WRTA continues to expand service throughout county

It has been eight months since voters in Mahoning County approved a 0.25 percent, five-year sales tax for the Western Reserve Transit Authority, thus creating a true county-wide system. WRTA officials had pledged that passage would result in the expansion of service to areas not previously served.

On Tuesday, Executive Director James Ferraro announced the addition of routes to take in parts of Boardman, Canfield and Struthers. The new service will begin Sept. 14.

This follows the restoration in February of night and Saturday bus transportation to Youngstown and surrounding communities, and the addition of routes in Austintown, Campbell and Struthers.

Prior to the passage last November of the quarter percent tax, the WRTA’s operation was financed with the revenue from two property tax levies paid for by Youngstown property owners. The $2.6 million has been replaced by $6 million a year generated by the county-wide sales tax. Hence, the ability of the transit authority to serve residents living in the outlying areas of Mahoning County.

Indeed, there will be door-to-door service throughout the county with small buses.

Newspaper and radio advertisements and billboards will provide details of the new routes as the launch date draws near. WRTA’s Web site will also have the information. A map of the new routes was published in the Local Section of Wednesday’s Vindicator.

Even the most vocal opponents of the sales tax must acknowledge that the transit authority is moving quickly to keep the promises made during last year’s campaign.

As for WRTA’s decision to expand its offices on Mahoning Avenue in downtown Youngstown, the project was made possible by a grant from the federal government through the economic stimulus program. The money could not have been used for anything other than bricks and mortar.

The keeping of campaign promises, however, does not guarantee the WRTA’s success. That depends on the residents of the county.

“It’s a shame if people don’t take advantage of it,” said Ferraro, who noted that buses will be traveling to areas that were not previously served.

Convenience for shoppers

For instance, new lines are being added to cover the west and east ends of Boardman, allowing shoppers without transportation to go to Southern Park Mall, Shops at Boardman Park and businesses in Tiffany Boulevard and Doral Drive.

“Currently, we don’t cover South Avenue south of [U.S. Route] 224,” said Tom Nugen, director of transportation. But with the additional routes, buses will travel all the way to Western Reserve Road.

For the door-to-door or dial-a-ride service, residents will be able to get from their homes to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores or other destinations. There will be a 1-800 number riders can call — the number will be made public closer to Sept. 7 launch date for arranging a ride for the following week. Rides may be arranged between one week and the day before needed.

Public transportation throughout the country is experiencing an increase in usage because of the economy, the cost of gas and a growing awareness of environmental concerns. While the WRTA has long served Youngstown and adjoining communities, it has now become a public transportation system that meets the needs of a much larger population. It’s there for residents to use.