GoBus Receives Outstanding Rural Transit System in Texas Award from the Texas Transit Association
East Texas Council of Governments • March 2, 2022
Pictured: TTA Board President Jorge Cruz-Aedo, ETCOG Transit Operations Manager Katey Pilgram, ETCOG Transportation Director Vince Huerta, ETCOG Transportation Data Analyst Preston Garcia
ETCOG is pleased to announce its rural transportation system, GoBus, has received the Outstanding Rural Transit System Award from the Texas Transit Association (TTA). Staff was honored with the award last week in Austin at one of the largest transit conferences held in the nation, the 2022 Joint Annual Conference, Expo, and Roadeo hosted by the TTA and South West Transit Association.
Each year, this award is given to a rural public transportation system that has designed and implemented programs that demonstrate innovative concepts or effective problem-solving techniques and have successfully applied these in the public transportation industry. GoBus received the award for the first time in 2014.
“I am so proud of the GoBus Team!” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “Under the direction of our program director, Vince Huerta, GoBus has demonstrated their commitment to continuously improve the quality and availability of transit services throughout the East Texas Region. They have not only been able to increase ridership but also take on many different special projects to help fill transportation gaps. Some of these projects include creating seamless travel through multiple partnerships, offering free trips to veterans, and even providing routine transportation to health care staff to distribute vaccines during the height of COVID. Through these projects, GoBus has initiated the expansion of services to nights and weekends and brought in thousands of local matching dollars to their program. I am thrilled that TTA has recognized GoBus for their exceptional services with the award for Outstanding Rural Transit System.”
GoBus is available for all rural residents to access safe, reliable, and friendly public transportation. GoBus provides daily local service within Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood Counties and the non-urbanized areas of Gregg and Smith counties. GoBus provides trips from the rural areas into the urbanized areas of Longview or Tyler on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Trips can be booked by calling 800-590-3371 to speak with the dispatch office or visiting www.GoBusTransit.com.
About Texas Transit Association
More than 700 transit industry leaders, professionals, and business partners gathered for the annual conference at the Austin Convention Center last week. TTA was organized in 1986, and its members are Texas metropolitan, small urban, and rural transit agencies and private and public entities from across the United States. TTA’s purpose is to educate the people of Texas about issues affecting the public transit industry within the state. https://txtransit.org/
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations across the nation in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living, honoring the vital contributions of older adults in our communities. AAA will host four special events at senior and community centers across East Texas, each focused on the theme of “Flip the Script on Aging,” — encouraging a shift in how society views and talks about aging, prompting individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and embrace the opportunities that come with older age. “Older Americans Month is a powerful opportunity to honor the contributions of older adults and recognize the vital role they play in our communities,” said David Cleveland, Executive Director of ETCOG. “This year’s theme, Flip the Script on Aging, challenges us to move beyond outdated stereotypes and embrace the strength, wisdom, and resilience that come with age. We invite everyone to join us at our regional celebration events as we uplift the voices and experiences of older East Texans.” The following OAM celebration events are free and open to the public, featuring food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors: May 7 at the Henderson Community Building, 302 Fair Park, Henderson | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM May 15 at First Methodist Church, 225 Lovers Ln, Athens | 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM May 16 at Jefferson Senior Center, 111 W. Broadway, Jefferson | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM May 21 at Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office, 2005 Warren Dr, Marshall | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM The AAA is the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.
ETCOG is excited to share progress on the new GoBus Transportation Facility, which is nearing completion and expected to open this summer. This milestone marks a major step forward in supporting our growing fleet and providing more efficient, reliable transit services across our 14-county region.
ETCOG is always looking for ways to add value for our members. In response to growing interest in collaborative purchasing of employee benefits, we’ve partnered with Gallagher to assess the feasibility of a multiple-employer benefits pool for ETCOG members. So far, we’ve hosted two virtual discussions, with several cities and counties participating to learn more about this opportunity. These meetings have generated strong interest from local governments looking for cost-effective and sustainable employee benefits solutions. If your agency is interested, it’s not too late to join the conversation! ETCOG and Gallagher’s team of experts, who have extensive experience building and managing benefits pools across the U.S., are hosting additional virtual sessions to explore: What a benefits pool is The advantages of joining one Potential impacts on leadership and employees Key legislative considerations Steps and timeline for forming a consortium Eligible member governments include Cities, Counties, ISDs, and Special Districts. Don't miss this opportunity to explore cost-saving and efficiency-driven solutions! Upcoming Virtual Meetings: 📅 April 23rd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 📅 May 8th, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 📅 June 26th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM To attend, click on the meeting date above you’d like to join to register.
