Youngstown State University has partnered with the Western Reserve Transit Authority to officially launch the YSU WRTA Campus Shuttles, a new shuttle system designed to make getting around campus — and connecting with the city — faster, easier and completely fare-free.

Beginning this fall, the Red and White Loop shuttles will operate 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The service is open to all students, faculty, staff and campus visitors, with no ID or fare required — just hop on.

“This partnership is a strong example of how YSU is being responsive to the needs of our campus community,” said Bill Johnson, president of Youngstown State University. “These services help integrate our university more closely with the Youngstown community — promoting both connection and access. And because WRTA’s fare-free policy ensures transportation is not a barrier, we’re breaking down obstacles to education, employment and opportunity.”

The two shuttle routes will run in continuous 16-minute loops:

• The Red Loop travels clockwise from Federal Station through key campus corridors, including Wood Street, Fifth Avenue, Wick Avenue and more.

• The White Loop runs counterclockwise along Commerce Street, Lincoln Avenue, Madison Avenue and other central areas.

Both loops feature flag stop boarding, meaning riders can signal the driver to stop anywhere along the route — similar to hailing a cab. All vehicles are fully ADA accessible.

“This dedicated shuttle service is designed to make travel easier for students, faculty and guests — both around campus and throughout the greater Youngstown area,” said Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA. “WRTA is proud to partner with Youngstown State University to launch the Red & White Campus Loop. We’re committed to being a responsive and trusted community partner, and this new route reflects that mission.”

In addition to expanded service, the new partnership brings technology upgrades for students. Riders can now track shuttle locations and receive live updates using the myStop app, which also provides access to WRTA’s full network of city routes.

“The Student Government Association is excited to promote the new partnership with WRTA taking over the Penguin Shuttles,” said Sofie Myers, President of YSU’s Student Government Association. “This is an amazing resource that students across YSU’s campus can utilize!

Additionally, students will now be able to track bus routes and better plan their shuttle trips. This is an important initiative that SGA has been working toward for a while, and we are very proud to have accomplished the goal of tracking our Penguin Shuttles and getting student transportation on track!”

The YSU WRTA Campus Shuttles are a major step forward in improving mobility, accessibility and inclusion for all members of the YSU community, while strengthening ties to the city of Youngstown.

These new offerings reinforce YSU and WRTA’s joint commitment to student success, safety, and mobility.

To view routes or download the myStop app, visit WRTA online.