For Immediate Release March 14, 2022 Media Contact: Andy Cole Communication and Marketing Manager acole@tarta.com Office: 419.245.5213 Mobile: 567.249.5980
TARTA Awarded Grant For Facilities Upgrades
Sorely needed upgrades to the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)’s maintenance facilities and paratransit fleet are on the way thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
TARTA is one of five transit agencies in Ohio that received a Buses and Bus Facilities Grant this week. The award for just over $2.3 million will allow TARTA to improve its facility and TARPS fleet in preparation for expanding service to all of Lucas County and Rossford through the TARTA Next redesign.
“We are incredibly fortunate to be represented by Senator Sherrod Brown, Representative Marcy Kaptur, and others who recognize the benefits of a robust public transportation system,” said TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski. “Through decades of underfunding and a pandemic, TARTA team members worked tirelessly to get customers to essential destinations. These upgrades will give those team members the tools they need to be of even greater service to the people who depend on public transit in northwest Ohio.
“These areas of our infrastructure have been neglected due to budget cuts for far too long, and this grant will allow us play catch-up and be of better service to transit riders.”
Also receiving grants for facility and fleet upgrades are Lake County’s Laketran, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, and the Portage Regional Transportation Authority.
“Transit is all about the dignity of work – it creates jobs, it connects people to jobs, it reduces the cost of commuting, and it will help communities across Ohio grow and create opportunity,” said Senator Sherrod Brown through a press release. “Employers, entrepreneurs, and workers have all been asking for better transit – now we’re delivering by making major investments that will create good-paying American jobs that cannot be shipped overseas, and that will help Ohio communities thrive and grow.”
The most recent grant comes one week after Senator Brown and Rep. Kaptur were instrumental in securing a $14 million grant for TARTA through the American Rescue Plan. That grant is designed to help recover funds lost due to the pandemic by offsetting costs related to staffing, recruitment, training, and health and safety measures.
“Investments in TARTA are investments in Toledo’s workers, families, and seniors,” said U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur. “I am honored to fight for and secure the resources that Toledo and our region need for the future.”
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.
