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{{Short description|Transit agency in Stark County, Ohio}}
{{Infobox Bus transit
{{Infobox Bus transit
| name = Stark Area Regional Transit Authority
| name = Stark Area Regional Transit Authority
| logo = Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) logo.png
| logo = Stark_Area_Regional_Transit_Authority_2018_and_on_logo.png
| logo_size = 250
| logo_size = 250
| image =
| image = File:SARTA Gillig -1298 (11198856014).jpg
| image_caption =
| image_caption = A SARTA bus in [[downtown Cleveland]]
| company_slogan = Come Ride With Us.
| company_slogan = Come Ride With Us.
| parent =
| parent =
| founded = 1997
| founded = 1997
| headquarters = 1600 Gateway Blvd SE, <br>[[Canton, Ohio]]
| headquarters = 1600 Gateway Blvd SE<br />[[Canton, Ohio]]
| locale =
| locale =
| service_area = [[Stark County, Ohio]]
| service_area = [[Stark County, Ohio]]
| service_type = [[bus service]], [[paratransit]]
| service_type = [[bus service]], [[paratransit]]
| alliance =
| alliance =
| routes = 33
| routes = 32
| destinations =
| destinations =
| stops = 1554
| stops = 1,554
| hubs =
| hubs =
| stations = 4
| stations = 4
| lounge =
| lounge =
| fleet = 80
| fleet = 80
| ridership = {{American transit ridership|OH Canton total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| ridership = 8,261 (Jan-Apr 2012 avg.)<ref name="BoardReportFeb2012" /><ref name="BoardReportMar2012" /><ref name="BoardReportApr2012" /><ref name="BoardReportMay2012" />
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|OH Canton total annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| fuel_type = [[diesel fuel|Diesel]], [[Hybrid electric bus|Diesel-electric hybrid]], [[Compressed Natural Gas|Compressed natural gas]]
| fuel_type = [[diesel fuel|Diesel]], [[Hybrid electric bus|Diesel-electric hybrid]], [[CNG]], [[Fuel cell vehicle|Hydrogen Fuel Cell]]
| operator =
| operator =
| ceo = Kirt Conrad
| ceo = Kirt Conrad
| website = [http://www.sartaonline.com/ sartaonline.com]
| website = {{URL|https://www.sartaonline.com/|sartaonline.com}}
}}
}}
'''SARTA''', '''(Stark Area Regional Transit Authority)''', is a [[public sector]] [[transit agency]] servicing [[Stark County, Ohio|Stark County]], a county in Ohio containing [[Canton, Ohio|Canton]], [[Alliance, Ohio|Alliance]], and [[Massillon, Ohio|Massillon]]. In addition to its regular line service within Stark County, SARTA runs one bus route (with multiple times) between [[Canton, Ohio|Canton]] and downtown [[Akron, Ohio|Akron]], connecting to Akron's [[METRO RTA]] bus system and also serving the [[Akron-Canton Regional Airport]] from both cities.
'''Stark Area Regional Transit Authority''' ('''SARTA''') is a [[public sector]] [[transit agency]] servicing [[Stark County, Ohio]]. In addition to its regular line service within Stark County, SARTA runs one bus route (with multiple times) between [[Canton, Ohio|Canton]] and downtown [[Akron, Ohio|Akron]], connecting to Akron's [[METRO RTA]] bus system and also serving the [[Akron-Canton Regional Airport]] from both cities and one route to [[Cleveland, Ohio|Cleveland]]<ref name="CleveService" /> starting March 4, 2013. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|OH Canton total annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|OH Canton total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.


SARTA's administrative office and bus garage are located in [[Canton, Ohio|Canton]]. It is managed by CEO/Executive Director Kirt Conrad, as well as a 9-member board of trustees.<ref name="Trustees" /> SARTA is primarily funded by a county 0.25% sales tax which was first approved in 1997 and renewed in 2002, 2006 and 2011.<ref name="Levy" />
SARTA's administrative office and bus garage are located in [[Canton, Ohio|Canton]]. It is managed by CEO/Executive Director Kirt Conrad, as well as a 9-member board of trustees.<ref name="Trustees" /> SARTA is primarily funded by a county 0.25% sales tax which was first approved in 1997 and renewed in 2002, 2006 and 2011.<ref name="Levy" />


== History ==
== History ==
On December 1, 1997 the Canton Regional Transit Authority became the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) and service to all of [[Stark County, Ohio|Stark County]] was established.<ref name="Facts" />
On December 1, 1997, the Canton Regional Transit Authority became the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) and service to all of [[Stark County, Ohio|Stark County]] was established.<ref name="Facts" />