Everyone deserves equal access to housing opportunities. During Fair Housing Month, ETCOG joins the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in raising awareness about housing rights and protections under the Federal Housing Act and the Texas Fair Housing Act. These laws ensure that individuals can rent an apartment, buy a home, or obtain a mortgage free from discrimination based on: ✅ Race ✅ Religion ✅ National Origin ✅ Color ✅ Familial Status ✅ Disability ✅ Sex What to Do If You Experience Housing Discrimination If you believe you have been discriminated against, you have one year from the date of the incident to file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division. 📞 Call: 888-452-4778 🌐 Visit: tdhca.state.tx.us/fair-housing For concerns related to TDHCA-monitored properties, you can also submit a complaint: 📞 Call: 800-525-0657 🌐 Visit: tdhca.state.tx.us/complaint.htm By knowing your rights and taking action against housing discrimination, we can work together to ensure fair and equal housing opportunities for all Texans!
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.
ETCOG recognized five outstanding individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to the region during its 107th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting on March 18, 2025.
ETCOG will honor regional citizens and organizations who exemplify excellence in performance and innovation and contribute to the quality of life within the communities that comprise our 14-county region. The awards listed below will be conferred at ETCOG’s 107th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, March 18 th , at The Wildflower Event Venue in Emory, Texas, from 11:45 am to 2:00 pm. Award criteria and recipient information are as follows: REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER AWARD Patrick Dooley, Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office This award recognizes first responders who have rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties as peace officers, firemen, EMS and dispatchers, DPS officers, and troopers. REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Jason Boyd, Smith County Community Emergency Response Team This award is designed to honor an East Texas citizen who has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas Region. REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Republic Services - Kilgore, Texas The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas who has contributed to the well-being of the Region. REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr., Van Zandt County The Regional Statesmanship Award recognizes a local, state, or federal official who has demonstrated valuable, dedicated service to regional cooperation. REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD Commissioner Jeremy Cook, Rains County The Regional Committee Service Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. "We are excited to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals, elected officials, and organizations that have made a positive impact on our region,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. "This event is a tribute to those who have shown exceptional dedication and leadership in their respective fields and made a significant difference in the lives of the people they serve. We look forward to honoring these outstanding members of our community and to showcase their outstanding achievements!" Details of award recipient contributions and photos will be provided following the meeting.
We’ve engaged our benefits broker partners at Gallagher to help us assess the feasibility of developing a multiple-employer benefits pool for ETCOG members. If this interests your agency, please join us for a virtual discussion meeting. Eligible member governments include Cities, Counties, ISDs, and Special Districts.
This month, the ETCOG Executive Committee took action to award the City of Tyler/Smith County and the City of Quitman/Wood County as the first recipients of its Veteran-Friendly Community Designation program. The pilot program launched in July as a collaborative effort between ETCOG, the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), the University of Texas at Tyler (UTT), and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). A Veteran Friendly Community is defined as a community that encourages and welcomes veterans into their community by providing ongoing assistance and addressing their needs in the areas of economics, housing, transportation, health care, education, and overall quality of life. ETCOG and AACOG collaborated on creating a proposal for both urban and rural communities to apply for official community designation from September 1 to November 30, 2024. To qualify for this recognition, communities were required to meet standards, including: Provide proof of community and organizational support. Provide a comprehensive community profile with key information for veterans and their families, such as demographics, housing, and healthcare. Maintain an up-to-date community development strategy addressing veterans’ needs. Complete an initial and annual self-assessment to identify and address resource or service gaps. “Being recognized as a Veteran-Friendly Community not only honors this city’s commitment to veterans, but also sets a standard for others to follow,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland, “Veterans have made immense sacrifices in service to our country, and we must ensure they receive the support and respect they deserve when they return home. A Veteran-Friendly Community designation signals that the City of Tyler/Smith County and the City of Quitman/Wood County prioritize the needs of veterans, offering them access to resources, services, and opportunities that enhance their quality of life. Our Executive Committee was thrilled to recognize these communities' hard work and dedication to East Texas veterans.” "ETCOG is very proud of the work and collaboration among our partners with AACOG, UT Tyler, and UT San Antonio in creating a program that showcases the proud work our communities are providing for our veterans in both inclusion and improving the quality of life in our communities,” said ETCOG Special Projects Director David Scott. “This program also provides the opportunity for our communities to assess their needs in work, housing, healthcare, education, and daily life while seeking continuous improvements in those areas for veterans to remain and contribute to local communities." With community interest, ETCOG plans to re-open the application period annually for communities across the region to apply.