For Immediate Release November 3, 2021 Media Contact: Andy Cole Communication and Marketing Manager acole@tarta.com Office: 419.245.5213 Mobile: 567.249.5980
TARTA Grateful for Voters’ Support of Issue 12
The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) thanks the voters of Lucas County and Rossford for their belief in the benefits of public transportation and the passage of Issue 12.
“This is the end result of so much work by so many people, so it’s an exciting time to be at TARTA, and we’re so happy to have the confidence and support of the public as we push forward,” said TARTA Board of Trustees President Kelsie Hoagland.
“Public transportation connects people to opportunities in the workforce, and remains the only affordable mode of transport for many of those in the disabled, senior, and veterans communities. The passage of Issue 12 will help ensure that the road to independence remains open for everyone in the region.”
Carly Allen, President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 697, said the union’s membership is proud to have played a part in a “pivotal moment in this region’s history.”
Tuesday’s vote repeals the two property taxes that had funded TARTA for many years and replaces them with a countywide, half-cent sales tax. TARTA had been the only large transit agency in Ohio funded by a property tax.
“It’s been a long time coming to finally have a local funding structure for TARTA that allows us to provide residents and businesses with the sustainable, efficient transit system they need and deserve,” said TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski. “These results demonstrate that our community understands how important a public transportation system is to their friends, neighbors and local businesses.
“In the coming months and years, those who depend on TARTA to reach jobs, doctors’ offices, church and other destinations will notice improvements to our system made possible by voters. TARTA will strive to continue to be a good steward of public funds and an asset to the community.”
TARTA will not collect the sales tax immediately. The switch from a property tax to a sales tax will take place in 2022.
Thanks to the passage of Issue 12, the following improvements will take place at TARTA in the coming years:
Returning service on Sundays and holidays in 2022
An expanded service area for both TARTA fixed-route buses and TARPS paratransit vehicles, allowing all those in Lucas County and Rossford and access public transportation
Expanded hours for service on all days
Modernizing TARTA’s vehicle fleet, which is the oldest in Ohio
Further renovations to the downtown Transit Hub to benefit riders
Riders should expect more information soon on changes coming to TARTA, which is preparing for another five decades of bringing people where they need to go in northwest Ohio.
About TARTA
TARTA provides a vital link in the Toledo metro area to jobs, education, health care and other destinations. It enables everyone in our community to have access to transportation regardless of their age, race, physical ability or economic background. TARTA is underway with exploring and introducing new initiatives and service options that will enhance convenience and customer experience while moving our region into the future of public transit.
