Weirton Transit Rolling Into Future
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With the beginning of the month, the operations of Weirton Transit are fully under the umbrella of the City of Weirton.
"It's 110% official. That happened July 1," explained Kevin Davis, the city's transit director.
The change follows financial issues over the last few years with the Weirton Transit Corp., the private, non-profit entity which had operated public transit services in the city since the late 1980s. While the WTC Board of Trustees worked to address those concerns, a decision was made, under the recommendation of the State of West Virginia, for the City of Weirton to take over bus operations.
Davis explained there are adjustments being made with the new City of Weirton transit service, including in the way routes are handled.
"We're going back to regular routes," Davis said, explaining the focus will be on providing service primarily through an established route and less on deviations or on-demand services.
As part of the Weirton Transit regular routes, multiple stops each day will be made at Stone Brook Apartments, Freedom Place, the Mary H. Weir Public Library, the bus shelter in place near the Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue intersection, the area of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, the American Legion, American Way, Weirton Medical Center, the Weirton Shopping Plaza, Kroger, Walmart, Shop N Save and Overbrook Towers.
In addition, Davis noted, the regular route has added stops at Chestnut Manor, while the Cove Road Express Run route has added stops at the Heathermoor Drive area and a spot along Cove Road for residents of Wyles Terrace.
"We're excited," Davis said of the additions. "They're going to get there twice, just like everyone else."
Fares have been set at $2 per ride, with an additional $1 for a deviation of up to ¼ mile from the regular route, $1 for students to and from school, $4 for on-demand when arranged ahead of time and based on availability, and $5 for on-demand, same-day services based on availability.
Much of the information potential riders need now is available on the City of Weirton's website, located at www.cityofweirton.com. Check under the section labeled "Government" and find Weirton Transit under the departmental listing.
The website includes a breakdown of routes offered, based on weekday mornings and afternoons, as well as Saturdays, along with the new rate structure and information on Weirton Transit's non-discrimination policy and a form in the event a customer has a complaint related to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"That way everyone can see our rates and see what we're doing," Davis noted.
Davis explained Weirton Transit also is in the process of a rebranding, through the support of the City of Weirton, the West Virginia Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration.
Those efforts include the creation of a new logo to go along with Weirton Transit's new identity.
Davis also is looking into opportunities to improve working relationships with other transit providers in the area, including Steel Valley Regional Transit, to better serve Weirton residents.
"We want it to be fresh," he said. "We want to move into the future."