State help for WRTA finances?

YOUNGSTOWN — Western Reserve Transit Authority officials made cuts to service this week, but state lawmakers say some financial relief may be coming for the busing system.

State senators John Boccieri of New Middletown, D-33rd,   and Capri Cafaro of Hubbard, D-32nd, have announced that financial help may be headed to the busing system upon approval of Gov. Ted Strickland’s budget.

According to Boccieri, Strickland is looking to increase public transit spending by 25 percent. The increased funding will assist the state’s 24 urban and 36 rural transit systems.

Cafaro plans to introduce legislation which would establish a public transit funding study group, to determine what the state can do to produce steady revenue to meet the needs of local communities.