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County transit absorbs some riders as WRTA routes end; first-quarter costs about $349,000
Summary
Trumbull County transit staff reported rising trip volumes and first-quarter operating costs of roughly $349,000; commissioners were told WRTA route changes will shift several riders to county transit and staff will monitor costs while seeking ODOT and levy funding.
Trumbull County transit staff reported ridership increases and higher operating costs in the first quarter as two WRTA routes cease service, and said the county plans to pick up some displaced riders while monitoring the budget.
“In the first quarter of this year, we've done 10,228 trips,” the transit manager said during the meeting. He noted that figure was up from 9,777 the prior year and that the county’s transit program is on pace with prior annual totals.
Transit finances: The transit director provided a first-quarter cost summary that totaled roughly $349,000 across senior and disabled service buckets. He said that, extrapolated, the county was “looking at…$1,500,000 for this year” if current trends continue. The board discussed funding sources including ODOT grants, levy proceeds and service contracts.
Service changes and client transfers: County staff said the Warren Express and related WRTA-run service will end May 30 and that Trumbull County Transit expects to transfer a small number of riders (the manager estimated about six clients so far) to county-provided service. Staff said routes that previously averaged roughly 41 round trips per day were modest in patronage and that the county has absorbed similar transitions before.
“Those routes were only averaging 41 round trips a day,” the transit manager said, adding that several routes operate at lower ridership levels but that routes are still important for seniors and disabled residents.
Grants and budget monitoring: Staff said an ODOT grant decision is pending and that a recently passed local levy will increase funds available for senior services. Commissioners asked staff to provide month-by-month financial tracking and warned that sustained increases could require further budget adjustments or service decisions.
Ending: Staff will continue to monitor ridership and cost trends, pursue available state grant funding, and report monthly to the commissioners on any needed budget adjustments.
