YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Western Reserve Transit Authority launched a $6.5 million project designed to support the next generation of public transportation in the Mahoning Valley.
Dean Harris, WRTA executive director, discusses the groundbreaking for the new facility, a major infrastructure project that marks the beginning of WRTA’s transition toward electric vehicle technology and expanded transit services.
Harris says the project includes the complete demolition and reconstruction of the existing bus barn, creating a modern facility capable of housing and charging up to 20 electric buses. Funded through grants from the Federal Transit Administration, the investment will add charging infrastructure, fire suppression systems and other upgrades needed to support an electric fleet.
The $6.5 million project represents a key step in WRTA’s long-term strategy to move away from diesel-powered vehicles and toward cleaner, more efficient transportation options. Harris says the transition will help reduce emissions, stabilize fuel costs and improve public transit operations across the region.
WRTA also plans to install a solar canopy to help offset electricity costs and further support the agency’s sustainability goals. While construction is expected to continue for several months, Harris says transit service will continue uninterrupted throughout the project.
Beyond electric buses, Harris says the WRTA is continuing to explore new mobility options, including expanded microtransit services and other technologies designed to improve transportation access throughout the Valley. The new facility will serve as a foundation for those future investments while modernizing infrastructure that supports public transit for decades to come.