TARTA is an essential service and operates in many conditions including Snow Emergencies. To best serve its passengers safely and efficiently during a Level III Snow Emergency, TARTA has created a Snow Emergency Plan for its regular line, Flex and TARTA Move (formerly TARPS) services.
TARTA and Flex services will no longer operate on reduced service when Lucas or Wood County declares a Level III Snow Emergency.
Level III policy for TARTA Move remains that reservations will be canceled by TARTA if deemed hazardous. Only those persons in life-threatening situations will be given consideration for rides.
It is understood that delays will occur, and dispatchers will redirect service as it is warranted by road conditions to keep service reliable and safe. All transportation department personnel are considered essential employees and are expected to report to work in the event of a snow emergency.
Questions about the snow emergency plan may be directed to the TARTA information line at (419) 243-7433 or the TARTA Move information line at (419) 382-9901.
Fixed-Line Routing Alternatives for Weather
Line up will be moved to Cherry Street when dispatchers deem necessary for safety. The public will be given as much notice as possible via social media, the website and text message.
Snow Emergency Levels as outlined by the Lucas County Sheriff
Level I
A Level I Snow Advisory is due to conditions caused by ice, blowing and drifting snow, which can make county roadways hazardous. Residents should drive cautiously. This advisory can be upgraded or discontinued.
Level II
In addition to elements detailed in a Level 1 Advisory. A Level II Snow Advisory includes ice, blowing and drifting snow causing low visibility on county roadways. Only persons with a real and important need to be out on roads and streets should do so. This advisory can be upgraded, downgraded, or discontinued.
Level III
A Level III Emergency is for all roads and streets in Lucas County. This declaration does not apply to traffic on the Ohio Turnpike but does apply to all other roads and streets in Lucas County.
Travel on these roadways is limited to emergency and essential personnel only. No one should be on these roadways during the duration of this Snow Emergency unless absolutely necessary. All employees should contact their employer to determine if they should report for work.
All non-emergency and nonessential personnel traveling the roadways during this Snow Emergency may be subject to arrest and prosecution under section 2917.13 of the Ohio Revised Code for “misconduct at an emergency.”
The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office is without authority to arbitrarily determine what occupations, job descriptions or duties constitute essential or nonessential employees.
Sheriff’s Authority: Ohio Revised Code – 311.07, 311.08, and 311.08(A) – Ohio Attorney General Opinions: 86-023 (1986); 97-015 (1997)
Heat Advisory
When the National Weather Service issues a Heat advisory for Lucas County, the TARTA Transit Hub and all TARTA buses waiting at the hub become cooling stations.
During this time, Toledo and Lucas County residents can use toledo.oh.gov/warm-weather for an updated cooling shelter list. Several cooling shelters in Lucas County are accessible by TARTA bus routes.
For those who do not have internet access, United Way of Greater Toledo can find this information. Dial 2-1-1 to get connected with a local representative.
