Posted July 29, 200519 yr From the 7/29/05 Youngstown Vindicator: Transit board approves placing 2 levies on November ballot Ridership is up overall over the last two years, the board chairman says Friday, July 29, 2005 YOUNGSTOWN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority will have a pair of 2-mill renewal levy requests on the November ballot. The board approved a resolution Thursday to put a 10-year renewal and a four-year renewal before voters. The two combined will raise about $2 million annually for the WRTA, executive director James J. Ferraro said. The four-year renewal levy dates from 1982. More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/305348479751117.php
October 7, 200519 yr From the 10/6/05 Youngstown Vindicator: Jobs and services hinge on the passing of levies Some routes could disappear if the levies fail By DAVID SKOLNICK VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Western Reserve Transit Authority would cut jobs and services if two levies on the Nov. 8 ballot fail. "If the levies do not pass, we will have to make significant cuts," said Jim Ferraro, WRTA executive director. More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/284405273363717.php
January 27, 200619 yr Officials work to secure funds to keep WRTA services Friday, January 27, 2006 WRTA now pays about $22,000 to fill up the gas tanks of its 60 buses. By NANCY TULLIS VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Western Reserve Transit Authority, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments and Ohio Department of Transportation officials are working to secure federal transportation dollars that could prevent WRTA from having to reduce services. Faced with rising fuel costs and the loss of most of a federal job access grant, WRTA officials have been considering possible cuts in services, either reducing routes or eliminating some night runs, said Jim Ferraro, executive director. More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/293219252777946.php
July 6, 200717 yr From the 3/3/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Riders protest possible cutbacks in routes, services Twelve employees could be laid off as a result of the cutbacks. By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR. VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF YOUNGSTOWN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority offices in downtown Youngstown turned into an open platform of protest, but cuts in services are still on the horizon. Protesters lined the outside gates of the WRTA building on Mahoning Avenue on Friday holding signs asking busing officials to "keep all the buses running." More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/311703403856229.php
July 6, 200717 yr From the 3/27/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Night, Warren routes to be cut The cutbacks will mean layoffs for 13 employees. By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR. VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF YOUNGSTOWN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority announced which cuts in service will be made Monday — including eliminating night service and rides to Warren — to save money in the future. James Ferraro, WRTA's executive director, explained the series of changes in busing services Monday, after The Vindicator received an anonymous letter stating that the changes will be made too quickly for some riders to make proper arrangements. More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/322884433973651.php
July 6, 200717 yr From the 3/30/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Ohio budget to raise funds for WRTA By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR. VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF YOUNGSTOWN — Western Reserve Transit Authority officials made cuts to service this week, but state lawmakers say some financial relief may be coming for the busing system. State Sens. John Boccieri of New Middletown, D-33rd, and Capri Cafaro of Hubbard, D-32nd, have announced that financial help may be headed to the busing system upon approval of Gov. Ted Strickland's budget. More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/324277152850068.php
August 31, 200717 yr WRTA to ask for funding Friday, August 31, 2007 Saturday bus service will be eliminated next week. By D.A. WILKINSON VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Western Reserve Transit Authority officials said they will talk to state and local officials to try to get more operating funds. The WRTA board met Thursday to discuss cuts in routes and elimination of Saturday service starting next week. More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/289715247454897.php
December 20, 200717 yr WRTA sales tax to be on ballot Wednesday, December 19, 2007 WRTA has some work to do, a commissioner says. By PETER H. MILLIKEN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County commissioners voted unanimously to enable placement of a countywide Western Reserve Transit Authority sales tax on the March 4 ballot. They stopped short, however, of enthusiastically endorsing the proposed new public transit tax. More at http://community.vindy.com/content_printstory.php?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vindy.com%2Fcontent%2Flocal_regional%2F325746652607948.php
March 3, 200817 yr WRTA levy would restore some services The levy would generate about $7.5 million annually. By ANGIE SCHMITT VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — After drastic service reductions, the Western Reserve Transit Authority is appealing to voters for a quarter-percent sales tax that would make the public transit system countywide. The transit system slashed its $7 million budget to $5 million last year with measures that included layoffs and route reductions. Between 45 percent and 50 percent of its runs have been eliminated, said Executive Director Jim Ferraro. ......... http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/mar/03/wrta-levy-would-restore-some-services/
March 5, 200817 yr WRTA fails at polls By AMANDA SMITH-TEUTSCH Tribune Chronicle POSTED: March 5, 2008 YOUNGSTOWN — The future of public transportation is uncertain after a proposed quarter percent sales tax apparently failed at the Mahoning County polls. The sales tax, which would have added 25 cents tax to a $100 purchase, failed by 56.7 percent to 43.3 percent with 85,600 votes counted, according to unofficial results. ....... http://www.tribunechronicle.com/page/content.detail/id/502512.html?nav=5021
July 25, 200816 yr Well, the WRTA is going to try again this fall. With the higher gas prices, maybe they will have better luck? WRTA agrees to put levy on ballot http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/jul/25/wrta-agrees-to-put-levy-on-ballot/
November 5, 200816 yr The sales tax passed this time. :clap: http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/nov/05/boardman-to-recall-firefighters-hire-cops/
November 5, 200816 yr Yippie, JR_C! I thought of you when i saw that. Now you don't have to worry about finding your way to work!