SARTA is governed by a nine-member [[Board of trustees|Board of Trustees]] with the Executive Director/[[Chief executive officer|CEO]] serving as Secretary/Treasurer. The members are appointed to a three-year consecutive term. Appointments are made by the Stark County Council of Government, Stark County Commissioners, and the cities of Canton, Massillon and Alliance.<ref name="Trustees" />
SARTA is governed by a nine-member [[Board of trustees|Board of Trustees]] with the Executive Director/[[Chief executive officer|CEO]] serving as Secretary/Treasurer. The members are appointed to a three-year consecutive term. Appointments are made by the Stark County Council of Government, Stark County Commissioners, and the cities of Canton, Massillon and Alliance.<ref name="Trustees" />


SARTA employs approximately 190 individuals as of June 15, 2012. The position breakdown is approximately 63% Coach Operators, 12% Mechanics and Service Personnel (who service a fleet of 80 revenue buses and 12 non-revenue service vehicles), 25% Administrative Staff and a couple Part-time Employees and/or Interns.
SARTA employed approximately 190 individuals as of June 15, 2012. The position breakdown is approximately 63% Coach Operators, 12% Mechanics and Service Personnel (who service a fleet of 80 revenue buses and 12 non-revenue service vehicles), 25% Administrative Staff and a couple Part-time Employees and/or Interns.


As SARTA grew, satellite offices were added to better serve the county's public transportation needs. SARTA established four transfer stations and customer service offices. The Alliance Transfer Center was created to serve Northeast Stark County. The Massillon Transfer Center was created to serve the Southwest part of the county. The downtown Canton Transfer Center (also known as Cornerstone) was created to serve the heart of Stark County. The Belden Village Transit Center was opened to serve the [[Westfield Belden Village|Belden Village]] shopping area, as well as businesses and local colleges.
As SARTA grew, satellite offices were added to better serve the county's public transportation needs. SARTA established four transfer stations and customer service offices. The Alliance Transfer Center was created to serve northeastern Stark County. The Massillon Transfer Center was created to serve the southwestern part of the county. The downtown Canton Transfer Center (also known as Cornerstone) was created to serve the heart of Stark County. The Belden Village Transit Center was opened to serve the [[Westfield Belden Village|Belden Village]] shopping area, as well as businesses and local colleges.


== Transit Centers ==
== Transit Centers ==
The '''Canton Transfer Center''' is the main transfer hub for SARTA. It is located in downtown Canton at 112 Cherry Avenue SE at the corner of Cherry Avenue and East Tuscarawas Street. Operation began on August 6, 2003. The center is named Cornerstone. The new transit center includes both an indoor customer service center and an outdoor bus-boarding plaza that accommodates 16 SARTA buses per hour. The {{convert|3163|sqft|m2|sing=on}} facility also provides interior and exterior amenities for [[Lakefont Lines]] (previously [[Greyhound Lines]]) through an occupancy agreement with SARTA. Approximately 200 guests attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the intermodal facility.
'''Canton Cornerstone Transit Center''' in downtown Canton is the main transfer hub for SARTA. It is located in downtown Canton at 112 Cherry Avenue SE at the corner of Cherry Avenue and East Tuscarawas Street. Operations began on August 6, 2003. The center is named Cornerstone. The new transit center includes both an indoor customer service center and an outdoor bus-boarding plaza that accommodates 16 SARTA buses per hour. The {{convert|3163|sqft|m2|sing=on}} facility also provides interior and exterior amenities for [[Lakefont Lines]] (previously [[Greyhound Lines]]) through an occupancy agreement with SARTA. Approximately 200 guests attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the intermodal facility.


''''''Canton Cornerstone Routes''' - 4, 81, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 113, 114, 117, 118, 119, 139, 151, 152, 153, 157'''
The '''Alliance Transfer Center''' is located at 10 Prospect St. in [[Alliance, Ohio|Alliance]]. It replaced an older, smaller facility a few blocks away and officially opened on November 23, 2008.<ref name="Alliance" />


The '''Alliance Transfer Center''' is located at 10 Prospect Street in [[Alliance, Ohio|Alliance]]. It replaced an older, smaller facility a few blocks away and officially opened on November 23, 2008.<ref name="Alliance" />
The '''Massillon Transfer Center''' opened November 24, 2001 and is located at 41 S. Erie St. near the intersection of Lincoln Way East in downtown [[Massillon, Ohio|Massillon]].


''''''Alliance Routes''' - 130, 131, 132, 133, 139'''
The '''Belden Village Transfer Center''' opened on September 1, 2011 and is located at 4700 Whipple Ave. NW in [[Canton, Ohio|Canton]].<ref name="Belden1" /> The $2.5 million facility replaced an outdoor transfer point at Highbee Ave. NW and Munson St. NW.<ref name="Belden1" /> The building features improved amenities such as a climate-controlled interior, restrooms, vending machines, free wireless internet service,<ref name="Belden3" /> a passenger drop-off lane and interior and exterior waiting areas.<ref name="Belden2" /> The building is also anticipated to be [[LEED Silver]] certified and features many energy saving features such as geothermal heating.<ref name="Belden2" />

The '''Massillon Transfer Center''' is now being constructed at a new location at 227 Tommy Henrich Drive NW off of Lincoln Way East and State Route 21. The original Massillon Transit Center at 41 Erie Street South had opened November 24, 2001 and now closed on December 17 2021.

