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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Severe Weather Forces Suspension of Bus Service
No WRTA Fixed Route or Scheduled Transit Service Available Monday.
To ensure public safety during current weather conditions, the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) has suspended all fixed-route and scheduled services for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
WRTA expects to resume normal operations on Tuesday, Jan. 27, provided road conditions improve. However, riders should still prepare for potential delays as service stabilizes.
Riders can get updates on the MyStop mobile app. If you do not already have this app, you can download it free on most phones.
The safety of our riders, employees, and the community is our highest priority. We appreciate your patience and encourage everyone to monitor WRTA’s website, the MyStop mobile app and social media channels for real-time updates.
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ACLD School and Learning Center Named 2025 Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) asked the public to vote for their selection of the 2025 Holiday Lights Non-Profit of the Year and it responded with record numbers of votes. Most of those votes went to ACLD School and Learning Center located on Wood Street in Youngstown.
BACKGROUND
Ten exceptional local nonprofit organizations were recently chosen by a selection committee as winners of the 2025 WRTA Holiday Lights Award for non-profit organizations. These organizations were honored at a special awards dinner Monday November 17th, for their outstanding and consistent dedication to our community.
The public was asked to vote for one of those organizations as Non-Profit of the Year. They chose ACLD School and Learning Center
“We want to congratulate ACLD School and Learning Center for winning the Non-Profit of the Year. ACLD and its people, starting with Executive Director, Erica Brown Fire, do a truly amazing work which often goes unnoticed by the public.” said Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA. “Hopefully, this award will help them build support for their mission.”
WINNER REWARDS
As Non-Profit of the Year, ACLD School and Learning Center receives a comprehensive package of marketing and financial support designed to significantly amplify their reach and impact. This incredible prize includes:
• A TV Advertising Campaign provided by Spectrum Reach.
• Bus Advertising across the WRTA fleet courtesy of ADsposure.
• Social Media Marketing campaign and direction from Farris Marketing/Strategic Social.
• A $1,000 donation from First National Bank.
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Smart Rider Advanced Driver Assistance System
Click to link below to see Smart Rider Advanced Driver Assistance System demonstration video
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) hosted NEORIDE and various transportation officials Tuesday, September 9th near Stambaugh Auditorium for a demonstration of Smart Rider Advanced Driver Assistance System for public transit buses. The system controls the distance between vehicles, provides collision avoidance, lane keeping assistance and more. One of WRTA’s buses was fitted with the system and its capabilities demonstrated this morning for press and public. ##
WRTA LAUNCHES YSU SHUTTLE
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA), in partnership with Youngstown State University (YSU), has begun service of the Red & White Campus Loop. Commonly referred to as the YSU Shuttle, it operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.
The two shuttle routes will run in continuous 16-minute loops:
- The Red Loop travels clockwise from Federal Station through key campus corridors including Wood Street, Fifth Avenue, Wick Avenue, and more.
- The White Loop runs counterclockwise along Commerce Street, Lincoln Avenue, Madison Avenue, and other central areas.
The service is open to all students, faculty, staff and campus visitors, with no ID or fare required—just hop on. Both loops feature flag stop boarding, meaning riders can signal the driver to stop anywhere along the route—similar to hailing a cab. All vehicles are fully ADA accessible.
“This dedicated shuttle service is designed to make travel easier for students, faculty and guests—both around campus and throughout the greater Youngstown area,” said Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA.
“WRTA is proud to partner with Youngstown State University to launch the Red & White Campus Loop. We’re committed to being a responsive and trusted community partner, and this new route reflects that mission.”
In addition to expanded service, the new partnership brings technology upgrades for students. Riders can now track shuttle locations and receive live updates using the myStop app, which also provides access to WRTA’s full network of city routes.
These new offerings reinforce YSU and WRTA’s joint commitment to student success, safety, and mobility.
To view routes or download the myStop app, visit the WRTA online.
Requesting Proposals for Legal Services
Notice is hereby given that Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is soliciting Proposals for Legal Services.
Detailed specifications can be found at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/wrtaonline or www.wrtaonline.com/about/procurement-and-surplus/.
The WRTA Procurement Process is a fully automated, web-based electronic bidding and vendor management system powered by OpenGov.
The Request for Proposal will be released to the public on July 28th, 2025.
Proposals must be submitted using WRTA’s OpenGov portal in accordance with requirements set forth within the bidding documents. Submissions due on or before 11:00 AM, Friday August 29th, 2025 .
There will be a public bid opening conducted at WRTA’s boardroom on Friday August 29th. 2025 @ 11:00 AM. Results will be posted on the WRTA OpenGov procurement portal following the bid opening.
All vendors supplying a bid proposal will receive an email with the opening results.
In connection with the carrying out of this project, the Consultant shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or handicap.
It is the policy of WRTA to ensure that Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, as identified in 49 CFR Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in Department of Transportation (DOT)-assisted contracts.
WRTA’s current overall goal proposes that 1.35% of contracts will be awarded to certified DBE firms that are available, willing, and able.
The Western Reserve Transit Authority reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals, to re advertise for proposals and to waive any informality in any proposal and to determine the most responsive proposal by its own criteria, as described within the specification.
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MEMORIAL DAY 2025
Please be advised that WRTA will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. There will be no bus service on Memorial Day, however, regular bus service will resume on Tuesday, May 27th.
WHY CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY? Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated to remember and honor men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It’s a time to reflect on their sacrifices and the ultimate price they paid while protecting and defending the country. We hope that you and your family will have a safe and happy Memorial Day!
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KEEP YOUR BUS STOP
Property owners grant WRTA permission to put in a bus stop. When trash and store carts are left at a bus stop, the property owner can revoke permission for the stop. We’ve already lost TWO bus stops because of trash. If the bus stop you use is convenient, the best way to keep it is to keep it clean.
Washington and Columbus Come to Youngstown and WRTA
Representatives from the offices of United States Senator Bernie Moreno, U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine paid special visits to Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) this past week.
These introductory meetings were casual but informative. Youngstown-based WRTA had aimed to impress and appears to have accomplished that goal.
“The government representatives seemed happy to come here and we appreciate their interest.” said Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director. “They were surprised by how many people we serve — now over two million rides each year.”
WRTA’s accomplishments seem to have attracted a lot of attention around the state. Observers believe that attention is due to WRTA’s success with increasing ridership, but also the connections it’s forged with local businesses and non-profits. Also impressing the legislators is the the leading role WRTA has taken in advancing autonomous and zero-emission vehicles.
Harris added, “We are hoping the excitement and interest the representatives showed during their visit translates into continued and additional support for public transit in the Mahoning Valley.”
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WRTA Bus Stop Removed and Location Changed at Austintown Walmart Location
AUSTINTOWN — At the request of the property owner, the WRTA bus stop located in front of Dollar Tree in near Walmart in Austintown is being removed.
“This is a well-used stop and we hate to inconvenience our passengers, but we don’t own the property. We must comply with the owner’s demand to remove the bus shelter and the stop.” said WRTA Executive Director Dean Harris.
ROUTE CHANGES
The 9-Austintown Route and the 27-Austintown Loop bus will no longer go into the Walmart plaza effective March 18, 2025. WRTA passengers will now be picked up and dropped off on Mahoning Ave near the traffic light at the Walmart entrance.
Passengers will soon see new maps for 9-Austintown and 27-Austintown Loop under “Rider Info” on WRTAonline.com.
