WRTA Unveils Refreshed Branding and Positioning
Forward-Motion Logo and “Going Your Way” Tagline Signal New Era of Economic Impact for Mahoning Valley
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – This coming Monday, the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) will introduce its refreshed branding and positioning. WRTA, Youngstown’s fare-free transit authority is using the branding update in part to emphasize the authority’s commitment to serving as the region’s primary engine for workforce mobility.
The new logo—featuring a sleek bus outline with a bold arrow cutting through the “A” in WRTA—is designed to symbolize forward motion toward economic development and equality.
“Our new look and positioning is a promise to the Mahoning Valley,” said Dean Harris, Chief Executive Officer of WRTA. “When we say we are ‘Going Your Way,’ we mean we are aligned with the personal and financial goals of our riders. Whether that goal is keeping a steady job, attending a medical appointment, or simply having more money for groceries, WRTA is the vehicle that gets them there—at zero cost to the rider.”
THE $3 MILLION LOCAL ECONOMIC BOOST
While WRTA provides an average of more than 7,000 rides a day — more 2 million rides annually — the true economic story lies in the daily consistency of its service. By providing free transportation 6 days a week, WRTA acts as a localized wealth-builder, removing financial barriers for the thousands of passengers who rely on the system every day.
WRTA used to charge $1.25 per ride. The zero fare model puts an estimated $750 back into each rider’s pocket annually for the approximate 3,500 regular passengers who use WRTA. Collectively, this injects almost $3 million back into the local economy as riders spend those savings at Mahoning Valley grocery stores, pharmacies, and small businesses.
But that’s just one aspect of WRTA’s efforts to assist local economic development. Others include:
Workforce Stability: WRTA provides the reliable “bridge” between local employers and their staff. By removing the “transportation barrier,” WRTA helps businesses retain employees who might otherwise struggle with the high costs of car ownership or rising fuel prices.
Healthcare Access: With thousands of daily trips dedicated to medical care, WRTA significantly reduces the “no-show” rate for local healthcare providers, saving the regional medical system hundreds of thousands in lost productivity and administrative overhead.
“Going Your Way” – More Than a Tagline
The forward-pointing arrow in the new logo represents the upward mobility that transit provides. In a region where owning a car can be a financial burden, WRTA ensures that every resident has a path forward.
“Every time a passenger boards a WRTA bus for free, they are taking a step toward financial stability,” Harris continued. “The arrow in our new logo points toward the future of the Mahoning Valley—a future where mobility is a right, and where we are always going your way.”
The new branding will begin appearing on vehicles, signage, and digital platforms starting this Monday and gradually be worked across all platforms throughout this year and next.
WRTA continues to offer fixed-route and on-demand scheduled services across Mahoning County Monday through Saturday. More information is available on the transit’s website www. WRTAonline.com.
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