''''''Massillon Routes''' - 102, 122, 124, 125, 126, 128, 152, 157'''

The '''Belden Village Transfer Center''' opened on September 1, 2011, and is located at 4700 Whipple Avenue NW in [[Canton, Ohio|Canton]].<ref name="Belden1" /> The $2.5 million facility replaced an outdoor transfer point at Higbee Avenue NW and Munson Street NW.<ref name="Belden1" /> The building features improved amenities such as a climate-controlled interior, restrooms, vending machines, free wireless internet service,<ref name="Belden3" /> a passenger drop-off lane and interior and exterior waiting areas.<ref name="Belden2" /> The building is also anticipated to be [[LEED Silver]] certified and incorporates many energy saving features such as geothermal heating.<ref name="Belden2" />

''''''Belden Village Routes''' - 45, 81, 105, 106, 121, 125, 151'''
<br>

'''Route List'''
* 4 - Downtown Cleveland/Wade Park Veterans Hospital
* 45 - North Canton/Belden Village/Stark State College & Kent State Stark
* 81 - Downtown Akron/Akron Canton Airport/Belden Village (VIA I-77)
* 101 - Harrisburg/Harmont/Route 62/Walmart (NE Canton)
* 102 - Downtown Massillon/Perry Township/Downtown Canton (VIA State Route 172-West Tuscarawas Street)
* 103 - Plain Township/GlenOak High School (NE Canton)
* 105 - Belden Village/North Canton (VIA Cleveland Ave & Everhard Rd)
* 106 - Belden Village/Meyers Lake Plaza/Aultman Hospital
* 107 - East Canton (NE Canton)
* 108 - Washington Square (VIA Market Ave N - State Route 43)
* 110 - Sherrick Rd/Warner Road (SE Canton)
* 111 - Gross Ave/Maple Ave/Route 62/Walmart/Stark County Jail
* 113 - Southway/Perry (Perry Township/SW Canton)
* 114 - Southgate Plaza (Canton Township/SE Canton)
* 117 - Stark County Fairgrounds/Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital (NW Canton)
* 118 - Navarre Rd/Perry Hills Colony/Sterilite & Shearer's (SW Canton)
* 119 - Frazer Ave/44th St/Plain Township (NW Canton)
* 121 - Whipple Ave/The Strip
* 124 - SE Massillon
* 125 - Massillon/Belden Village/Jackson Township
* 126 - NW Massillon
* 128 - Erie St/Route 21/Massillon Marketplace/Navarre YMCA/Sterilite & Shearer's
* 130 - Alliance North
* 131 - State Street/Union Ave
* 132 - Alliance East
* 139 - Downtown Canton/Downtown Louisville/Downtown Alliance
* 151 - North Late Night Loop
* 152 - West Late Night Loop
* 153 - Canton Late Night Loop (SE SW NE Canton Only)
* 157 - Massillon Success Express (Navarre Nickles Bakery/Sterilite & Shearer's/Freshmark Massillon
* 158 - Canton Community Circular (Route Walmart Tuscarawas and Walmart Route 62 via Mahoning Road )


== Service ==
== Service ==
SARTA transported over 2.4 million riders in 2011, up 300,000 from 2010.<ref name="RecordRidership" /> All 80 vehicles in SARTA's fleet operate as fixed route buses. 37 vehicles are demand-response/paratransit (Proline) vehicles.<ref name="Facts" /> SARTA operates 33 fixed routes as of June 2012<ref name="About" />. Both fixed route and Proline service operate more than 20 hours each day except Sundays and certain holidays.<ref name="About" />
SARTA transported over 2.4 million riders in 2011, up 300,000 from 2010.<ref name="RecordRidership" /> All vehicles in SARTA's fleet can operate as fixed route buses. Thirty-seven vehicles are demand-response/paratransit (Proline) vehicles.<ref name="Facts" /> SARTA operates 33 fixed routes as of June 2012.<ref name="About" /> Both fixed route and Proline service operate more than 20 hours each day except Sundays and certain holidays.<ref name="About" />


The fixed route service fleet covers an average of 7,500 miles per day and reaches within 1/2 mile of 79% of Stark County's population.<ref name="Facts" />
The fixed route service fleet covers an average of 7,500 miles per day and reaches within ½ mile of 79% of Stark County's population.<ref name="Facts" />
Proline (countywide demand-response/paratransit service) provides on average 140,000 trips a year for customers who meet [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|ADA]] requirements.<ref name="Facts" />
Proline (countywide demand-response/paratransit service) provides on average 140,000 trips a year for customers who meet [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|ADA]] requirements.<ref name="Facts" />


