$8.5 Million in Grants Keep WRTA and the Valley Moving Forward
Thanks to the bipartisan support of United States Senator Sherrod Brown and Rep. Bill Johnson and local community leaders, Western Reserve Transit Authority will receive three federal grants, totaling nearly $8.5 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The three grants include a $4,313,552 Buses and Bus Facilities grant is to construct and improve the WRTA bus maintenance and operations facility — commonly called a “bus barn.” The grant “will provide funding for the replacement of one of our bus barns that hasn’t been updated since the 1970s and when the update is complete, the new bus barn will be ready for the future with the ability to charge battery electric buses and make our operation more efficient,” said Dean Harris, WRTA executive director.
A second award of $2,940,480 comes from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with the Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Transportation Discretionary Grant fund. It is to complete engineering and final design of the reconstruction of the Federal Street station.
The money also would be used to turn it into a mixed-use, transit-oriented facility that includes a new sheltered passenger terminal, parking garage, electric vehicle charging stations and other amenities.
It’s important to note the support of the community in securing the RAISE grant. Community organizations, government officials and leaders sent letters of support of this project.
The third grant is $1,208,632 for WRTA to replace older buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. WRTA will use much of the money to replace its gas-powered fleet of 47 large buses and about 25 smaller ones with low-emission and no-emission buses. WRTA has a goal of going all electric by 2040 and will begin converting its bus fleet to electric in 2026.
WRTA provides more than transportation… it supplies a direct route to jobs, personal freedom and the Valley’s economic future. That’s why WRTA is always moving forward, providing efficient service, supporting employers and workers, partnering with the community and preparing for a zero-emission future.
“These grants will play a key role in keeping WRTA and the Valley moving forward.” said Harris.
WRTA Kicks Off New Art On The Move Campaign
The Mahoning Valley is home to art that inspires and moves us — that’s why WRTA is recognizing local artists with the Art on the Move Campaign.
Local creators are asked to submit their artwork illustrating public transportation in the Valley. Nine entries will be chosen to be displayed on the special “Mobile Art Gallery” that will be on the side of a large WRTA bus (see below). The nine winners will also receive a $100 VISA gift card, recognition at the Art On The Move kick-off event, and featured on WRTA’s social media, TV commercials, and digital sign at Federal Station.
![](https://www.wrtaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/king-kong-mock-sm-300x225.jpg)
Mobile Art Gallery
Registration ended on Friday, June 30 and is now closed.
Artwork submissions are due by Friday, July 7. Only artwork from creators who registered will be accepted.
Artwork Guidelines
Your original artwork must be square and created in one of the following mediums:
- Hand drawn/painted
- Or computer generated original artwork (Exclusions include: stock art or clip art.)
Your artwork should illustrate positive images of people using or benefitting from public transportation (WRTA) in Mahoning Valley.
Here are a few examples of what the artwork can show:
- People getting on a WRTA bus
- People getting off of a WRTA bus
- People riding a WRTA bus
- WRTA riders arriving at work or a shopping center
- WRTA ADA accessible vehicle with a wheelchair user
- Rider using the myStop Mobile App
- Rider utilizing the bike rack on a WRTA bus
- Riders waiting at a WRTA bus stop
- Riders waiting at a WRTA bus shelter
- Clean environment (a WRTA bus with clouds, greenery, less cars on the road, etc.)
- Federal Station
Sample Artwork:
Inspiration for Artwork:
You can use these photos or videos below as inspiration for your artwork
Submission Process
Minimal size, square 10”x10”. Physical submissions are preferred (either original piece or a print). If artwork is being submitted digitally, either as digitally-created art or a photo of a physical art, it must be a high resolution, 300 dpi JPG/PNG file (3,000×3,000 pixels). Artwork submissions are due by Friday, July 7.
PHYSICAL ENTRIES
Drop off at Farris Marketing M-F, from 9AM – 5PM— 4845 Market Street, Suite 3, Youngstown, OH 44512
DIGITAL ENTRIES
Send to Makenna @ Mozenghar@farrismarketing.com
*Please include your first and last name on or with your artwork submission and a description of what your artwork portrays.
Questions? Call 330-770-9627.
Registrations for the WRTA Art On The Move Campaign are now closed! If you registered please submit your artwork, physically or digitally, by Friday, July 7.
WRTA Awarded 2023 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Trust
Western Reserve Transit Authority received a 2023 Torch Award for Marketplace Trust presented by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The awards event took place today, celebrating BBB Accredited Businesses and leaders that exemplify BBB Standards for Trust. Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director, accepted the award at the event on behalf of WRTA and thanked his employees and staff for all of their hard work and dedication.
