Changes coming to shuttle service express route

David L. Dye, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·3 min read
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Apr. 15—Changes are coming to the Shenango Valley Shuttle Service's express route next month — with local officials hoping the new route will reach more potential riders in the Shenango Valley.

The express route, which currently follows the Shenango Valley Freeway from downtown Sharon into Hermitage, will instead travel along East State Street, said Jill Boozer, executive director of the Mercer County Regional Council of Governments.

The Council of Governments, or COG, operates the Shenango Valley Shuttle Service, which follows fixed routes, and Mercer County Community Transit, which offers transportation by appointment.

Boozer said shifting the express route to East State Street is expected to increase the route's ridership by offering more opportunities for bus stops.

"Right now the shuttles travel back and forth along the Shenango Valley Freeway, but there's nowhere for them to stop while they're on the freeway," Boozer said.

In March, there were 1,153 trips by the shuttle service along the express route, Boozer said.

Other minor route and schedule changes are planned, including eliminating the stop at D'Onofrio's Food Center at North Hermitage and Lamor roads in Hermitage.

All shuttle service routes will undergo minor schedule adjustments due to the closure of the Shenango Valley Mall effective May 1. The mall is expected to be demolished later this year to make way for the planned redevelopment of the property.

COG Transit Director Michael Nashtock said bus riders have been asking about the mall's closing and its effect on stops at the site.

While specifics will have to be determined once the demolition and planned redevelopment gets underway, Nashtock said the shuttle service will continue to make stops near Wendy's restaurant for any customers or employees.

The upcoming route changes were posted on all of COG's buses and on COG's website. The changes were also submitted to local agencies whose clients or employees may use the Shenango Valley Shuttle Service, Boozer said.

A pair of public meetings were scheduled, as required by the Federal Transit Authority.

There were no attendees or comments during the first meeting on April 1, Boozer said. The next meeting will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at 2495 Highland Road, Hermitage.

Aside from the meetings, a public comment period is in effect through Saturday.

Residents can comment by calling the COG office at 724-981-1561, sending an email to svsspubliccomment@mcrcog.com, or mailing a letter to SVSS, ATTN: Public Meeting Comments, 2495 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA, 16148.

Future route updates will be shared to the Shenango Valley Shuttle Service's Facebook page and the MyStop app, Nashtock said.

In other COG business, Nashtock said the Mercer County Community Transit fleet recently added a van to handle some of the longer-distance trips, such as trips to the Pittsburgh area.

COG officials are also hoping to hire more drivers for their transportation services, including three full-time drivers with their commercial driver's license, or CDL, and five part-time drivers.

Those interested in applying for the positions can visit COG's garage office at 5200 Virginia Drive, Hermitage, where applications are available.

There are advertising opportunities for those who would like to utilize COG's buses and shuttles. Those interested can also call the COG office, since Nashtock said there are some limitations by the FTA.

Any advertising revenue would go toward the transportation service's budget, which Boozer said is kept separate from the budgets for COG's other programs.

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