== CNG Fueling Station ==
== CNG fueling station ==
[[File:SARTA CNG Fueling Station.jpg|thumb|SARTA CNG Fueling Station]]
On May 18, 2012 SARTA opened a public/private [[Compressed Natural Gas|Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)]] fueling station at the company headquarters in Canton.<ref name="CNG1" /> The facility is the first public CNG station in [[Stark County, Ohio|Stark County]] and [[Northeast Ohio]] with the next closest located outside of [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]].<ref name="CNG2" /> The grand opening for the facility was attended by dozens of guests including [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] [[Sherrod Brown]] and Canton [[Mayoralty in the United States|Mayor]] [[William J. Healy II]].<ref name="CNG1" /> The CNG fueling station was certified by the Stark County Auditor's Office Division of Weight and Measurements on June 12, 2012.<ref name="CNGAuditor" /> As of October 9, 2012 the CNG price was $1.89 per gallon equivalent for public fueling.<ref name="CNGAuditor" />


On May 18, 2012, SARTA opened a public/private [[Compressed Natural Gas]] (CNG) fueling station at the company headquarters in Canton.<ref name="CNG1" /> The facility is the first public CNG station in [[Stark County, Ohio|Stark County]] and [[Northeast Ohio]] with the next closest located outside of [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]].<ref name="CNG2" /> The grand opening for the facility was attended by dozens of guests including [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] [[Sherrod Brown]] and Canton [[Mayoralty in the United States|Mayor]] [[William J. Healy II]].<ref name="CNG1" /> The CNG fueling station was certified by the Stark County Auditor's Office Division of Weight and Measurements on June 12, 2012.<ref name="CNGAuditor" /> As of October 9, 2012, the CNG price was $1.89 per gallon equivalent for public fueling.<ref name="CNGAuditor" />
SARTA plans to convert 50% of its fleet to CNG over the next two years. CNG vehicles are quieter,<ref name="CNG1" /> require fewer oil changes<ref name="CNG1" /> and reduce emissions by over 80% when compared to tradition [[diesel fuel|diesel]] buses.<ref name="CNG3" /> SARTA also expects to save up to 40% a year on fuel costs by switching to CNG.<ref name="CNG3" />

SARTA plans to convert 50% of its fleet to CNG over the next two years. CNG vehicles are quieter,<ref name="CNG1" /> require fewer oil changes<ref name="CNG1" /> and reduce emissions by over 80% when compared to traditional [[diesel fuel|diesel]] buses.<ref name="CNG3" /> SARTA also expects to save up to 40% a year on fuel costs by switching to CNG.<ref name="CNG3" />


== Accomplishments ==
== Accomplishments ==


* SARTA won the [[American Public Transportation Association]]'s 2006 "Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award" for bus companies serving 1 million to 4 million riders a year.
* SARTA won the [[American Public Transportation Association]]'s 2006 "Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award" for bus companies serving 1 million to 4 million riders a year.

* SARTA provides extensive shuttle service for the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] activities.
* SARTA provides extensive shuttle service for the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] activities.
* On September 12, 2011, SARTA was recognized as a Three-Star Ohio Green Fleet by Clean Fuels Ohio.<ref name="CFOBlogGreenFleet" /><ref name="SARTAGreenFleet" />


