Western Reserve Transit Authority continued a five-year run of ridership increases in 2025.
Already averaging 7,000 rides a day (more than 2 million a year), WRTA saw ridership increase last year by more than 67,000 rides.
WRTA leadership believes its combination of zero-cost fares, good communication, convenient service and strong community connections resulted in substantial growth in 2025.
“We provide a service,” says Dean Harris, WRTA CEO. “We always focus on what riders want and need and then we do our best to fill those needs.”
Monday through Friday, WRTA buses are on the road at 5 a.m., and Saturdays at 7 a.m. – mostly to accommodate riders heading to work. Likewise, service ends at 9 p.m. weekdays and 6 p.m. Saturdays. Fixed routes and scheduled on-demand services much of Mahoning County.
“Communication is critical also,” says Harris. “Between social media, news announcements and website updates, we keep riders and potential riders aware of what’s available.”
WRTA supports and helps strengthen its relationship with the community through several efforts including its fall Holiday Lights campaign for nonprofits and its spring Give Small Biz a Lift campaign.
Over the next few months, WRTA will gradually include its new logo and its new tagline “Going Your Way” in more of its marketing and communications. A new website will also come online this
spring.
WRTA was awarded the Empower Certification from Clean Fuels Ohio as an EV-friendly workplace for its leadership in supporting employee and public EV charging infrastructure.
WRTA, in partnership with Youngstown State University, launched the Red & White Loop shuttle service, providing transportation connecting students, faculty and staff to campus destinations and nearby off-campus locations.
In December 2025, WRTA launched an autonomous vehicle route featuring a zero-emission, self-driving shuttle that runs mainly along Fifth Avenue with stops near Federal Station, Stambaugh Stadium, Mercy Health St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and YSU. The vehicle is part of an effort to test AV technology for public transit and includes onboard attendants for safety and real-time tracking via the WRTA app.
Bids will be advertised for multiple WRTA construction projects, including renovation and expansion of the administration building and a bus storage facility.
