Free Rides on Fixed Routes February 14 for Ohio Loves Transit Day!

The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) will be part of a statewide celebration of public transportation in Ohio on Thursday, February 14.

The Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA) has once again designated this Valentine’s Day as “Ohio Loves Transit Day,” and WRTA will mark the occasion by offering free rides on all fixed routes in its system.

“Ohio Loves Transit Day gives us the opportunity to thank WRTA riders for their loyalty, and also to welcome new riders who may not have used WRTA previously,” said Executive Director Dean Harris. “With our myStop Mobile smartphone app and other technological innovations, they’ll be able to see how easy and convenient riding the bus can be.”

Over three million Ohioans rely on public transportation every weekday — and WRTA riders are a significant part of this group. Over 48 percent of riders use WRTA to get to and from work every day, while others rely on WRTA to get to medical appointments, buy groceries and visit family and friends. In addition, over 40 percent of WRTA riders are seniors or persons with disabilities, while many others don’t own a vehicle and have no other means of transportation.

WRTA is important even to those who don’t use the service personally. Over 78 percent of WRTA trips contribute to the local economy in some way. Area retailers benefit from customers who otherwise would have no way of patronizing their places of business. And WRTA makes it possible for more people to hold a steady job and therefore pay taxes. In fact, it’s estimated that every dollar invested in public transit generates four dollars to Ohio’s economy.

WRTA’s fixed route buses will operate from approximately 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on Ohio Loves Transit Day, while Nightline routes will run as late as midnight. All rides on each of these fixed routes will be free on February 14.

Route and schedule information is available at WRTAonline.com