January 7, 200916 yr See the action alert from the American Public Transportation Association posted at: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,14971.msg357239.html#msg357239 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 27, 200915 yr It’s official: WRTA gets funds for offices, buses http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/jun/26/it8217s-official-wrta-gets-funds-for-offices/ Published: Fri, June 26, 2009 @ 12:07 a.m. By Denise Dick Twelve buses and five minivans will be bought with the stimulus money. YOUNGSTOWN — The federal stimulus money is official, and now the Western Reserve Transit Authority awaits a permit from the city to erect temporary offices during its administrative offices expansion. ... James Ferraro, WRTA executive director, said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, reports that the $3.5 million in federal stimulus funds to WRTA is official. Of that, $2.2 million is for renovation and expansion of its administration offices. The remainder will be spent on 12 new buses, five new minivans, surveillance cameras and bus shelters. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 28, 200915 yr WRTA is supposed to be a multi-county transit authority. It is supposed to include Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana county(they don't serve Columbiana). Trumbull service was cut between Kent State University,Warren, Niles,Girard, and Youngstown. It was never brought back when the other Saturday and Nite service returned. They never mention the Trumbull county service. The numbers were coming up, even though WRTA cut service. It needs to be refined to serve more people.
June 28, 200915 yr WRTA is not a multi-county system. It only recently became a countywide system. Until last November, the WRTA was paid for with city property taxes. According to this article: http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/may/12/federal-stimulus-funds-money-for-ohio/ There is a "Niles-Trumbull County Transit system." This is only hearsay, so take it with a grain of salt, but I've heard that the WRTA offered to return service to Trumbull county, but their offer was declined.
July 17, 200915 yr http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/jul/17/transit-services-come-up-with-plan-for-fta-funds/ Published: Fri, July 17, 2009 @ 12:07 a.m. By Denise Dick WRTA’s board is expected to vote on the tentative agreement today. YOUNGSTOWN — Neither Western Reserve Transit Authority nor Niles-Trumbull County Transit will get as much federal money as first sought, but the entities have reached a tentative agreement to divide the funds. This year’s $3.4 million from the Federal Transit Administration must be divided among Niles, WRTA and Shenango Valley Shuttle Service. It’s up to those entities to work out how much each receives. .......... Federal money Dividing it up Western Reserve Transit Authority, Niles-Trumbull County Transit and Shenango Valley Shuttle Service have reached a tentative agreement on the division of money from the Federal Transit Administration. The division: Total: $3.4 million WRTA: $2.5 million; Niles: $470,000; Shenango: $504,000 Source: Letter of agreement "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 17, 200915 yr ^ WRTA and Niles-Trumbull need to merge and form a metro transit provider. They could then take advantage of economies of scale, provide better/more service, and actually provide a good and viable transit option.
July 17, 200915 yr Hopefully this will be a first step in that direction. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 18, 200915 yr :?There seems to be a communication problem between WRTA, Niles and Warren. The Youngstown to Warren route that was dropped. It was never restarted. The passenger numbers were going up. I did happen to be at Goodwill's main store,plant and office on Belmont in Youngstown. I did see about 5 small vehicles(most the new ones) waiting for Goodwill clients getting off work at 3 PM. I didn't see how many went to each small bus.There was a regular big bus that always comes in at least 1 or two minutes before the people get off work. I don't know if any people could use it. Nobody gets on. I am not a person who likes big buses with nobody in them.
