Harris: In Early 2020, about Half of WRTA Riders ‘Were Going to Work’

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, annual ridership along Western Reserve Transit Authority’s 27 bus routes stood at 1.5 million users, says WRTA Executive Director Dean Harris.

“About half of them were going to work,” he says. “You can see the connection between transportation, business and the economy.”

WRTA and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber have initiated a survey of businesses and residents to determine demand for future transportation routes and service expansions throughout Mahoning and Trumbull counties, especially as private development accelerates in outlying areas such as Lordstown.

“For our riders, it’s the need of getting to work or doctors’ appointments,” adds Judy Rodriguez, director of transportation at WRTA. “It’s their livelihood.”

You can read more in Dan O’Brien’s story by clicking HERE.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.