==See also==
* On September 12, 2011 SARTA was recognized as a Three-Star Ohio Green Fleet by Clean Fuels Ohio.<ref name="CFOBlogGreenFleet" /><ref name="SARTAGreenFleet" />
*[[List of bus transit systems in the United States]]
*[[Alliance station]]
*[[METRO Regional Transit Authority]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="Facts">{{cite web|title=SARTA Facts|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/facts|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Facts">{{cite web|title=SARTA Facts|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/facts|publisher=SARTA|access-date=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Trustees">{{cite web|title=Board of Trustees|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/board-of-trustees|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Trustees">{{cite web|title=Board of Trustees|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/board-of-trustees|publisher=SARTA|access-date=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Levy">{{cite web|last=Young|first=Kelli|title=SARTA cruises at polls|url=http://www.cantonrep.com/election/x741442295/Early-election-results-support-SARTA|work=CantonRep.com|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Levy">{{cite web|last=Young|first=Kelli|title=SARTA cruises at polls|url=http://www.cantonrep.com/election/x741442295/Early-election-results-support-SARTA|work=[[The Repository|Canton Repository]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118195758/http://www.cantonrep.com/election/x741442295/Early-election-results-support-SARTA|archive-date=2013-01-18|url-status=dead|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="Alliance">{{cite web|last=Woolf|first=Steve|title=Grand Opening Held at SARTA's New Transit Center in Alliance|url=http://www.the-review.com/local%20news/2008/11/23/grand-opening-held-at-sarta-s-new-transit-center-in-alliance|publisher=The Alliance Review|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Alliance">{{cite web|last=Woolf|first=Steve|title=Grand Opening Held at SARTA's New Transit Center in Alliance|url=http://www.the-review.com/local%20news/2008/11/23/grand-opening-held-at-sarta-s-new-transit-center-in-alliance|publisher=The Alliance Review|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203200508/http://www.the-review.com/local%20news/2008/11/23/grand-opening-held-at-sarta-s-new-transit-center-in-alliance|archive-date=2013-02-03|url-status=dead|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="About">{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/about-us|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="About">{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/about-us|publisher=SARTA|access-date=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Belden1">{{cite web|title=SARTA opens transit center in Plain Twp.|url=http://www.cantonrep.com/newsnow/x219195236/SARTA-opens-transit-center-in-Plain-Twp|publisher=Canton Repository|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Belden1">{{cite news|title=SARTA opens transit center in Plain Twp.|url=http://www.cantonrep.com/newsnow/x219195236/SARTA-opens-transit-center-in-Plain-Twp|work=[[The Repository|Canton Repository]]|access-date=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Belden2">{{cite web|title=Ribbon Cutting|url=http://www.co.stark.oh.us/internet/docs/rpc/PP10_11.pdf|work=Planning Progress|publisher=Stark County Regional Planning Commission|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Belden2">{{cite web|title=Ribbon Cutting|url=http://www.co.stark.oh.us/internet/docs/rpc/PP10_11.pdf|work=Planning Progress|publisher=Stark County Regional Planning Commission|access-date=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Belden3">{{cite web|title=SARTA opens new Belden Village Transit Center|url=http://www.tnl-news.com/local%20news/2011/09/07/sarta-opens-new-belden-village-transit-center|publisher=The News Leader|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="Belden3">{{cite web|title=SARTA opens new Belden Village Transit Center|url=http://www.tnl-news.com/local%20news/2011/09/07/sarta-opens-new-belden-village-transit-center|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204103742/http://www.tnl-news.com/local%20news/2011/09/07/sarta-opens-new-belden-village-transit-center|archive-date=2013-02-04|url-status=usurped|publisher=The News Leader|access-date=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CNG1">{{cite web|last=Wang|first=Robert|title=SARTA rolls out natural-gas fueled buses|url=http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x40859315/SARTA-rolls-out-natural-gas-fueled-buses|publisher=Canton Repository|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CNG1">{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Robert|title=SARTA rolls out natural-gas fueled buses|url=http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x40859315/SARTA-rolls-out-natural-gas-fueled-buses|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118174037/http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x40859315/SARTA-rolls-out-natural-gas-fueled-buses|archive-date=2013-01-18|url-status=dead|work=[[The Repository|Canton Repository]]|access-date=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CNG2">{{cite web|title=SARTA Unveils NEO's First Public CNG Station|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/sarta-unveils-northern-ohio-s-first-public-cng-sta|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CNG2">{{cite web|title=SARTA Unveils NEO's First Public CNG Station|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/sarta-unveils-northern-ohio-s-first-public-cng-sta|publisher=SARTA|access-date=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CNG3">{{cite web|title=WHBC Hosts SARTA CNG Bus Tour|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/whbc-hosts-sarta-cng-bus-tour|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CNG3">{{cite web|title=WHBC Hosts SARTA CNG Bus Tour|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/whbc-hosts-sarta-cng-bus-tour|publisher=SARTA|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201202410/http://www.sartaonline.com/whbc-hosts-sarta-cng-bus-tour|archive-date=2013-02-01|url-status=dead|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="CNGAuditor">{{cite web|title=Drive on SARTA's Natural Gas|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/drive-on-sartas-natural-gas|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CNGAuditor">{{cite web|title=Drive on SARTA's Natural Gas|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/drive-on-sartas-natural-gas|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201191445/http://www.sartaonline.com/drive-on-sartas-natural-gas|archive-date=2013-02-01|url-status=dead|work=SARTA|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="RecordRidership">{{cite web|title=SARTA Hits New Record in Ridership|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/sarta-hits-new-record-in-ridership|work=The Alliance Review|accessdate=19 June 2012|location=Reposted on SARTA website due to paywall}}</ref>
<ref name="RecordRidership">{{cite web|title=SARTA Hits New Record in Ridership|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/sarta-hits-new-record-in-ridership|work=The Alliance Review|access-date=19 June 2012|location=Reposted on SARTA website due to paywall}}</ref>
<!-- Unused citations
<ref name="BoardReportMay2012">{{cite web|title=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting May 23, 2012 @ 5:00 PM|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/Content/uploads/5-23-12-4210.pdf|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=19 June 2012|page=11|pages=97|language=English|format=PDF|date=23|month=May|year=2012}}</ref>
<ref name="BoardReportApr2012">{{cite web|title=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting April 25, 2012 @ 5:00 PM|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/Content/uploads/4-25-12-528.pdf|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=19 June 2012|page=10|pages=74|language=English|format=PDF|date=25|month=April|year=2012}}</ref>
<ref name="BoardReportMay2012">{{cite web|title=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting May 23, 2012 @ 5:00 PM|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/Content/uploads/5-23-12-4210.pdf|publisher=SARTA|access-date=19 June 2012|page=11|pages=97|language=English|format=PDF|date=23|month=May|year=2012}}</ref>
<ref name="BoardReportMar2012">{{cite web|title=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting March 28, 2012 @ 5:00 PM|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/Content/uploads/Board-Pack-3-28-12-1788.pdf|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=19 June 2012|page=12|pages=84|language=English|format=PDF|date=28|month=March|year=2012}}</ref>
<ref name="BoardReportApr2012">{{cite web|title=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting April 25, 2012 @ 5:00 PM|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/Content/uploads/4-25-12-528.pdf|publisher=SARTA|access-date=19 June 2012|page=10|pages=74|language=English|format=PDF|date=25|month=April|year=2012}}</ref>
<ref name="BoardReportFeb2012">{{cite web|title=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting February 29, 2012 @ 5:00 PM|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/Content/uploads/2-29-12-603.pdf|publisher=SARTA|accessdate=19 June 2012|page=15|pages=82|language=English|format=PDF|date=29|month=February|year=2012}}</ref>
<ref name="BoardReportMar2012">{{cite web|title=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting March 28, 2012 @ 5:00 PM|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/Content/uploads/Board-Pack-3-28-12-1788.pdf|publisher=SARTA|access-date=19 June 2012|page=12|pages=84|language=English|format=PDF|date=28|month=March|year=2012}}</ref>
<ref name="BoardReportFeb2012">{{cite web|title=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting February 29, 2012 @ 5:00 PM|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/Content/uploads/2-29-12-603.pdf|publisher=SARTA|access-date=19 June 2012|page=15|pages=82|language=English|format=PDF|date=29|month=February|year=2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CFOBlogGreenFleet">{{cite web|first=Tyler|title=Thirteen Fleets from Across Ohio to Earn Ohio Green Fleet Certification|url=http://test.cleanfuelsohio.org/thirteen-ohio-fleets-earn-ohio-green-fleet-certification/|work=Clean Fuels Ohio Blog|publisher=Clean Fuels Ohio|accessdate=18 October 2012}}</ref>
-->
<ref name="SARTAGreenFleet">{{cite web|title=SARTA EARNS OHIO GREEN FLEETS DESIGNATION|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/sarta-earns-ohio-green-fleets-designation-from-cle|work=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority Website|accessdate=18 October 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CFOBlogGreenFleet">{{cite web|author=Tyler|title=Thirteen Fleets from Across Ohio to Earn Ohio Green Fleet Certification|url=http://www.cleanfuelsohio.org/eventsnews/posts/thirteen-ohio-fleets-earn-ohio-green-fleet-certification/|website=Clean Fuels Ohio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412043700/http://www.cleanfuelsohio.org/eventsnews/posts/thirteen-ohio-fleets-earn-ohio-green-fleet-certification/|archive-date=2014-04-12|url-status=dead|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="SARTAGreenFleet">{{cite web|title=SARTA Earns Ohio Green Fleets Designation|url=http://www.sartaonline.com/sarta-earns-ohio-green-fleets-designation-from-cle|work=Stark Area Regional Transit Authority|access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CleveService">{{cite news|title=SARTA to launch service to Cleveland on Monday|url=http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x898140670/SARTA-to-launch-service-to-Cleveland-on-Monday|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130407220422/http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x898140670/SARTA-to-launch-service-to-Cleveland-on-Monday|archive-date=2013-04-07|url-status=dead|access-date=3 November 2021|newspaper=[[The Repository|Canton Repository]]|date=1 March 2013}}</ref>
}}
}}


