Nominate a Local Non-Profit Organization for the 2025 WRTA Holiday Lights Award
NOMINATE A LOCAL NON-PROFIT
Do you know of a local non-profit organization that really helps Valley residents? The WRTA Holiday Lights Award is their chance to shine.
Cast your nomination today using the form below! Hurry, the Deadline is Sunday, October 19, 2025.
ABOUT THE AWARD
The WRTA Holiday Lights Award, launched in 2021, celebrates the incredible non-profit organizations that make the Mahoning Valley brighter every day.
Each year, 12 outstanding organizations are selected from more than 100 nominations. Since its launch, nearly 50 Valley non-profits have been recognized, many seeing a boost in awareness, donations, and community support.
TWELVE NON-PROFITS RECEIVE
- Special Dinner and Award Presentation— Monday, November 17, 2025, at the B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown.
- Awareness Campaign— featured in a shared regional marketing campaign on TV, bus ads, social media and WRTA’s giant digital display sign.
ONE NON-PROFIT RECEIVES EVEN MORE
One of the 12 award winners will be chosen NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR via public vote. That organization will also receive:
- A custom individual TV advertising campaign from Spectrum Reach
- Targeted social media campaign from Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social
- $1,000 donation from a local Valley bank
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Who can nominate a non-profit for this award?
A. Anyone – you may work there, or been helped by them or just have seen their good work.
Q. Can an organization be nominated and/or win more than once?
A. Yes, non-profits can be nominated and win the award multiple times.
Q. What is the deadline for nominations?
A. Sunday, October 19, 2025 – 11:59PM
Q. If my non-profit wins, when will they be notified?
A. Monday, October 27, 2025
NOTE: Nominees will be contacted via email and phone to confirm the details. Watch from emails from gffarris@farrismarketing.com or spvaughan@farrismarketing.com and calls from 330-770-9496 or 330-782-8061. ALSO: A representative of your organization must attend the November 17, 2025 awards event to receive the award.
NOMINATION FORM
PAST WINNERS
2024
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2023
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2022
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2021
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September Board Meeting Cancelled
Please be advised that the September Board of Trustees Meeting set for Thursday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m. has been cancelled.
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 Demonstrates New Safety System
“At WRTA, safety is our top priority. This grant gives us the opportunity to bring the most advanced safety technology available to our fleet, ensuring our passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and community are protected. By investing in these state-of-the-art systems, we’re not just keeping pace with change—we’re leading the way and setting a higher standard for public transit.”— Dean Harris, Executive Director, Western Reserve Transit Authority.
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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.
2025 Canfield Fair Bus Schedule
The 2025 Canfield Fair begins August 27th and WRTA will once again be offering bus service to and from the Fairgrounds. Below is our schedule, also provided as printable download. Remember, riding WRTA is FREE! Enjoy the Fair!
Click here to download a printable PDF
Canfield Fair Route 25 – Boardman Canfield Loop
FROM CANFIELD CIRCLE:
Stay on route 46 to Fairground Blvd Left on Fairground Blvd stop at gate 3 P/U and D/O passengers continue on Fairground Blvd to route 224 Right on 224 continue regular route.
FROM MCCTC ON INBOUND:
Right on route 46 Left on Fairground Blvd stop at gate 3 P/U and D/O passengers continue on Fairground Blvd to route 224 Right on 224 continue regular route.
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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July Board Meeting Cancelled
Please be advised that the July Board of Trustees Meeting set for Thursday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. has been cancelled.
Closed on July 4th
Please be advised that WRTA will be closed and there will be no bus service on Friday, July 4th in celebration of the holiday.
We here at WRTA sincerely hope that you and your family will have a very happy and safe 4th of July!
Regular bus service will resume on Saturday, July 5th.
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