COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Western Reserve Transit Authority has been awarded $228,413 to expand its Warren Express bus route. The funding is part of a $13.5 million statewide investment designed to enhance public transportation and connect Ohio residents to jobs.

The grant, issued through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership program, will allow the WRTA to increase service frequency on the Warren Express route, which connects the cities of Youngstown and Warren.

The expansion will make buses available every 30 minutes during peak hours. The increased service is expected to improve access to major employers, educational facilities, and local businesses in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, helping to support workforce movement in the region.

The $13.5 million in total funding supports 28 public transit projects across the state. A total of 15 transit agencies in 16 counties received a portion of the funds.

The OWMP was reestablished in House Bill 54 to direct federal money toward projects that link residents with economically important employment centers, bridge service gaps between rural and urban areas, and improve mobility for those with limited transit options.

The dedicated funding is set to be made available each state fiscal year for 2026 and 2027.