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* [http://www.partaonline.org/ Portage Area RTA] (also runs [[Kent State University|Kent State]] Campus Bus Service)
* [http://www.partaonline.org/ Portage Area RTA] (also runs [[Kent State University|Kent State]] Campus Bus Service)
{{coord|40.780891|-81.368061|region:US_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{coord|40.780891|-81.368061|region:US_type:landmark|display=title}}

{{Ohio public transit}}

[[Category:Bus transportation in Ohio]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in Ohio]]
[[Category:Canton, Ohio]]
[[Category:Companies based in Canton, Ohio]]
[[Category:Transportation in Stark County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Transportation in Stark County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Alliance, Ohio]]
[[Category:Alliance, Ohio]]
[[Category:Massillon, Ohio]]
[[Category:Massillon, Ohio]]
[[Category:Transit agencies in Ohio]]
[[Category:Transit agencies in Ohio]]
[[Category:1997 establishments in Ohio]]

Latest revision as of 04:53, 27 November 2024

Stark Area Regional Transit Authority
A SARTA bus in downtown Cleveland
Founded1997
Headquarters1600 Gateway Blvd SE
Canton, Ohio
Service areaStark County, Ohio
Service typebus service, paratransit
Routes32
Stops1,554
Stations4
Fleet80
Daily ridership4,900 (weekdays, Q3 2024)[1]
Annual ridership1,371,600 (2023)[2]
Fuel typeDiesel, Diesel-electric hybrid, CNG, Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Chief executiveKirt Conrad
Websitesartaonline.com

Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) is a public sector transit agency servicing Stark County, Ohio. In addition to its regular line service within Stark County, SARTA runs one bus route (with multiple times) between Canton and downtown Akron, connecting to Akron's METRO RTA bus system and also serving the Akron-Canton Regional Airport from both cities and one route to Cleveland[3] starting March 4, 2013. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 1,371,600, or about 4,900 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

SARTA's administrative office and bus garage are located in Canton. It is managed by CEO/Executive Director Kirt Conrad, as well as a 9-member board of trustees.[4] SARTA is primarily funded by a county 0.25% sales tax which was first approved in 1997 and renewed in 2002, 2006 and 2011.[5]

History

[edit]

On December 1, 1997, the Canton Regional Transit Authority became the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) and service to all of Stark County was established.[6]

SARTA is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees with the Executive Director/CEO serving as Secretary/Treasurer. The members are appointed to a three-year consecutive term. Appointments are made by the Stark County Council of Government, Stark County Commissioners, and the cities of Canton, Massillon and Alliance.[4]

SARTA employed approximately 190 individuals as of June 15, 2012. The position breakdown is approximately 63% Coach Operators, 12% Mechanics and Service Personnel (who service a fleet of 80 revenue buses and 12 non-revenue service vehicles), 25% Administrative Staff and a couple Part-time Employees and/or Interns.

As SARTA grew, satellite offices were added to better serve the county's public transportation needs. SARTA established four transfer stations and customer service offices. The Alliance Transfer Center was created to serve northeastern Stark County. The Massillon Transfer Center was created to serve the southwestern part of the county. The downtown Canton Transfer Center (also known as Cornerstone) was created to serve the heart of Stark County. The Belden Village Transit Center was opened to serve the Belden Village shopping area, as well as businesses and local colleges.

Transit Centers

[edit]

Canton Cornerstone Transit Center in downtown Canton is the main transfer hub for SARTA. It is located in downtown Canton at 112 Cherry Avenue SE at the corner of Cherry Avenue and East Tuscarawas Street. Operations began on August 6, 2003. The center is named Cornerstone. The new transit center includes both an indoor customer service center and an outdoor bus-boarding plaza that accommodates 16 SARTA buses per hour. The 3,163-square-foot (293.9 m2) facility also provides interior and exterior amenities for Lakefont Lines (previously Greyhound Lines) through an occupancy agreement with SARTA. Approximately 200 guests attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the intermodal facility.

'Canton Cornerstone Routes' - 4, 81, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 113, 114, 117, 118, 119, 139, 151, 152, 153, 157

The Alliance Transfer Center is located at 10 Prospect Street in Alliance. It replaced an older, smaller facility a few blocks away and officially opened on November 23, 2008.[7]

'Alliance Routes' - 130, 131, 132, 133, 139

The Massillon Transfer Center is now being constructed at a new location at 227 Tommy Henrich Drive NW off of Lincoln Way East and State Route 21. The original Massillon Transit Center at 41 Erie Street South had opened November 24, 2001 and now closed on December 17 2021.

'Massillon Routes' - 102, 122, 124, 125, 126, 128, 152, 157

The Belden Village Transfer Center opened on September 1, 2011, and is located at 4700 Whipple Avenue NW in Canton.[8] The $2.5 million facility replaced an outdoor transfer point at Higbee Avenue NW and Munson Street NW.[8] The building features improved amenities such as a climate-controlled interior, restrooms, vending machines, free wireless internet service,[9] a passenger drop-off lane and interior and exterior waiting areas.[10] The building is also anticipated to be LEED Silver certified and incorporates many energy saving features such as geothermal heating.[10]

