Western Reserve Transit Authority unveils new, advanced safety technology integrating into fleet

The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) marked a significant milestone in public transportation with the unveiling of new, advanced safety technology that will be integrated into its fleet.

The announcement was made during a press event at Stambaugh Auditorium attended by local, state, and federal leaders, including Dean Harris, WRTA Chief Executive Officer; Jamael Tito Brown, Mayor of Youngstown; Preeti Choudhary, Executive Director of DriveOhio; Shaz Umer, U.S. DOT Director of Strategic Initiatives; and Gery Noirot, P.E., ODOT District 4 Deputy Director.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Phase I grant, the initiative will bring state-of-the-art systems to WRTA buses, including obstacle detection, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. These technologies are designed to help prevent accidents, reduce risk, and ensure the highest level of protection for WRTA passengers, drivers, and the community at large.

The SMART Phase I grant enables WRTA to begin outfitting two buses with this new technology. WRTA is now eligible to apply for Phase II funding, which would allow the agency to expand these enhancements to the remainder of its fleet, further strengthening safety and reliability throughout the region.

“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,” said Dean Harris, WRTA Chief Executive Officer. “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.”

Representatives from DriveOhio, ODOT, and the U.S. Department of Transportation also spoke about the broader impact of advanced transportation technologies across Ohio and the nation, highlighting WRTA’s role as a leader in public transit innovation.

The new safety features will be phased into WRTA’s fleet within the next month, with comprehensive training provided for drivers and staff to ensure a smooth rollout. The project demonstrates WRTA’s ongoing commitment to leveraging innovation and collaboration to improve public transportation for the residents of the Mahoning Valley.