Route Changes Coming June 4
WRTA has made improvements to a number of its Fixed Routes to better serve the community. These routes include:
- #12-Landsdowne
- #15-Struthers
- #16-Zedaker
- #71 North
The changes to these routes will take effect on June 4, 2023 and will be reflected in the Maps & Schedules section of the WRTA website and on the Mystop Mobile app.
The new route turn-by-turn information and maps can be found below —
#12-Landsdowne
OUTBOUND
Facing north in Federal Station
Right on Commerce St
Left on Wick Ave
Right on McGuffey Rd
Left on Berkley Ave
Left on Springdale Ave
Right on Albert St
Right on Victor Ave
Left on Atkinson Ave
Right on Lansdowne Blvd
Right on Stewart Ave
Left on Bennington Ave
Left on E High Ave
Right on Landsdowne
Left on Oak St/McCartney Rd
Left into Lincoln Knolls Plaza
INBOUND
Exit Lincoln Knolls using the middle driveway
Right on McCartney Rd
Right on Landsdowne Blvd.
Left on E High Ave
Right on Bennington Ave
Right on Stewart Ave
Left on Lansdowne Blvd
Left on Atkinson Ave
Right on Victor Ave
Left on Albert St
Left on Springdale Ave
Right on Berkley Ave
Right on McGuffey Rd
Left on Wick Ave
Right on Commerce St
Enter Federal Station
#15-Struthers
OUTBOUND
Facing north in Federal Station
Right on Commerce St
Right on Walnut St
Left on Front St
Right on South Ave
Right on Hadnet Dr.
Right on Woodland
Continue to Poland Ave.
Righto on Powers Way
Left on Midlothian Blvd
Right on 5th St
Left on Elm St
Slight left to continue onto Elm St
Right on Terrace St
Right on Poland Ave
Continue on Poland Ave
Right on 5th St
Right on E. Manor Ave
Left into Struthers Plaza
INBOUND
Exit Struthers Plaza
Left on Rita Dr
Left on 5th St
Right on W. Manor
Right on Youngstown Poland Rd.
Left on Midlothian
Right on Zedaker
Left on Dewey
Right on Gibson
Left on Williamson
Right on South Ave
Left on Front St
Right on Walnut St
Left on Commerce St
Left on Symphony Pl
Cont.to Federal Station
#16-Zedaker
OUTBOUND
Facing north in Federal Station
Right on Commerce St
Right on Walnut St
Left on Front St
Right on South Ave
Left on Williamson
Right o Gibson
Left on E. Dewey
Right on Zedaker
Left on Midlothian
Right on Youngstown Poland Rd.
Left on W. Manor
Continue to E. Manor
Left into Struthers Plaza
INBOUND
Exit Struthers Plaza
Left on Rita Dr
Left on 5th St
Left on Poland Ave.
Left on State St.
Left on Walton
Right on Midlothian
Right on Zedaker
Right on Dewey
Left on Poland Ave.
Left on Hadnet
Right on South Ave.
Left on Front
Right on Walnut
Left on Commerce
Left on Symphony Pl
Cont.to Federal Station
#71-North
“Give Small Business a Lift” Winners Announced
The WRTA Give Small Business A Lift Campaign is back with its second annual edition and the goal of spotlighting and promoting local small businesses. Twelve local businesses were chosen to be part of the 2023 campaign.
CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRPERSONS
This year, three notable business and community leaders joined the campaign and helped with the selection process and will be presenting awards at the kickoff event, Thursday, April 27 at Concept Studio in downtown Youngstown.
The 2023 Co-Chairpersons are —
• ANTHONY TREVENA, Executive Director of Western Reserve Port Authority
• TERESA MILLER, Executive Director of Valley Economic Development Partners
• DAVID WILAJ, Director, Mahoning Valley Logistics Council
2023 FEATURED SMALL BUSINESSES
- Cal-Ohio Lube Products
- Heroes and Tiaras
- EndTime Grafix
- Pop! Art Books Culture
- J&J Complete Lawn Care
- YoGo Bikeshare
- Sunstone Garden LLC
- Sweet Grace Anna’s Fancy Cakes & Bakery
- A Fresh Wind Catering
- Aisle One Mobile Market
- Overall Paint Co.
- Unique Locs & Natural Hair Boutique, LLC
WRTA wants to give a special thanks to all of the businesses who applied this year and encourages you to sign up again next year. Thank you for supporting the Valley with your business!
Transit Driver Appreciation Day is March 18
Join WRTA in celebrating Transit Driver Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 18! Transit drivers make a great contribution to the community every day by ensuring passengers get to their destinations safely. WRTA drivers are dedicated to what they do and they deserve a heartfelt thanks!
Join us in celebrating our hard-working bus operators! Here are a few ways to express your gratitude:
- Write a kind, personal note and give it to your bus operator
- Say “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” when getting on the bus, and a “Thank you!” when getting off at your destination
- Post a photo of yourself at the bus stop or relaxing on the bus, using #TDAD and tag @WRTA
Please say “Thanks!” to your WRTA driver on March 18 and every day of the year!
