Step taken to join bus system for one year

WARREN -- City council took the first steps Wednesday toward joining the Niles-Trumbull Transit System.
Council passed legislation sponsored by Helen Rucker, D-at large, that will commit Warren to NTTS for one year at a price of 23,000.
Warren seniors would be able to ride anywhere in Trumbull County for 2 once the system is in place.
"We're finally moving into the 21st century in our transportation," Rucker said. "As baby boomers age, and incomes decrease, we're going to need this service more and more."
Council must appropriate the funds and Mayor Michael J. O'Brien must sign a contract before Warren residents will be able to travel at lower rates, Law Director Gregory Hicks said.
Currently the transit system costs 2 for seniors and 4 for others who live in member communities. For those who do not live in member communities, transit system rides cost more.
The original legislation called for an open-ended commitment to NTTS, but council amended it to one year at the request of Councilwoman Susan Hartman, D-7th.
"I want us to make sure the buses are running efficiently," she said. "I don't want us to automatically renew this in the future without seeing how the system is working."