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TARTA Unveils a New Strategic Vision
Special to The Truth
A new day for TARTA is on the horizon. After a thorough
evaluation of its services, the Toledo Area Regional Transit
Authority (TARTA) is embracing the opportunity to keep pace
with the revitalization of the region. TARTA has developed
the Move Toledo strategic vision that will guide
significant enhancements to the future of public
transportation in and around Toledo.
The Move Toledo strategic vision was developed
specifically to meet the needs of the Toledo region during
its era of progress and vibrant revitalization. The vision
embraces the changes in the Toledo area and explores how
public transportation will play a role as a critical
resource for the region’s future.
Over the past several months, TARTA has re-evaluated its
services and reimagined what TARTA can be. TARTA studied
transit authorities in more than 50 cities to gather current
best practices in public transportation and investigated
future trends in urban mobility. TARTA also commissioned a
public input study to gather the opinions of current riders,
non-riders, Toledo residents and suburbanites, TARTA staff,
business leaders, and public officials.
“The feedback we received provided an honest assessment of
where TARTA is currently and what our community wants and
needs from a public transit service,” said Jim Gee, TARTA
General Manager. “Some of the comments were difficult to
hear, but our stakeholders really challenged us to leave no
stone unturned and develop a plan that will meet the future
lifestyle needs of our community.”
The result of this research, analysis, and self-reflection
is the development of Move Toledo, a strategic vision
that focuses on three key areas:
Service Introductions
In addition to expanding TARTA routes throughout all of
Lucas County, the Move Toledo strategic vision calls
for TARTA service hours to be extended to better accommodate
workers on all shifts. The vision also includes new modes of
transportation, such as a van pool program to offer
ride-share for residents who work in other municipalities
within our region and a new Uber-like, on-demand service.
Technology Advancements
TARTA plans to bring new technology to its fleet by adding
vehicles powered by alternative fuel sources such as
including propane and electricity and exploring
opportunities to integrate autonomous vehicles as
technologies advance. Service amenities such as online
scheduling for TARPS and Call-A-Ride would be implemented
along with a new app that would accept fare payments from
credit/debit cards via smartphone.
Core Improvements
A number of core improvements are planned to position TARTA
as a viable transportation option for our region. One
component of these upgrades includes the complete
restructuring of transit routes to create more efficient
service in suburban areas, decrease the number of transfers
required, and increase bus frequency in key areas.
Additionally, a shift in TARTA’s current funding from
property tax to a sales tax model will aid in the
equalization of transportation funding. Other core changes
include updating TARTA’s fleet of vehicles and a refreshed
brand to better reflect the future of TARTA.
Visit
www.movetoledo.com to learn how these improvements will
transform TARTA and help Move Toledo forward.
With its Move Toledo vision, TARTA is embracing the
momentum and changes in its community and positioning itself
as a valuable resource for area residents. TARTA is more
prepared than ever to begin a new chapter in public transit
in Toledo and its surrounding communities and become a
leader in public transportation.
About TARTA
The Toledo Area Regional
Transit Authority was formed in 1971 and is a political
subdivision under Ohio law, similar to a park or school
district. TARTA supplies more than 3.1 million passenger
trips annually and provides interconnected regional service
to six communities in Lucas County – Toledo, Maumee,
Waterville, Ottawa Hills, Sylvania, and Sylvania Township –
and Rossford in Wood County.
TARTA provides a variety of transportation services,
including fixed-line service on regularly scheduled
specific routes, seven days a week; the Toledo
Area Regional Paratransit Service (TARPS) for people with
disabilities; Call-A-Ride service in suburban communities;
and shuttle service to Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye sporting
events. TARPS and Call-A-Ride customers are required to call
in advance to arrange pick-up times.
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