WARREN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority secured $25,000 to cover the costs of free rides for people who receive services through nonprofits and government agencies.

The executive directors of the mental health and recovery boards in Trumbull and Mahoning counties praised WRTA for seeking the grant, and said it will go a long way in breaking down barriers people seeking services face, and free up limited resources so the agencies can help more people.

Agency representatives that believe their clients could use the free bus passes can fill out an application at www.wrtaonline. com/passprogram and return it by March 20.

The Ohio Department of Transportation awarded WRTA the grant. Agencies that provide services such as infant mortality prevention, substance use disorder treatment and job placement assistance are encouraged to apply.

“When ODOT released their grant program to provide funding to transits in Ohio one of the categories was providing transportation for fighting infant mortality, (substance use disorders) and workforce development. This seemed to be a perfect fit for addressing the transportation issue for these organizations,” said Dean Harris, executive director of WRTA.

WRTA is “forward thinking” for applying for the funds to help the region’s vulnerable populations, said April Caraway, executive director of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

“The No. 1 issue identified by the people we serve, those with mental health and addiction issues, is a lack of transportation. I am thrilled that WRTA has taken the lead to expand transportation services in Trumbull County. It is very forward thinking that they also applied for this funding to provide free bus passes to those who need it most. The number one predictor of successful recovery is gainful employment. Having a free bus pass to get to medical appointments, counseling, treatment, 12-step groups and jobs might just be the lifesaver a person needs,” Caraway said.

WRTA intends on distributing the available passes to as many agencies as it can, Harris said.

“Based on the number of requests we receive we are going to try and distribute the passes out to as many organizations as we can, up to the amount funding we received from ODOT, which was $25,000,” Harris said.

There are no minimum or maximum request requirements for applicants, so as many agencies possible can receive passes.

WRTA operates in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. New and expanded bus routes and door-to-door transportation services funded with a state grant are scheduled to begin March 2 in Trumbull County.

“The pass program is a way to address a concern about transportation I have heard from organizations and agencies that provide service in the Valley. This was especially true for those agencies dealing with health care and drug addiction. They don’t have a lot of funds to handle both the care and also be able to provide transportation to their clients,” Harris said.

Transportation is often one of the biggest barriers people seeking treatment face, said Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

“This is wonderful news, it is breaking down the barrier to seeking treatment. It will also free up resources within the agencies that participate to provide more services. And, it will give clients more choices when it comes to selecting providers, because they may be able to travel further than they would have,” Piccirilli said.

FYI

Visit WRTAonline.com for more information about fares, fixed bus routes, scheduling door-to-door trips and to download phone apps that simplify tracking, scheduling and paying for rides. Information about signing up for the rider training program — a service that helps people get familiarized with using WRTA’s services — is also available online.