Silicon
Express
the stars silicon express
commuter transportation to hsc
Get on the bus! HSC Partners with Saginaw STARS
HSC is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Saginaw Transit Authority and Regional Services (STARS) to offer a dedicated public transportation route from Saginaw to the Hemlock HSC site – the Silicon Express.
Departure times
The bus route will begin March 13, 2023, run twice a day, and consist of three stops:
STARS Bus Depot
- Stop 1: STARS Plaza, 615 Johnson Street – 4:45 a.m./p.m. (Return trip: 7:05 a.m./p.m.)
- 615 Johnson St, Saginaw, MI 48607
- Parking available across the street
Ricker Center
- Stop 2: Ricker Center, 1925 S. Outer Drive (near the corner of Outer/Webber Streets) – 4:55 a.m./p.m. (Return trip: 6:55 a.m./p.m.)
- Formerly Ricker Junior High School
- 1925 S. Outer Dr., Saginaw, MI 48601
- Parking is available
Walmart (Brockway & State)
- Stop 3: Walmart, 5825 Brockway Road, near State Street in Saginaw Township – 5:20 a.m./p.m. (Return trip: 6:30 a.m./p.m.)
- 5825 Brockway Road 48638
- Parking is available
Be at your scheduled stop 3-5 minutes before your departure time. The driver will leave promptly at the departure time.
Cost
$15 via payroll deduction every two weeks
For example, if you work seven shifts every pay period it would cost you $10 each day to take STARS regularly, or $140 per month. HSC is subsidizing this service to offer it to you for only $30 per month.
How to sign up
Complete the payroll deduction form and read the frequently asked questions (FAQ). Return the completed form to Human Resources at G1HSC-HR@hscpoly.com, or in person at the T4 HR Trailer.
Employees will be required to complete a payroll deduction form and consent that they have read the FAQ before they can be signed up.
Additional Information
For emergencies or questions about a bus run, call 989-907-4000.
To opt out of bus service after opting in, email HSC Human Resources at G1HSC-HR@hscpoly.com. The Employee’s Silicon Express smartcard will remain active, and payroll deduction will remain in place until they opt-out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Silicon Express stops?
- STARS Bus Depot
- Stop 1: STARS Plaza, 615 Johnson Street – 4:45 a.m./p.m. (Return trip: 7:05 a.m./p.m.)
- 615 Johnson St, Saginaw, MI 48607
- Parking available across the street
- Ricker Center
- Stop 2: Ricker Center, 1925 S. Outer Drive (near the corner of Outer/Webber Streets) – 4:55 a.m./p.m. (Return trip: 6:55 a.m./p.m.)
- Formerly Ricker Junior High School
- 1925 S. Outer Dr., Saginaw, MI 48601
- Parking is available
- Walmart (Brockway & State)
- Stop 3: Walmart, 5825 Brockway Road, near State Street in Saginaw Township – 5:20 a.m./p.m. (Return trip: 6:30 a.m./p.m.)
- 5825 Brockway Road 48638
- Parking is available
What time should I arrive at Silicon Express stop?
At least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
What are the Silicon Express arrival and departure times from HSC?
- Arrival at HSC – 5:45 AM & PM
- Departure from HSC – 6:05 AM & PM
- Departure from the Silicon Express stops:
- Stop 1: STARS Plaza, 615 Johnson Street – 4:45 a.m./p.m. (Return trip: 7:05 a.m./p.m.)
- Stop 2: Ricker Center, 1925 S. Outer Drive (near the corner of Outer/Webber Streets) – 4:55 a.m./p.m. (Return trip: 6:55 a.m./p.m.)
- Stop 3: Walmart, 5825 Brockway Road, near State Street in Saginaw Township – 5:20 a.m./p.m. (Return trip: 6:30 a.m./p.m.)
Where will I get dropped off at HSC?
At S-430 entrance turnstiles off of Orr Road.
Does Silicon Express operate on weekends?
Yes.
Does Silicon Express operate on holidays?
We operate on the following holidays: Martin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s Day, Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and the day after Thanksgiving.
We do not operate on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What happens if the Silicon Express is delayed, cancelled, or I can’t make it to HSC?
HSC employees must follow their regular call-in procedure if they are late or cannot come to site and they must update their timesheet in UltiPro.
Do we get paid for time missed due to Silicon Express delays?
Delays are rare. You will not be paid for time missed due to the Silicon Express being delayed.
HSC employees must follow their regular call-in procedure if they are late or cannot come to the site and update their timesheet in UltiPro.
How do I sign up?
Complete the payroll deduction form and read the frequently asked questions. Return the form to Human Resources. If you have questions, please reach out to Human Resources.
How much does it cost?
$15 per pay period through payroll deduction.
What happens if I have an emergency and I have to leave work before Silicon Express leaves?
Taxi or other services to return to the Silicon Express stop are at the expense of the employee.
- Blue Cab: (989) 793-1111
- White Star Taxi: (989) 755-5252
- Yellow Cab: (989) 755-5511
- A-1 Cab: (989) 921-7433
- Deluxe Cab: (989) 755-2131
What if I forget my card?
You can still ride Silicon Express with a cash payment of $5 per ride ($10 round trip). Exact change only.
How do I opt-out?
Contact HR to opt-out of the program.
Can I share my card?
No, you cannot share your card with other riders.
What happens if I lose my card? How do I replace it?
Contact HR or visit HR (T4 Trailer)
$5 replacement fee through payroll deduction
Can I pay for another employee’s Silicon Express Smartcard?
No.
What can I bring on the Silicon Express?
One large bag that isn’t leaking is allowed on the bus. The size can be equal to or lesser than a large garbage bag.
Can I eat or drink on the Silicon Express?
Eating or drinking on the bus is not allowed.
Is there a bathroom on the Silicon Express?
No, there are no bathroom facilities on STARS busses
Can I charge my phone on Silicon Express?
Unfortunately, our buses do not have electric sockets that allow phones or other electronic devices to charge.
What if I lose something on Silicon Express? Who do I contact?
If an item is lost on one the bus, the employee can contact STARS Customer Service at (989) 907-4000, option 3, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For employees wishing to contact STARS before 8:00 a.m. and/or after 7:00 p.m., the HSC employee can press option 1 to reach a Fixed Route Supervisor.
What if my car is vandalized or broken into at Silicon Express stop?
Parking at a Silicon Express stop is at your own risk. STARS and HSC assume no liability for any damage at the stops. A police report will need to be made, and personal vehicle insurance protocols should be followed.
Who do I contact to learn more about this?
To learn more about the program, reach out to HSC Human Resources at G1HSC-HR@hscpoly.com.