WRTA Coronavirus Updates
This page contains the latest information on WRTA response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Please check back here frequently for updates.
Updated Policies for Riding WRTA Buses
While some restrictions put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are easing, others are still in effect. Here’s what WRTA riders should be aware of:
- Seating restrictions have been eliminated on WRTA buses. For social distancing purposes, some seats had been blocked off, but all seats became available to riders as of Wednesday, June 2.
- Riders on all WRTA buses must continue to wear face coverings. This is consistent with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) policies that mandate the wearing of face coverings on all commuter bus systems.
- Riders should continue to board WRTA Fixed Route buses from the rear door, with the exception of those using wheelchairs or baby strollers.
If you have questions about any of these policies, please call (330) 744-8431.
June 8, 2020: Fixed Routes Extended, New Late Night Service
WRTA has instituted several changes to the services it offers in Mahoning County.
These changes took effect Monday, June 8, 2020:
- All regular Fixed Routes in Mahoning County have had their schedules extended later into the evening. Most Fixed Route buses will make their final runs of the day Monday through Friday between 8:00 and 9:00 pm.
- Fixed Route schedules in the City of Warren remain the same as they have been, with no evening runs.
- Nightline routes have been discontinued.
- In their place is WRTA Late Night — a scheduled curb-to-curb service offered with dedicated small vehicles — that operates between 9:00 pm and midnight Monday through Friday. Late Night buses will run only within areas served by WRTA’s Mahoning County Fixed Routes.
Rides on all WRTA buses will continue to be free until December 31, 2021. Regulations put in place during the coronavirus pandemic remain in effect:
- Riders on all WRTA buses must wear a face covering. Riders will be prohibited from boarding the bus without a face covering.
- Except for those in wheelchairs or with baby strollers, all riders must enter Fixed Route buses through the rear door.
- Only life-necessary trips are permitted. All riders must have a destination, and must get off of the bus when they reach it. Recreational and continuous riding is prohibited.
- Federal Station will remain closed, though buses will continue to arrive and depart from in back of the building.
For more information, call the WRTA offices at 330-744-8431.
Modified Fixed Route Service Has Returned
Most WRTA Fixed Routes resumed their normal schedules as of Monday, May 18, 2020.
However, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, certain requirements are being enforced for all riders:
- All passengers must wear face coverings. Riders who are not wearing face coverings will not be permitted to board the bus.
- With the exception of wheelchair passengers or those with baby strollers, all passengers must enter the bus through the rear door.
- Only life-necessary trips are permitted. All riders must have a destination, and must get off of the bus when they reach it. Recreational and continuous riding is prohibited.
- Federal Station will remain closed, though buses will continue to arrive and depart from in back of the building.
Rides on all WRTA buses are free through December 31, 2021. For more information or any questions, call (330) 744-8431.
Face Coverings Are Mandatory
In order to ride any WRTA bus, you must wear a face covering. Passengers not wearing face coverings will not be permitted to board the bus.
Changes to WRTA Services
The coronavirus outbreak has necessitated changes to services offered by The Western Reserve Transit Authority.
- WRTA continues to provide Enhanced Countywide (small bus) service from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday to all areas within Mahoning County, and Monday through Friday to all areas within Trumbull County.
- Countywide is a scheduled service, with rides provided at no cost during this state of emergency. Scheduled rides must be for work, medical and shopping purposes only.
- Those who wish to use Countywide Service must call 330-744-8431 to register for the service. Once registered, riders can schedule a trip between 7 days and at least 24 hours in advance of the planned trip.
More information is available on the Countywide page of this website.
Free Fares
- (UPDATE!) Rides on all WRTA buses are free through December 31, 2021.
- Sales of Adult Day Passes, Multi-Ride Tickets and Adult 31-Day Passes have been suspended because they are no longer necessary.
- Do not attempt to buy passes from WRTA drivers or via the EZfare smartphone app.
Riding WRTA Buses
- When riding our buses, please help us keep drivers and other passengers healthy by practicing social distancing and following other posted instructions.
Federal Station and WRTA Offices
- Federal Station is closed, other than for limited access to the Greyhound service area.
- WRTA offices at 604 Mahoning Avenue are closed to the public.
- If you need to speak with WRTA personnel, call (330) 744-8431 or fill out the form on this website’s Contact Us page.
What WRTA Is Doing to Respond to Coronavirus Concerns
- Along with the usual thorough cleaning of our buses, we have implemented more aggressive sanitizing procedures.
- These include disinfectant spraying and cleaning, along with treating with electrostatic sanitizing equipment throughout the buses’ interior.
- Employee work areas (lockers, break rooms, restrooms, etc.) at the WRTA yard on Mahoning Avenue are also on a more aggressive cleaning and sanitizing routine.
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as hand wipes and rubber gloves has been made available to all WRTA drivers.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Others
- Respect the personal space of those around you by practicing social distancing.
- Avoid shaking hands. If you do, try to wash them or apply hand sanitizer as soon as possible.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- If you cough or sneeze, cover it with a tissue, and dispose of the tissue in the trash. If none is available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, taking at least 20 seconds to do so. Dry your hands thoroughly.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
- To the greatest extent possible, avoid large crowds.
- If you’re feeling sick, stay home from work and avoid contact with others until you’re well again.
If you have additional questions, call WRTA Customer Service at (330) 744-8431. You may also fill out the form on this website’s Contact Us page.
