Local

WRTA Federal Station receives $2.9 million grant for reconstruction

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters
Western Reserve Transit Authority of Youngstown’s Federal Station will undergo a major reconstruction.
Western Reserve Transit Authority of Youngstown’s Federal Station will undergo a major reconstruction. WRTA

After receiving a grant of $2,940,480, the Western Reserve Transit Authority of Youngstown’s Federal Station will undergo a major reconstruction.

The RAISE grant, which stands for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, was granted to WRTA by the Department of Transportation.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) applauded the DOT’s efforts to improve northeast Ohio transportation for all communities, especially Mahoning County.

“This is the continuation of the largest investment in Ohio’s public transportation ever. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is already getting resources to Ohio communities to improve transportation,” said Brown. “This investment will mean safer streets, better walkways, improved transit, and will support new economic growth in [many] counties.”

Western Reserve Transit Authority of Youngstown’s Federal Station will undergo a major reconstruction.
Western Reserve Transit Authority of Youngstown’s Federal Station will undergo a major reconstruction. RAISE

Plans for WRTA Federal Station

According to the 2023 RAISE facts sheet released last week, the city of Youngstown’s transit hub, Federal Station, will soon get a new, upgraded look focused on passenger safety and clean energy.

The renovation will include adding a remote passenger terminal, a parking garage, electric car and bus charging stations, and “a multi-modal approach to provide transit users with connections to e-bikes and rideshare services.”

The project focuses heavily on safety. Plans include redesigning the station layout to reduce conflict points between pedestrians and buses by separating rider boarding areas from the pathways buses use to enter and exit the facility.

They’re hoping by including electric buses and electric bus charging stations; the hub will be able to transition to using electric and zero-emissions buses one day.

The most significant improvement: riders can soon have access to indoor waiting spaces and amenities while waiting for their buses.

We’re working to determine if and when the Federal Station will close for reconstruction.

Check WRTA for updates and learn about smart riding and online trip planning here.

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