Ohio lawmakers bet big (again) on public transit

Two Ohio State representatives recently announced they would invest in public transit so Ohioans could get to work or school, continuing the state’s politicians’ goal of making public transportation more accessible.

State Rep. Kevin Ritter, R-Washington, announced on Monday that Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine recently awarded $160,000 to Athens Public Transit to acquire a 30-foot expansion bus to its fleet, according to a release.

“I have seen the challenges that finding reliable transportation poses in our region of Ohio,” Ritter said. “These funds will help Athens County residents travel to college, work, and other destinations.” 

Athens County Transit would use this funding to increase capacity and reliability for routes servicing Athens City and surrounding communities. These additional vehicles will help meet growing demand, reduce overcrowding and ensure consistent access to key employers like Ohio University. 

State Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, noted on Tuesday that the Western Reserve Transit Authority has been awarded $228,413 through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program to expand service on the Warren Express route, which would provide people a way of commuting to work and school and support economic growth across Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

“Reliable transportation is one of the most important tools we can provide to help Ohioans get to work, school, and essential services. This investment is a major win for Mahoning and Trumbull counties,” Fischer said. “I’m proud of the work our Lake to River caucus has done together to bring dollars back to the Mahoning Valley.” 

On Nov. 14, DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn announced a $13.5 million investment in 28 public transit projects.

“Transportation should never stand in the way of a good job,” DeWine said in the press release. “This investment will help more Ohioans get to work and support employers who need reliable, skilled workers.”  

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel also said that the current state administration keeps “seeing great companies moving into Ohio or growing in Ohio,” adding that the “number of job opportunities coming our way is exciting.”

“Now we need to do our part, as a State, to empower our people to take advantage of these opportunities and become a part of our workforce team. By removing barriers to transportation for workers, that’s exactly what this program will do,” Tressel said.

Boratyn also celebrated the recent news.

“The Workforce Mobility Program is a great tool that helps ODOT deliver on its mission to ensure every Ohioan has access to transportation opportunities, regardless of whether they own a vehicle,” Boratyn said.