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WRTA debuts new “holiday bus” as gift to the community
YOUNGSTOWN
Tinsel adorns the walls, snowflakes glisten in the windows and Santa Claus sits surrounded by presents.
It’s not the North Pole, but a bus in the county’s public transportation system.
The Western Reserve Transit Authority on Wednesday debuted its new “holiday bus,” which will run today through year’s end.
It made its first appearance at the Boardman branch of the county’s public library system.
WRTA officials see the holiday bus as a gift to the community.
“The holiday bus is our way of saying ‘Thank you’ to the voters who supported our recent sales tax issue, which will allow us to continue to provide transportation service to Mahoning County residents who need WRTA to get to their jobs, their doctors, and to shop for groceries and other necessities,” said Jim Ferraro, WRTA executive director.
In November, voters approved a quarter-mill tax levy for WRTA.
Judy Rodriguez, WRTA transportation director, said she was inspired to create a holiday bus after seeing one during a trip to Chicago.
She and other staff members worked over the past three weeks to put in place lighting, decorations and music, quickly transforming the vehicle into a winter wonderland.
Rodriguez said her goal was to give riders “a happy time and joy for all the kids.”
The bus, the outside of which is decorated festively, will make at least one trip on every route within WRTA’s system. It runs Monday-Saturday through Dec. 30, then will make its final appearance at the First Night event in downtown Youngstown on New Year’s Eve.
In addition to holiday cheer, the bus offers another gift to patrons: free fare.
“It just brightens up the area,” said Ferraro. “We’re just thanking the people who supported us.”
For additional information or to check the bus schedule, visit www.wrtaonline.com or call 330-744-8431.