September 25, 200915 yr WRTA curb service underused in first week Published: Fri, September 25, 2009 @ 12:08 a.m. By Denise Dick Most of the calls for the new service came from the Boardman and Austintown areas. YOUNGSTOWN — Fewer than 30 residents took advantage of new curb-to-curb transportation offered by the Western Reserve Transit Authority in its first week. The program, called EasyGo, allows Mahoning County residents to call WRTA and schedule transportation on smaller buses from their home or other location to another place such as a doctor’s appointment. The cost is $3.50 one way or $2.50 one way for seniors and people with disabilities. http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/sep/25/wrta-curb-service-underused-in-first-week/
November 19, 200915 yr OK, I'm not yelling here. I'm just using really large, red letters to make this flier easier for you to find in the future...... SAVE PUBLIC TRANSIT! Download the flier from: http://members.cox.net/corridorscampaign/Save%20public%20transit%20flier.pdf I need your help! Please print out this flier in large quantities and post them legally in visible places. Or just hand them out to people on your bus or train each day. If the driver asks you to stop, please comply. Thanks! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 2, 200915 yr I realize many of you don't read the Lorain County Transit thread. I encourage you to do so today as some news there is likely a harbinger of things to come for all Ohio counties: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=16502.msg444095#msg444095 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 18, 200915 yr More ads planned for WRTA Published: Fri, December 18, 2009 @ 12:03 a.m. By Rick Rouan YOUNGSTOWN — Ridership for the Western Reserve Transit Authority’s curb-to-curb service increased from 65 riders in September to 275 riders in November as the organization begins to ramp up its advertising. The authority plans to spend about $110,000 in advertising in 2010, an increase of about $25,000 more than this year, and most of that increase will be spent on television advertisements that begin later this month, James Ferraro, WRTA executive director, told board members at a meeting Thursday afternoon. http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/dec/18/more-ads-planned-for-wrta/
March 2, 201015 yr I wish I had a source for this, but I've heard ridership in Jan. 2010 has increased 40% from ridership in Jan 2009.
March 20, 201015 yr I thought WRTA was supposed to be a Trumbull, Mahoning, and even Columbiana county transit authority? Since they got the Mahoning sales tax, the Valley Youngstown, Niles, Warren route was dropped. It was steadly picking up passengers. It wasn't perfect. Could have been better done.
March 22, 201015 yr I thought WRTA was supposed to be a Trumbull, Mahoning, and even Columbiana county transit authority? Since they got the Mahoning sales tax, the Valley Youngstown, Niles, Warren route was dropped. It was steadly picking up passengers. It wasn't perfect. Could have been better done. No, WRTA was a city funded service. Now, after the sales tax passed, it is a Mahoning County funded service. I was told that WRTA officials tried to reinstate the Warren route. But, officials in Trumbull County (possibly Trumbull County Trustees, but not sure) didn't want it restored.
March 22, 201015 yr I am going to research E-mail addresses for each Trumbull county commissioner. I am going to keep it handy. I will probably be the only one. I read a post dealing with Cleveland RTA making an arrangement to get some circulars running again. I understand RTA is providing the equipment and the city, (maybe Lakewood ?) is paying for the driver. Maybe something could be worked out. It can't hurt to try. WRTA has plenty of available equipment?
April 9, 201015 yr :? Is it time for Niles-Trumbull Transit to go into it's first Fixed Route service? Since WRTA eliminated the Warren-Youngstown route, thinking out loud, could NTT, restart the route or routes? Maybe with some changes, better promotion, and using the smaller buses to start. The buses should be specially painted. Must use Trumbull county colors. (I don't know what they are) Get the 3 County Commissioners to agree to help fund, and or get sponsors to help with the costs. Naming rights on buses, schedules,shelters, etc. They would offer connections to the new Liberty Walmart area, Giant Eagle(connection with WRTA Belmont) and Peak Express service to Youngstown. ( No passenger pick up into Youngstown. Discharge only. From Youngstown, pick up only.)