WRTA Kicks Off Second Annual “Give Small Business a Lift” Campaign
WRTA is rolling out its second annual “Give Small Business A Lift” campaign. Last year, more than 80 local businesses applied to win the twelve coveted spots as featured businesses for the campaign. The 2023 campaign is expected to be bigger and more inclusive than ever.
“Give Small Business A Lift” is designed to promote local small businesses — spotlighting twelve local businesses that exemplify the Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic.
“Small business is the backbone of our economy across the nation and especially here in the Valley. “ says Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director. “WRTA is proud to provide transportation to the much of the workforce of these businesses and this campaign is our effort to give them the recognition and support they deserve.”
HOW IT WORKS
Small businesses located in Mahoning County complete the short form below to nominate themselves. Nominations are accepted from March 13 through March 31.
A select group of three local community leaders who serve as co-chairpersons select the winners from the nominations. The twelve winners will be notified the first week in April. The featured businesses will be publicly announced and presented their awards at the kickoff event April 20 at Concept Studio in downtown Youngstown.
TWELVE WINNERS PROMOTED
The twelve featured businesses be promoted on WRTA buses, its giant digital sign downtown, on social media, tv spots, digital and ads donated by The Business Journal.
TWO BONUS AWARDS
During the kickoff event, two drawings will be held and one business will also receive a $3,000 TV advertising campaign donated by WKBN TV and one business will receive a $3,600 social media campaign donated by BOPsocial.com.
The three-month long promotion of the twelve featured businesses will begin April 30 to coincide with National Small Business Week and continue through July 30.
WRTA encourages all small businesses in the county to apply — even if you applied last year and did not win one of the twelve featured business spots.
Co-sponsors of the 2023 WRTA Give Small Business a Lift Campaign are The Business Journal, WKBN TV and BOPsocial.com.
Ready to Nominate Your Business?
Starting Monday, March 13 and ending Friday, March 31, you can nominate your business by filling out the form below. The businesses selected will be notified by email and announced on WRTA’s website and social media.
Following our request, WRTA has received many nominations for businesses who would like to be a part of this campaign. Watch for our forthcoming announcement of the small businesses that have been chosen.
Route Changes Coming March 12
WRTA has made improvements to a number of its Fixed Routes to better serve the community. These routes include:
- #11-Cornersburg
- #14-Mosier
- #15-Zedaker
- #24-Midlothian Crosstown
- #80-Lordstown
#81-Akron Express will be discontinued due to low ridership in 2022
The changes to these routes will take effect on March 12, 2023 and will be reflected in the Maps & Schedules section of the WRTA website and on the Mystop Mobile app.
The new route turn-by-turn information and maps can be found below —
#11-Cornersburg
OUTBOUND
Facing South in Federal Station
Right on Federal Plaza West
Left over Spring Common Bridge
Right on Mahoning
Left on Bella Vista
Right on Overlook
Left on Hazelwood
Right on McCollum
Left on Schenley
Left on Kirk
Right on Bears Den-Cont onto Hopkins
Left on Midlothian
Left on Arden
Left on Canfield Rd
Right on Meridian
Left on Kirk, Left at 2nd drive at Rulli’s parking lot pick up and drop off cont to next driveway
INBOUND
Right on Kirk
Right on Meridian
Left on Canfield
Left on Schenley
Left on Bears Den
Right on McCollum
Left on Hazelwood
Right on Overlook (135pm trip, turn right on Ridgelawn Ave instead to serve Chaney High)
Left on Bella Vista
Right on Mahoning- Left over Spring Common Bridge- Cont 5th Ave to Commerce
Right on Commerce- Right into Federal Station
#14-Mosier
OUTBOUND
Facing South in Federal Station
Right on Federal Plaza West
Right on Fifth Ave
Left on Rayen
Right on Federal St (422)
Right on Wirt
Left on Delaware
Cont. on Lafayette
Right on 422
Right on Burlington
Left on Robinwood-Left on Dupont-Right on Dearborn
Left on Beck St – Right on Temple (turns into Davis) – Right on Trumbull
Left on Belmont (Continue towards Liberty plaza)
Right on Delivery entrance (Alongside of Pizza Shop far west end of plaza)
Come around building
Right on Plaza drive heading towards exit by Arby’s
