New WRTA Routes Launch Dec. 6

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Beginning Dec. 6, the Western Reserve Transit Authority will deploy seven new routes and schedules as it reinstates fixed route service in Warren.

The service is being reinstated thanks to a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation, according to a press release. In addition to the seven fixed routes, the Route #28 Warren Express will continue its regular route.

“We’re fortunate that ODOT funded this service because it’s needed” WRTA Executive Director Dean Harris said in the release. “We do have limited routes at this point, but the routes we have put in place will help get residents to where they need to go.”

The seven new routes in Warren will be the #70 Southeast, #71 North, #72 Southwest, #73 East, #74 Elm, #75 Northwest and the #76 North Jackson Express. Riders will be able to get to shopping centers, senior centers, hospitals and high employer areas including destinations such as Ultium Cells battery plant and the TJX Distribution Center.

WRTA is also introducing the #81 Akron Express route.

“The route was mainly designed to help veterans get to the VA hospital in Cleveland,” said Harris. “But it’s also useful for those riders who are looking to get to the Akron area for shopping or other activities.”

Riders looking to get to the VA hospital will take the Akron Express bus from Federal Station to METRO’s Robert K Pfaff Transit Center. Once there, they will need to catch the X61 Northcoast Express: Akron to Cleveland route that will get them to the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.

If taking this route, riders must pay METRO’s bus fare of $5 one-way or $40 for a Northcoast 10-ride ticket. Passengers can also use the EZ Fare app to pay for their ride.

There are two scheduled trip times for the Akron Express, one leaving Federal Station at 10:40 a.m. for drop off in Akron and the other leaving Federal Station at 4:40 p.m. for a 5:40 p.m. pick up in Akron. This service will run Monday through Friday.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.