WRTA Receives $1.3M to Improve Bus Garage
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced a $1.3 million investment to renovate the Western Reserve Transit Authority’s bus fleet facility. This funding aims to provide significant upgrades to the facility, which was built in the 1970s and 1980s.
The investment was made possible by the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which authorizes up to $108 billion in federal funds for public transportation. Over $52 million in grants have been given to the state of Ohio through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) bus grant programs since last year.
The projects announced are supported by FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities and Low-and No-Emission (Low-No) Vehicle programs.
The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program provides federal funding for transit agencies to buy and rehabilitate buses and vans and build and modernize bus facilities.
FTA’s Low-and No-Emission program makes funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built low- or no-emission vehicles, including buses and vans, make facility and station upgrades to accommodate low- or no-emission vehicles, and buy supporting equipment like battery electric charging.
The WRTA bus fleet facility needs upgrades and repairs, including a new roof, doors and door controls, and updated electrical, safety, and HVAC systems. The investment will also update fueling equipment for pollution-free electric vehicles.
Route Changes Announced for June
WRTA has made improvements to a number of its Fixed Routes to better serve the community. These routes include:
- #14-Mosier
- #15-Struthers
- #16-Zedaker
- #25-Canfield Loop
- #74-Elm
The changes to these routes will take effect on June 2 and will be reflected in the Maps & Schedules section of the WRTA website and on the Mystop Mobile app.
The new route schedules and maps can be found below —
#14-Mosier
#15-Struthers
#16-Zedaker
#25-Canfield-Loop
#74-Elm
WRTA Will be Closed on Memorial Day
Please be advised that WRTA will be closed and there will be no bus service on Monday, May 27th in observance of the holiday.
We hope that you and your family will have a very happy and safe Memorial Day!
Regular bus service will resume on Tuesday, May 28th.
Notice of Sale of Surplus Vehicles/Equipment
The Western Reserve Transit Authority will be selling surplus equipment by means of public online auction. Equipment will be advertised and sold through the Public Surplus Online Auction Services website — Public Surplus rules and bidding policies apply to all bidders. All equipment will be sold on an “as is and with all faults” basis. No warranty or mechanical condition of fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise shall be given.
Vehicles —
- (four) 2014 Chevrolet G4500 Light Transit Vehicles
- (one) 2015 Ford E450 Light Transit Vehicle
- (one) 2016 and one 2019 Modified Dodge Caravans
- (one) 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
The auction will begin on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 and will end Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
Additional information can be found HERE or by contacting Jeff Siwiec at (330) 941-5762 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Congratulations Small Business Winners!
WRTA hosted the third annual Give Local Small Business a Lift Campaign kick-off event on Thursday, April 18th. The following thirteen winners of the campaign were spotlighted and presented with an award at the event:
Two lucky winners also had their names chosen from a random drawing to win a TV Advertising Campaign and a Social Media Campaign. Those two winners were:
- $3,000 WKBN TV Advertising Campaign — J. Jenee Spa and Wellness
- $4,000 StrategiX Social Media Campaign — All Spruced Up Cleaning, Co
Thank you 2024 Small Business Sponsors!
- The Business Journal
- WKBN TV-27
- StrategiX Social
WRTA Announces Winners for Small Business Campaign
Thirteen local small businesses were selected to be featured in the 2024 WRTA Give Small Business A Lift campaign. Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) began the campaign in 2022 as a way to help Valley small businesses to thrive. 2024 is the third annual event and a total of 37 businesses and their owners have been featured so far.
“Many of our riders are heading to or from jobs and we wanted to support the businesses that employ our riders,” says Dean Harris, Executive Director of WRTA. “Running a small business is not easy and operating here in the Valley might even be more challenging. The work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit of the small business owners is amazing.”
More than 100 small businesses applied for the featured business status, and thirteen were chosen from that group by three business experts who served as co-chairpersons. The co-chairs are Teresa Miller, Executive Director, Mahoning Valley Development Partners, David Wilaj, Director, Mahoning Valley Logistics Council and Dan Procopio, Product Manager, CBC Global.
The 2024 WRTA Featured Small Businesses are:
- All Spruced Up Cleaning Co.
- Avalon Downtown Pizzeria
- Jenee Spa & Wellness
- Gloris Counseling Services
- La La Love Healthcare LLC
- Charly’s Family Restaurant
- The Joshua Tree
- The Emma Elf Project
- Rescued to Riches Pet Groom and Board
- Bending Oak Permaculture Farm
- Haus Auto Group
- Guided Compass Holistic Health
- QUICKmed Urgent Care
CAMPAIGN SPONSORS
The sponsors of the campaign include The Business Journal, WKBN TV 27, and StrategiX Social (a division of Farris Marketing)
CAMPAIGN BENEFITS
The thirteen featured small businesses will be promoted on WRTA buses, social media, giant digital sign downtown, and in TV commercials. In addition, featured businesses are entered in two random drawings. One winner of the drawings will receive a TV campaign from WKBN TV 27 and one will win a social media campaign from StrategiX Social.
KICKOFF EVENT
The kickoff event will take place Thursday, April 18.
WRTA Providing Free Eclipse Glasses
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is offering eclipse glasses for no charge while supplies last. The glasses will be available ONE HOUR before the event on Monday, April 8 at the ticket window inside WRTA’s Federal Station in downtown Youngstown. You do not have to be a rider to receive the glasses.
WRTA wants to remind riders and all area residents that appropriate eyewear is necessary to view the solar eclipse event on Monday afternoon.
March 18 is Transit Driver Appreciation Day
Join WRTA in celebrating Transit Driver Appreciation Day on Monday, 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!
Nominations Now Being Accepted for Give Small Business a Lift Campaign
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is rolling out its third annual “Give Small Business A Lift” campaign to help promote and honor local small businesses, their owners, and employees. More than 150 Valley businesses have participated in the first two years.
“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, especially here in the Valley. “Says Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director. “WRTA is proud to provide transportation to 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/Nominations
Small businesses located in Mahoning County can complete the short entry form below to nominate themselves. Nominations are being accepted now through Thursday, March 28, 2024.
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 and presented their awards at the kickoff event on April 18 at Concept Studio in downtown Youngstown.
Twelve Winners Promoted
The twelve featured businesses will be promoted on WRTA buses, its giant digital sign downtown, on social media, and TV commercials.
Three Bonus Awards
During the kickoff event, drawings will be held for the winners in attendance for a TV advertising campaign donated by WKBN TV, a social media campaign donated by Farris Marketing, and a customer satisfaction survey for up to 100 customers, also donated by Farris Marketing.
Campaign Timing
The three-month-long promotion of the twelve featured businesses is scheduled to start and coincide with National Small Business Week (April 28 – May 4, 2024). The campaign and promotion will continue through July 30, 2024.
WRTA encourages all small businesses in the county to apply — even if the business applied previously.
Ready to Nominate Your Business?
You can nominate your business by filling out the form below by March 28. 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 from businesses that want to participate in this campaign. Watch for our forthcoming announcement of the small businesses that have been chosen.
February Board Meeting Cancelled
Please be advised that the May Board of Trustees Meeting set for Thursday, February 29 at 10:00 a.m. has been cancelled.
