By Cameron Reichenbach / The Jambar
Youngstown State University has a longtime commitment to providing accessible transportation for its students, faculty and staff. Both residential and nonresidential students rely on community buses — like the Penguin Shuttle — to get around campus and surrounding areas.
For students without cars, including many international students, these buses are convenient and essential to Penguin life.
YSU announced a partnership with the Western Reserve Transit Authority on Aug. 22 to take over campus transport.
According to WRTA Executive Director Dean Harris, the change was made to improve reliability through all shuttles.
“We worked with YSU on the former bus system,” Harris said. “The buses were getting older and not as reliable. They didn’t have a lot of the equipment that we do. So, we worked with YSU to transition to WRTA buses.”
This brings more modern buses, better tracking technology and increased route frequency. These improvements hope to garner shorter wait times, roomier buses and better overall service.
One of the biggest improvements is the access students have to the WRTA app. Using the app, students can track buses in real time, plan trips based on routes and timing and receive alerts to know when to walk to a stop.
WRTA operates within the campus via two loops — Red Loop and White Loop.
Red Loops operate a clockwise route, stopping at busy campus locations such as Wood Street, Fifth Avenue and Wick Avenue. White Loops run a counterclockwise route through Commerce Street, Lincoln Avenue and Madison Avenue.
“WRTA is proud to partner with Youngstown State University to launch the Red and White Campus Loops. We’re committed to being a responsive and trusted community partner, and this new route reflects that mission,” Harris said.
These routes can be accessed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., during the fall and spring semester. Both loops are on 16-minute time intervals.
Among the improvements, student safety is still a concern. Harris said WRTA drivers are trained to handle various situations and can contact police or YSU security when needed.
“Our drivers are trained to assist officers or call police,” Harris said. “They can also stop by the loop at the transit center where we have security — and they stay connected with YSU security.”
In a statement, President Bill Johnson said the partnership is a strong example of how YSU is being responsive to the needs of the campus community.
“These services help integrate our university more closely with the Youngstown community — promoting both connection and access. And because WRTA’s fare-free policy ensures transportation is not a barrier, we’re breaking down obstacles to education, employment and opportunity,” Johnson stated.
The switch to WRTA signals a step forward in student transportation at YSU. With better busing and enhanced safety protocols, the partnership aims to create a smoother, safer and more efficient ride for all Penguins.
For more information on WRTA busing, students can visit WRTA.com.