May 17, 201015 yr Is WRTA off track? Repairs are needed at WRTA's Federal Station. Published: Mon, May 17, 2010 @ 12:00 a.m. By Doug Livingston TheNewsOutlet.org YOUNGSTOWN Inside downtown’s Federal Station bus terminal, a large brown spot outlines several ceiling tiles that have fallen from water damage. A metal bar, once holding a tabletop, sticks up from the tile floor. In the bathrooms, a foul odor permeates the graffiti-covered stalls. Full story at: http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/may/17/is-wrta-off-track/
May 18, 201015 yr With more use, WRTA faces cost hazards Published: Tue, May 18, 2010 @ 12:05 a.m. By Doug Livingston TheNewsOutlet.org YOUNGSTOWN The Western Reserve Transit Authority’s September expansion to a countywide service plan is paying off in ridership increases. The authority originally estimated the expansion would bring an additional 50,000 riders for 2010. In the first five months of expanded service, however, 100,000 additional riders have taken the bus compared with the same period in 2009. But the expansion brings concerns, said WRTA President Michael Bosela. http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/may/18/with-more-use-wrta-faces-cost-hazards/
May 18, 201015 yr Still, ridership that's double the original estimate? Awesome. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 27, 201014 yr Still, ridership that's double the original estimate? Awesome. I just read this again. If I'm understanding the story correctly, they only expected 50,000 more riders in 2010, but got 100,000 more riders in the first 5 months of 2010.
August 27, 201014 yr WRTA moves into new offices, plans station upgrade Published: Fri, August 27, 2010 @ 12:01 a.m. By Ashley Luthern [email protected] YOUNGSTOWN Although the parking lot still needs to be lined, the new Western Reserve Transit Authority administration building is open on schedule and under budget. ... The project cost about $1.2 million and was funded with federal stimulus money. WRTA received a total of $3.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In connection with the expansion, WRTA has hired 14 drivers, three office workers and three mechanics, Ferraro said. ... At Thursday’s meeting, trustees received a federal grant, not stimulus money, and awarded a $680,000 contract to improve the Federal Station driveway, sidewalks and shelters. http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/aug/27/wrta-moves-new-offices-plans-station-upgrade/#comments
August 27, 201014 yr More bad-mouthing from the Mayor of Sebring. We’re living the prediction Published: Wed, August 25, 2010 @ 12:00 a.m. We’re living the prediction I voiced my opinion on the un- fair WRTA levy that was on the ballot in November 2008. In that letter I stated, “We must band together and defeat this unfair tax, which will in no way benefit the Youngstown suburbs, and rural communities.” Jim Ferraro, executive director of WRTA stated, “This issue will help us expand services to the areas and the people who need it most.” As a resident of Sebring, I have yet to see a WRTA vehicle in our vicinity. Several times I have observed WRTA buses in the Boardman area, and have yet to see a rider on these very expensive buses. The residents of western Mahoning County are paying a tax that benefits Youngstown, and Youngstown only. Just like another Mill Creek Park tax that we pay, and get nothing in return. John W. Smith, Mayor of Sebring http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/aug/25/we8217re-living-the-prediction/ Since this was a letter to the editor, are there copyright restrictions?
August 28, 201014 yr Since when does every tax have to benefit the payer? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 28, 201014 yr Since they passed the levy, the Warren, Niles, Youngstown bus has been eliminated. The number of passengers was coming up.
October 10, 201014 yr :?I was at the WRTA station this afternoon to take my cousin to catch the Greyhound to Columbus. I saw people waiting for buses. I can's see where all those people are. Each bus had a few people on it. They use big buses. 5:10PM and 5:40PM are the last buses on Saturday. Only half the routes for each time. They should be running on Saturday night also. People have to have cars to get to work. There is a lot of restaurants, hospitals, hotels,etc. No transportation. But they got a Mahoning county levey passed. They have plenty of extra big buses not moving people. They got quite a few small buses that can do the routes.
