Weathersfield to continue with transit service

By Mary Smith

MINERAL RIDGE — Weathersfield Township residents will be able to continue taking advantage this year of inexpensive transportation offered by Niles Trumbull Transit.

Township trustees have renewed their participation in the program for 2009 at a cost of $4,380, the same as in 2008, trustee chairman James Stoddard said.

The township will make a single payment to cover the township’s share for the service.

There were about 663 times when a township resident used the transit program in the period from February to December 2008, Stoddard said.

The cost of trips is based on a county resident’s age: 60 years and older, $1.50 per trip (one-way); $1.50 per one-way trip for people with disabilities or youths age 2 to 12; and $4 per one-way trip for the general public.

Riders who are from a nonparticipating community pay $2 for a one-way trip for people 60 and over; $4 for a one-way trip for people with disabilities and children age 2 to 12; and $8 one way for the general public.

Passengers living in Niles, Howland, Liberty, McDonald, Cortland, Warren, Girard, Lordstown, Hubbard Township, Bazetta and Weathersfield are eligible for a discounted fare.

Trips have to be reserved no more than one week in advance, and those interested can contact the transit system at (330) 369-2600.

The transportation program is run by the city of Niles, and the service is offered seven days a week. Buses are scheduled by Community Bus Services on Youngstown Road (state Route 169) going into Warren.

Ride vouchers are available in increments of $2.