Right on Belmont
Left into Giant Eagle 2nd entrance go to stop sign (Drop off and pick up passengers)
INBOUND
Leave Giant Eagle
Left at stop sign- go to 1st entrance
Right on Belmont
Right on Trumbull
Left on Davis
Left on Beck St
Right on Dearborn
Left on Dupont-Right on Robinwood-Right on Burlington
Left on 422
Left on Superior
Left on Oakland
Right on Lafayette
Cont, on Delaware
Right on Wirt
Left on Federal St. (422)
Left on Rayen
Right on Fifth Ave
Left on Commerce Cont. to Federal Station
#15-Zedaker
OUTBOUND
Facing north in Federal Station
Right on Commerce St
Right on Walnut St
Left on Front St
Right on South Ave (6:10, 7:10, 16:101 17:10 outbound trips divert to Poland Ave)
Left on E. Dewey Ave Right on Hadnet Dr
***Right on Zedaker St Right on Poland Ave
Left on Midlothian Blvd Right on E Dewey Ave RESUME @ ***
Right on 5th St
Left on Elm St
Slight left to continue onto Elm St
Right on Terrace St
Right on Poland Ave
Continue on Poland Ave
Right on Hamilton Blvd
Right on 5th St
Right on Manor Ave
Left into Struthers Plaza
INBOUND
Exit Struthers Plaza
Left on Rita Dr
Left on 5th St
Left on Hamilton Blvd
Left on Poland Ave
Continue onto Poland Ave
Left of Terrace St
Left on Elm St
Right on 5th St
Left on Midlothian Blvd
Right on Zedaker St (6:35, 7:35, 16:35, 17:35 inbound trips divert to Poland Ave)
Left on Dewey Ave Left on Poland Ave
Right on South Ave Right on South Ave, resume at ***
***Left on Front St
Right on Walnut St
Left on Commerce St
Enter Federal Station
***SERVICE TO POLAND AVE ON SELECT TRIPS UPON APPROVAL
#24-Midlothian Crosstown
EASTBOUND
Starting at Hillman Way
Right on Midlothian Blvd
Right on Youngstown-Poland Rd
Right on US Hwy 224
Right on Tiffany Blvd
Left on Doral Dr
Serve Walmart
Cont on Doral
Left on South Ave
Right on Boardman Poland Rd (224)
Left on California Ave
Right at 4th entrance (by Tinseltown)
Cont to end of drive make a right
Stop at bus stop (By PNC Bank)
WESTBOUND
Leaving Southern Park Mall (By PNC Bank)
Continue to stop sign make a left
Right on Market
Right on Boardman Poland (224)
Left on Tiffany Blvd
Left on Doral Dr
Left on South Ave
Left on US HWY 224
Left on N Main St
Left on Youngstown-Poland Rd
Left on Midlothian Blvd
Left on Market St
Right on Hillman St
Right on Hillman Way
#80-Lordstown
OUTBOUND
Facing south in Federal Station
Right on Federal Plaza West
Left over Spring Common Bridge
Cont on Mahoning Ave
Left on Edwards St
Right on Marshall St
Left onto I-680 North
Follow I- 80 West
Cont on I-76 W
Take exit 57
Right on Bailey
Left into HomeGoods parking Lot (Wait for 76-Lordstown Express for transfers)
Turnaround back towards Bailey turn right
Cont Bailey Rd
Right Mahoning Ave
Left into Macys parking lot to turnaround
Right on Mahoning Ave
Right on Bailey Rd
To Pur Foods
INBOUND
Right.on Commissioner Dr
Left Debartolo Dr
Left Mahoning Ave
Right on Bailey Rd to
To 76E cont to 80 East
To 680 South
Exit Glenwood Ave to Edwards to Mahoning to Federal Station
WILL NO LONGER GO TO THINGS REMEMBERED (CLOSED)
WRTA Is Hiring: Drivers & Mechanics Wanted
The Western Reserve Transit Authority has openings for Bus Operators and Mechanics.
Bus Operator
Must be capable of safely operating a transit passenger bus or other vehicle on fixed routes, countywide, and ADA all-access service. Must possess valid CDL with passenger endorsement. Must be able to work all shifts and Saturday as scheduled. Government pension instead of Social Security and many other great benefits
Full-time and part-time positions available.
Mechanic
Will be responsible for diagnostics & repair of Diesel engines, ABS/air brakes, suspension, transmission, electronic control systems and air conditioning. Must possess valid CDL with passenger endorsement or will train. Minimum 2 years mechanical experience. Technical training as a diesel technician or ASE Certifications preferred. Able to work all shifts. Government pension instead of Social Security and many other great benefits.
Full-time positions available.
Submit Applications
To apply for one of these positions, please submit your resume to:
WRTA
Attn: HR
604 Mahoning Ave.
Youngstown, OH 44502
Or email to: dsoroka@wrtaonline.com
WRTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Valley Valentines Winners
Congratulations to the 12 winners in our Valley Valentines promotion. Their special messages are being displayed for the rest of this month on the video screen above Federal Station in downtown Youngstown.
Ohio Loves Transit, and we love our WRTA riders!
To see your Valley Valentine, just click on it below.