Morrow County transit reports 23% quarterly ridership increase, board appoints new TAC member

Morrow County transit staff reported a quarter-to-quarter increase in total rides of roughly 23 percent as fixed-route service expanded and demand-response trips declined.

The transit presentation noted demand-response trips fell to 371 in the quarter while fixed-route ridership rose from 40 to 252, reflecting outreach and route changes. Transit manager Steven said shifting trips from higher-cost door-to-door demand-response service to fixed routes yields “more ridership at less cost.” He added the first month of new fixed routes recorded about 290 rides and cited route-level counts of roughly 80 and 60 rides on two new multi-directional services.

Steven highlighted local partnerships and outreach—new stops at Boardman Parks & Rec, Pioneer Memorial, and coordinated flyers with veterans’ services—and said the county has sought to make the service visible and accessible. He said transit has introduced in-vehicle push-to-talk radios for drivers and is exploring scheduling partnerships with summer programs; he estimated the county could reach substantially higher fixed-route quarterly ridership if awareness and school/summer program coordination increase.

Following the report, commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Diego Villegas to the Transit Advisory Committee. A motion to add Villegas was moved, seconded and carried.

Transit staff also noted vans remain available for scheduled trips when fixed-route vehicles cannot serve a request, and that the transit advisory committee is actively recruiting members to reflect key demographics for service planning.