Jobs and services hinge on the passing of levies

Some routes could disappear if the levies fail.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Western Reserve Transit Authority would cut jobs and services if two levies on the Nov. 8 ballot fail.
"If the levies do not pass, we will have to make significant cuts," said Jim Ferraro, WRTA executive director.
The authority employs just under 100 people and has 33 bus routes, including seven at night, Ferraro said.
He didn't know how many jobs would be eliminated if the levies failed.
Ferraro said bus routes with smaller numbers of passengers would be cut. Busier routes would continue but with fewer trips, he said.
WRTA has a pair of 2-mill renewal levy requests on the ballot.
Only Youngstown city residents vote on WRTA tax issues even though the authority provides transportation to Boardman, Austintown, Liberty, Niles and the Kent State Trumbull Campus in Champion.
One levy is for 10 years and raises $1,047,441 a year; the other is for four years and raises $1,097,835 annually. Both are for operating and capital budget expenses.
Budget
WRTA's annual budget is about $7.6 million.
WRTA transported more than 1.5 million passengers last year, an increase of 9 percent over 2003, Ferraro said. The agency has 48 buses.
Some of that increase is because of WRTA's expanded night service that has buses running as late at 11 p.m., he said. The night routes wouldn't be cut if the levy fails, he said.
"Since more than 50 percent of riders depend on us to get to work and home again, WRTA plays a significant role in the economic well-being of those riders and the regional economy," Ferraro said.
Since 2002, WRTA has improved its Federal Station in downtown Youngstown, he said.
The improvements include new lights, signs, heating and air conditioning as well as repaired parking lots, renovated shelters, interior enhancements and additional security.
"Senior citizens, students and hard-working people all depend on WRTA," Ferraro said.
WRTA fares are 50 cents for senior citizens, 75 cents for students and $1 for others. Also, there is no transfer fee.
skolnick@vindy.com