News

New SARTA route to aid employees in Alliance Commerce Park

August 13, 2021

ALLIANCE – A new bus route will offer convenience to employees in Commerce Park.  

Beginning Monday, Stark Area Regional Transit Authority’s new Route 133 will begin picking up and dropping off riders at several destinations along West Main Street and Freshley Avenue.

The route will run Monday through Saturday. Buses will depart the Phyllis Beyers Alliance Transit Center on Prospect Street at 6:45 a.m. and will operate until 9:10 p.m. 

The transit agency developed the new route because of a request from Rick Baxter, president of Alliance Area Development, according to a release from SARTA. Baxter pointed out that Trilogy Plastics employees who use the bus service have a long walk from the bus stop on West State Street.  

“The new route will eliminate the long trek to Trilogy and other companies in the park including MAC Trailer, Winkle Industries, Robertson Heating Supply and Coastal Pet. Our planning department believes we will see a significant increase in ridership when the new service begins,” SARTA’s chief executive officer Kirt Conrad said in a statement. 

Additionally, Conrad said Route 133 shows SARTA’s dedication to working with local governments, businesses and social social agencies to meet the transportation needs of different areas. 

“We constantly monitor and adjust to changes in the location and intensity of industrial, retail, and residential activity by adding or shifting routes or adopting completely new service models like the Success Express,” he said. “Our flexibility and eagerness to collaborate promotes growth, drives economic development and enhances the quality of life in Stark County.”

David Wade, director of employee relations at MAC Trailer, said the new route will benefit employees, particularly those with families who share cars with other people. 

“Some people have one vehicle. Some people are struggling and have no vehicle. So you would believe that if there was more access, there would be more opportunities to assist employees,” Wade said. 

A single ride costs $1.50, or 75 cents for those older than 65 or who have disabilities. 

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Tickets and passes may be purchased at the Phyllis Beyer Transit Center, online or through the EZfare app.

For more information, contact SARTA customer service at 330-477-2782, Option #2.