Staff photo / R. Michael Semple Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, seated left, and Shaz Ulmer, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the U.S. Department of Transportation, seated right, along with others, take a ride on an accident-avoidance technology equipped WRTA bus Tuesday morning. The technology will be installed on two of WRTA’s 35-foot buses.

YOUNGSTOWN — A federal grant is allowing the Western Reserve Transit Authority to install accident-avoidance technology on two of its 35-foot buses.

The funding for the two buses — along with two each in Stark and Butler counties — comes from a $1.98 million federal grant awarded in April 2024.

“Youngstown will have one of the safest buses in the world,” said Shaz Umer, director of strategic initiatives for the U.S. Department of Transportation. “That’s exciting. That’s (a) win for the city.”

The technology was shown Tuesday on Bus No. 2093 at an event in the Stambaugh Auditorium parking lot. The bus needs to go through some additional testing and should be on the road in a month, said Dean Harris, WRTA executive director.

Then the same work will be done to Bus No. 2094, which should be ready in about three months, he said.

The equipment is similar to what is standard on several newer passenger vehicles with some enhancements, Harris said.

That includes blind spot detection and side-impact alerts, adoptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, forward collision avoidance and automated emergency braking.

But these are rare on public transportation buses because of the cost, Harris said.

Most of the federal grant went toward design work, testing and outfitting the buses, Harris said.

The hardware and software for each bus cost about $20,000 to $30,000 each, he said.

WRTA and its partners in Stark and Butler counties are eligible to apply for a $15 million federal grant. If that is successful, WRTA could install the technology on its 45 other large buses, Harris said.

“Bus authorities don’t want to invest in adding this technology to their vehicles because of the cost,” Harris said. “With the grant, we’re able to not only make it safer for passengers, but it helps the driver have added safety assistance. We take safety very seriously.”

Harris added: “We’re proud to be leaders in technology. We like to be at the forefront.”

Mayor Jamael Tito Brown said he rode WRTA buses often when he was younger because his mother didn’t have a driver’s license.

Not only does this increase safety, Brown said, but “we’re focusing on a brighter future for the next generation by using technology.”

Jerry Noirot, deputy director of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s District 4, said, “This technology will assist dedicated transit operators to improve safety on the road. This effort not only enhances mobility in our community, but it improves driver experience and reduces driver stress.”

Umer said the project embodies his agency’s “core mission to promote safety. Safety is Job 1. We’re making an important step in that mission.”

Umer said: “This initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community with a vision joins forces with innovative technology and committed partners. We are set to make significant strides in creating a safer, more connected transportation network.”