WRTA Transit business

Western Reserve Transit Authority board met Thursday and handled or discussed these matters:
Reappointed James Ferraro as executive director through Dec. 31. Ferraro has worked for WRTA since 1974, and has been director since 1984. President Michael Bosela said, "The board has the utmost confidence in Jim leading WRTA." Board members said Ferraro's contract will not change from the previous contract. His salary will remain at $73,500. The board approved Ferraro's appointment 3-0 with members Raymond Brown and Anna Marie Nameth absent.
Discussed continued funding of WRTA operations and the consideration of fare increases, or cuts in service, if funding is insufficient.
Applied to Ohio Department of Transportation for a $680,000 federal transportation grant. The money would be available to the agency by May 1 if the grant is approved.
Discussed a possible decision by The Salvation Army on the property it owns adjacent to WRTA. WRTA has made an offer on the property. Ferraro said Mayor Jay Williams met with SA officials recently and told them WRTA wants the property and to make a decision within two weeks.
Discussed a 9 percent increase in ridership in all categories in January. Ferraro said the increase is because more people are using the buses to go to and from work, and more senior citizens than usual were riding in January because the weather was unseasonably warm.