December 13, 201014 yr WRTA’s EasyGo Curb-to-Curb Service gains in popularity Published: Mon, December 13, 2010 @ 12:04 a.m. By Rami Daud [email protected] YOUNGSTOWN Barbara Altman, 56, entered the bus cheerfully, showing off an armful of Christmas-themed knickknacks, the spoils of two successful games of bingo at Free Methodist Church in New Middletown. http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/dec/13/wrta8217s-easygo-curb-to-curb-service-ga/
December 28, 201014 yr WRTA plans upgrade in service in 2011 Published: Mon, December 27, 2010 @ 12:09 a.m. By Ashley Luthern [email protected] YOUNGSTOWN A reconfigured Austintown route and Federal Station improvements are among the changes that await the Western Reserve Transit Authority in 2011. http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/dec/27/wrta-plans-upgrade-in-service-in-2011/
February 6, 201114 yr Niles will end transit service Published: Sat, February 5, 2011 @ 12:00 a.m. By Ed Runyan [email protected] WARREN Niles has notified the Trumbull County commissioners that it will discontinue its operation of Niles Trumbull Transit — a countywide busing service — at the end of this year. Commissioner Paul Heltzel said the news could result in reductions in the amount of ride services available in 2012 and beyond. Heltzel said it’s too soon to say whether the county will take over the service. “I’ll be able to tell you better after the first half of the year. Funding is going to be difficult this year,” Heltzel said, referring to cuts in funding the state might make to the county and other local governments when it writes its two-year budget in the coming months. READ MORE AT: http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/feb/05/niles-will-end-transit-service/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 16, 201114 yr New bus service from Youngstown to Warren victim of state budget cuts YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - New bus service from Youngstown to Warren is dead on arrival. Cuts in state funding for Ohio transit agencies has forced the WRTA to cancel plans to connect YSU to Eastern Gateway in Warren. "We had secured a grant competitively for $790,000 to institute that service. It was good for up to three years. We felt if we put that service out it would be used," said the WRTA's Jim Ferraro. READ MORE AT: http://www.wfmj.com/global/story.asp?s=14002090 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 16, 201114 yr I've been slacking again... Cutting of $790K halts YSU-EGCC plan Published: Thu, February 10, 2011 @ 12:09 a.m. By Ashley Luthern [email protected] YOUNGSTOWN A planned route between Youngstown State University and Eastern Gateway Community College in Warren is on hold after a state agency rescinded transit grants. ... “Quite frankly, our funding operations-wise from the state is minimum, but they have helped with capital projects and vehicles,” he said, noting that WRTA receives less than $100,000 from the state for operating expenses. At one time, the state provided more than $900,000. The state “can’t really hurt us that much. We were hoping that the $150 million would stay there and a lot of [transit] systems would be more comfortable. We’re one of the few that will be all right. We went from property tax generating $2.4 million [annually] to a sales tax ... that generates closer to $5.5 million,” Ferraro said. http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/feb/10/cutting-of-790k-halts-ysu-egcc-plan/
May 12, 201114 yr Not sure if this belongs here, or the stupid list thread... WRTA ranks low in job use Published: Thu, May 12, 2011 @ 12:08 a.m. Study puts system at 97th of 100 in US By Ashley Luthern [email protected] YOUNGSTOWN A study released today by the Brookings Institution ranked the Western Reserve Transit Authority 97th out of 100 transit systems nationwide in terms of connecting people with jobs. More: http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/may/12/wrta-ranks-low-in-job-use/
August 29, 201113 yr Federal Station’s east lot to undergo concrete testing Published: Mon, August 29, 2011 @ 12:05 a.m. By Ashley Luthern [email protected] YOUNGSTOWN Improvements at Federal Station continue, even as the new concrete on the east parking lot is tested for its durability. The Western Reserve Transit Authority began a repaving project of the Federal Station parking lot, plaza and decorative concrete dividers earlier this year, and work was completed in June. ... Federal Station also is getting a new metal roof. Construction began last week and should be completed by Oct. 1, Fagan said. ... As part of the improvements, the station’s exterior will be painted light brown, replacing the current blue, he added. http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/aug/29/federal-station8217s-east-lot-to-undergo/
September 11, 201113 yr WRTA to restart Youngstown-Warren bus route Monday Published: Sun, September 11, 2011 @ 12:07 a.m. By Ashley Luthern [email protected] YOUNGSTOWN The Western Reserve Transit Authority will begin a new route from Youngstown to Warren on Monday. The route is funded by a one-time $574,052 Job Access Reverse Commute grant from the Federal Transit Authority, said Marianne Vaughn, secretary-treasurer and finance director. More: http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/sep/11/wrta-restart-youngstown-warren-bus-route-monday/
September 12, 201113 yr I had heard about this on Thursday at the Mahoning Valley All Aboard Ohio meeting (the next one will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at Cassese's MVR, 410 North Market). I'm very glad to hear about this expansion because Warren is one of the largest cities in Ohio without any regular route public transit service. And if this route attracts ridership, I suspect this route will remain in place with WRTA's growing sales tax revenues. At least I hope so! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 13, 201113 yr As usual, I'm amused by the comments on the article. They are upset that Mahoning County tax dollars are being used to transport people to Trumbull County to spend their money. What they fail to realize is that, until 2008, the residents of Youngstown were funding bus service to the surrounding suburbs with their property taxes.
September 13, 201113 yr I hope you shared that comment with those black holes (ie: objects so dense that not even light can escape). "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
Create an account or sign in to comment