Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn announced a $13.5 million investment for 28 public transit projects in the state in a Friday news release.

Through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership (OWMP) program, the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) has been awarded over $225,000 in funding to expand the Warren Express route, which is expected to increase service frequency to every 30 minutes during peak hours between Youngstown and Warren, according to the OWMP project list.

"Transportation should never stand in the way of a good job," DeWine stated. "This investment will help more Ohioans get to work and support employers who need reliable, skilled workers."

The Mahoning Valley changes will "improve access to major employers, educational institutions, and local businesses," according to the OWMP project list.

"We keep seeing great companies moving into Ohio or growing in Ohio. The number of job opportunities coming our way is exciting," said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. "Now we need to do our part, as a State, to empower our people to take advantage of these opportunities and become a part of our workforce team. By removing barriers to transportation for workers, that's exactly what this program will do."

Reestablished in House Bill 54, the program directs federal funding through the state transportation budget to projects that support workforce transportation. Through this act, $13.5 million is made available each State Fiscal Year for 2026-2027. 15 transit agencies across 16 counties are receiving funding through this effort, according to the release. 

"The Workforce Mobility Program is a great tool that helps ODOT deliver on its mission to ensure every Ohioan has access to transportation opportunities, regardless of whether they own a vehicle," said ODOT Director Boraytn.