Over the past six months, we have collaborated closely with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and their consultant to evaluate and enhance transportation services within Wayne County and the City of Wooster. Through a series of workshops, Zoom calls, and meetings, we have examined successful programs and governance methods from other communities. It has become clear that, to ensure the continuation and improvement of transportation services within the County, the City of Wooster must assume the role of facilitator.
- Public Notification and Meeting:
Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) will issue a public notice informing all impacted clients that County operations will cease on August 31st. Public meetings will be held on Thursday, July 18th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bruch Hall at the First Presbyterian Church of Wooster to explain the process and the plans moving forward.
- Designation as Recipient of Federal Funds:
The City of Wooster will be designated as the recipient of Wayne County’s Federal transportation funds, a role currently held by the SARTA.
This will make the City eligible for federal funding under the formula-based 5311 Rural Transit program from the Federal Transit Agency (FTA). These funds require a 50% match of local funds.
- Assignment of Transit Manager:
To qualify for federal funds, the City must assign the role of Transit Manager within our organizational structure. This position is crucial for overseeing and expanding the transportation program within the City and County. ODOT will fund the position for one year, which will be the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, the new transportation program will then fund the position thereafter.
This person would be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of service, coordinating with the operations contractor, federal and state reporting, and identifying and pursuing additional capital and operating funding,
- Request for Proposal (RFP) for Transportation Services:
Once the Transit Manager is in place, the City will need to issue a new RFP for transportation services within Wooster, starting January 1, 2025. The Transit Manager will also work on expanding the program beyond the City limits to serve the wider County area.
- Collaborative Partnerships:
The expansion of the transportation program will involve leveraging contracts and partnerships with the Wayne County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Wayne County Job and Family Services (JFS), County Commissioners, other municipalities, and private partners.
- Cessation of County Transit Operations:
County Transit services will cease on August 31st. Residents of Wayne County will need to seek alternative transportation methods. We are working with ODOT and Community Action to mitigate the impact of this service disruption as much as possible, given that approximately 24% of SARTA trips originate and end within Wooster.
- Support for Affected Residents:
Efforts are underway with ODOT, Community Action, County Commissioners, and JFS to assist residents affected by the discontinuation of County Transit services.
- Continuation of the City Route:
The current City transportation loop and taxi pass program will continue to operate until the new transportation program is operational.
- Federal Funding Match:
Upon becoming the designee for Federal Funds, the City will receive a dollar-for-dollar match for transportation services. We can then begin to leverage additional entities to expand the service to county-wide.
- ODOT Support for Transit Manager:
ODOT will cover the cost of the Transit Manager for the first year, ensuring our new transportation program gets off to a strong start.
- Increased Federal Funding:
This transition allows us to access Federal funds currently utilized by SARTA, providing an opportunity to create a more efficient transit program that can serve a larger city and county population.
- Enhanced Financial Efficiency:
By redirecting Federal funds directly to Wooster and Wayne County, both the residents and entities will benefit, reducing reliance on general fund revenue for transportation and leveraging underutilized funding within the county to serve more residents.
This transition presents a unique opportunity to enhance our transportation infrastructure and better serve the residents of Wooster and Wayne County. Your support and approval are crucial as we move forward with these plans.
Joel Montgomery, PE, ICMA-CM
Director of Administration
Phil Turske
Deputy Director of Admininstration