MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - The Western Reserve Transit Authority discontinued fares in March, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and are now looking to implement a zero fares policy. 

Riders relied on the WRTA throughout the pandemic, and free fares made it easier for riders to get where they needed to go like doctors appointments and grocery stores. 

The WRTA acknowledges that the Valley is still recovering from economic issues caused by the pandemic, and wants to support its customers during this time. 

They have hosted public hearings to get input about making the free fares continue permanently for WRTA riders, and will take the comments to the WRTA Board of Trustees. 

They will officially vote on whether to make the free fares permanent on October, 28. 

"There is an economic side to it, it costs money to transport money to the bank, costs money to repair fare boxes, and the collection of money slows down the bus," says Dean Harris, Executive Director of the WRTA. 

"There is also a social side to it, we want to be able to provide transportation to everyone," says Harris. 

As of right now, the free rides will end on December 31st of this year.