The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) has announced significant service reductions and layoffs in response to a projected $1 million budget shortfall for both 2024 and 2025. The measures include discontinuing five bus routes, restructuring paratransit services, and laying off up to 30 employees.
SARTA plans to eliminate the following routes effective February 10, 2025:
- Late-Night Loops: Routes 151, 152, 153
- Success Express: Route 157
- Community Circulator: Route 158
Additionally, SARTA will restructure its ProLine paratransit service, limiting ride-by-appointment services to areas within three-quarters of a mile from fixed bus routes, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This change will affect riders in areas without nearby fixed routes, such as Paris Township and Minerva.
The decision has drawn criticism from riders who depend on these services. Patti, a Facebook commenter, expressed concern about the discontinuation of SARTA Connect, stating, “This is sad for me. I’m in a wheelchair and riding regular bus just isn’t convenient. Too many transfers to get places if you can even go where I want to go.”
Another commenter highlighted the impact on individuals with disabilities: “A 70 y/o amputee from Canal Fulton will have to give up his job in Canton, because there is no bus service, of any kind, in Canal Fulton. A large group of ProLine users, such as Stark DD clients, will lose transportation! Which means they lose their independence!”
SARTA CEO Kirt Conrad acknowledged the challenges, stating that operating ProLine as a countywide, on-demand service is unsustainable from a fiscal standpoint. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, noting that the agency is exploring alternative services to mitigate the impact on affected riders.
Public meetings were held on November 21 and 22 to discuss the changes and gather feedback. SARTA’s Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposed reductions at a meeting scheduled for December 11.
