based on community needs and available funding. Potential future enhancements include increased frequency on popular routes, extended seasonal service, additional recreation access routes, and fleet expansion including potentially electric buses to further reduce environmental impact.

Public input guides service planning. Contact START Bus or participate in public meetings to share your ideas for improving public transportation in Jackson Hole.

Service Origins and Airport Trial

According to the Town's history of START, the system began operating in 1987 as transportation for skiers between the town of Jackson and Teton Village.

In a later test of an airport connection, START operated the third stage of a pilot shuttle service to and from Jackson Hole Airport. The trial ran from December 13, 2025, through April 6, 2026. Its stated purpose was to monitor rider interest in the shuttle and determine whether providing this airport service in the future would be feasible. The Town's program page reports that the Airport Shuttle Service is suspended.

Active Transportation and Health Benefits

Public transit plays an important role in supporting active lifestyles. Research consistently shows that people who use public transportation walk more than those who drive everywhere, contributing to daily physical activity goals. The combination of walking to and from bus stops with the reduced stress of not driving creates both physical and mental health benefits for riders.

In Jackson's mountain environment, START Bus enables recreation access that might otherwise require personal vehicles. Recreation routes connect residents and visitors to trailheads and recreation areas, supporting hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities without adding to traffic congestion or parking pressure. This multi-modal approach encourages an active lifestyle while protecting the environmental quality that makes Jackson special.

For visitors and residents alike, using START Bus to access outdoor recreation areas allows more time and energy for actual physical activity rather than navigating parking and traffic. Many athletes and outdoor enthusiasts have discovered that public transit enhances their recreation experience while contributing to community sustainability goals.