WRTA Gets $2.3M Grant to Test Autonomous Shuttle

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Western Reserve Transit Authority has been awarded $2,331,000 in federal funds to improve mobility and adopt new technologies, including the use of an autonomous shuttle.

The grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s Accelerating Innovative Mobility program is part of a test program that puts WRTA into a network of agencies nationwide that will test methods and share results.

“WRTA is excited to be receiving this grant award as it will allow us to continue the success of building and testing a new transportation options in Mahoning Valley,” said Dean Harris, WRTA’s executive director, in a statement. “This grant will allow WRTA to help test an autonomous shuttle in downtown Youngstown to provide safe and convenient service to link local business and connect WRTA’s fixed routes to the rest of the Valley.”

The grant is part of the federal administration’s effort to incentivize public transportation, promote economic development and improve public-private partnerships.

“This federal investment for the WRTA will change public transportation not only in the Mahoning Valley but across the country,” U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-13 Ohio, said. “I am proud of the forward-looking work of the WRTA for receiving this grant, and I offer my support as they work on implementing the exciting changes to come.” 

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.