'Belden Village Routes' - 45, 81, 105, 106, 121, 125, 151

Route List

  • 4 - Downtown Cleveland/Wade Park Veterans Hospital
  • 45 - North Canton/Belden Village/Stark State College & Kent State Stark
  • 81 - Downtown Akron/Akron Canton Airport/Belden Village (VIA I-77)
  • 101 - Harrisburg/Harmont/Route 62/Walmart (NE Canton)
  • 102 - Downtown Massillon/Perry Township/Downtown Canton (VIA State Route 172-West Tuscarawas Street)
  • 103 - Plain Township/GlenOak High School (NE Canton)
  • 105 - Belden Village/North Canton (VIA Cleveland Ave & Everhard Rd)
  • 106 - Belden Village/Meyers Lake Plaza/Aultman Hospital
  • 107 - East Canton (NE Canton)
  • 108 - Washington Square (VIA Market Ave N - State Route 43)
  • 110 - Sherrick Rd/Warner Road (SE Canton)
  • 111 - Gross Ave/Maple Ave/Route 62/Walmart/Stark County Jail
  • 113 - Southway/Perry (Perry Township/SW Canton)
  • 114 - Southgate Plaza (Canton Township/SE Canton)
  • 117 - Stark County Fairgrounds/Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital (NW Canton)
  • 118 - Navarre Rd/Perry Hills Colony/Sterilite & Shearer's (SW Canton)
  • 119 - Frazer Ave/44th St/Plain Township (NW Canton)
  • 121 - Whipple Ave/The Strip
  • 124 - SE Massillon
  • 125 - Massillon/Belden Village/Jackson Township
  • 126 - NW Massillon
  • 128 - Erie St/Route 21/Massillon Marketplace/Navarre YMCA/Sterilite & Shearer's
  • 130 - Alliance North
  • 131 - State Street/Union Ave
  • 132 - Alliance East
  • 139 - Downtown Canton/Downtown Louisville/Downtown Alliance
  • 151 - North Late Night Loop
  • 152 - West Late Night Loop
  • 153 - Canton Late Night Loop (SE SW NE Canton Only)
  • 157 - Massillon Success Express (Navarre Nickles Bakery/Sterilite & Shearer's/Freshmark Massillon
  • 158 - Canton Community Circular (Route Walmart Tuscarawas and Walmart Route 62 via Mahoning Road )

Service

[edit]

SARTA transported over 2.4 million riders in 2011, up 300,000 from 2010.[11] All vehicles in SARTA's fleet can operate as fixed route buses. Thirty-seven vehicles are demand-response/paratransit (Proline) vehicles.[6] SARTA operates 33 fixed routes as of June 2012.[12] Both fixed route and Proline service operate more than 20 hours each day except Sundays and certain holidays.[12]

The fixed route service fleet covers an average of 7,500 miles per day and reaches within ½ mile of 79% of Stark County's population.[6] Proline (countywide demand-response/paratransit service) provides on average 140,000 trips a year for customers who meet ADA requirements.[6]

CNG fueling station

[edit]

On May 18, 2012, SARTA opened a public/private Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station at the company headquarters in Canton.[13] The facility is the first public CNG station in Stark County and Northeast Ohio with the next closest located outside of Columbus.[14] The grand opening for the facility was attended by dozens of guests including U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and Canton Mayor William J. Healy II.[13] The CNG fueling station was certified by the Stark County Auditor's Office Division of Weight and Measurements on June 12, 2012.[15] As of October 9, 2012, the CNG price was $1.89 per gallon equivalent for public fueling.[15]

SARTA plans to convert 50% of its fleet to CNG over the next two years. CNG vehicles are quieter,[13] require fewer oil changes[13] and reduce emissions by over 80% when compared to traditional diesel buses.[16] SARTA also expects to save up to 40% a year on fuel costs by switching to CNG.[16]

Accomplishments

[edit]
  • SARTA won the American Public Transportation Association's 2006 "Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award" for bus companies serving 1 million to 4 million riders a year.
  • SARTA provides extensive shuttle service for the Pro Football Hall of Fame activities.
  • On September 12, 2011, SARTA was recognized as a Three-Star Ohio Green Fleet by Clean Fuels Ohio.[17][18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Transit Ridership Report Third Quarter 2024" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. November 20, 2024. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  2. ^ "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  3. ^ "SARTA to launch service to Cleveland on Monday". Canton Repository. 1 March 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-04-07. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Board of Trustees". SARTA. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  5. ^ Young, Kelli. "SARTA cruises at polls". Canton Repository. Archived from the original on 2013-01-18. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d "SARTA Facts". SARTA. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  7. ^ Woolf, Steve. "Grand Opening Held at SARTA's New Transit Center in Alliance". The Alliance Review. Archived from the original on 2013-02-03. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  8. ^ a b "SARTA opens transit center in Plain Twp". Canton Repository. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  9. ^ "SARTA opens new Belden Village Transit Center". The News Leader. Archived from the original on 2013-02-04. Retrieved 15 June 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ^ a b "Ribbon Cutting" (PDF). Planning Progress. Stark County Regional Planning Commission. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  11. ^ "SARTA Hits New Record in Ridership". The Alliance Review. Reposted on SARTA website due to paywall. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  12. ^ a b "About Us". SARTA. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  13. ^ a b c d Wang, Robert. "SARTA rolls out natural-gas fueled buses". Canton Repository. Archived from the original on 2013-01-18. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  14. ^ "SARTA Unveils NEO's First Public CNG Station". SARTA. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  15. ^ a b "Drive on SARTA's Natural Gas". SARTA. Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  16. ^ a b "WHBC Hosts SARTA CNG Bus Tour". SARTA. Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  17. ^ Tyler. "Thirteen Fleets from Across Ohio to Earn Ohio Green Fleet Certification". Clean Fuels Ohio. Archived from the original on 2014-04-12. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  18. ^ "SARTA Earns Ohio Green Fleets Designation". Stark Area Regional Transit Authority. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
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40°46′51″N 81°22′05″W / 40.780891°N 81.368061°W / 40.780891; -81.368061