YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Western Reserve Transit Authority accomplished several goals in 2024 and made progress toward others, according to its executive director, Dean Harris.
“Our service is getting good reviews from riders, even as we are growing,” Harris says. “And our relationships with community leaders and our close connections with residents are very gratifying.”
As part of its third annual Give Local Small Business a Lift campaign, the Youngstown-based WRTA spotlighted 13 businesses that exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic of the Mahoning Valley.
Two of the winning businesses were chosen in a drawing to receive a $3,000 television advertising package from WKBN/WYFX and a $4,000 social media package.
The winning small businesses were All Spruced Up Cleaning Co., Avalon Downtown Pizzeria, Jenee Spa & Wellness, Gloris Counseling Services, La La Love Healthcare, Charly’s Family Restaurant, The Joshua Tree, The Emma Elf Project, Rescued to Riches Pet Groom and Board, Bending Oak Permaculture Farm, Haus Auto Group, Guided Compass Holistic Health and QUICKmed Urgent Care.
WRTA’s fourth annual Holiday Lights Campaign put the spotlight on nonprofit organizations that light up the Valley all year long by doing exceptional and beneficial work.
The honorees were Clover Recycling, Dylan’s House, Olivia’s Grace, Sight for All United, Friends of Fido, Limitless Dance Co., Yellow Brick Place, United Returning Citizens, Mahoning County Special Olympics, Veterans Haven, DIVA Donations and Youngstown Lions Club.
Yellow Brick Place was named nonprofit of the year and received a $3,000 advertising package.
WRTA recently began testing self-driving vehicles. After receiving funding in 2020 through the Enhancing Life with Automated Transportation for Everyone grant, WRTA developed the AV1 project to test autonomous technology for transit.
In August, WRTA hosted an introductory event for its first autonomous vehicle shuttle. Once put into service, the vehicle will provide service between WRTA’s Federal Station and Mercy Health Hospital on the north side of Youngstown.
In December, WRTA hired Jordan Pennell as external affairs director. Pennell was previously special projects coordinator for former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown.
WRTA provides more than 7,000 rides a day, six days a week, each at no cost. But its impact goes far beyond transportation, Harris says. The economy and environment are also impacted by WRTA.
When a company considers a new location, it looks at public transportation in that city because it needs to know that its workers who don’t own a car will be able to get to work.
And when fewer people drive, carbon emissions are reduced.
WRTA makes sure that all its vehicles comply with emission regulations and has set a goal of using only zero-emission vehicles in the future.
WRTA began replacing staff vehicles with electric-powered versions in 2020. Battery electric LTV buses have been ordered.
Next year, an order for the large full-size electric buses will also be placed. When the older vehicles are phased out, WRTA will have a 100% zero-emission fleet.