Ohio Valley Transit Seeks Levy to Sustain Service

Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority seeks May 2026 levy renewal at $13 per household

OVRTA Levy Renewal Faces May Vote, Service at Risk

Ohio Valley bus riders face a critical decision in May 2026 that'll determine whether their transit service survives. The Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority is seeking voter approval for a renewal operations levy that'd cost about $13 per household annually, officials said. Without the levy's passage, the transit service would be forced to close after 50 years of operation, according to OVRTA Executive Director Lisa Weishar.

Context

The levy renewal comes as OVRTA faces mounting operational costs for wages, benefits, utilities, and fuel that threaten the agency's financial stability. The measure wouldn't represent an additional tax increase for residents since it's a renewal of existing funding, officials said. In Benwood, the levy's calculated at nine cents per $100 in assessed value for Class II property and 18 cents per $100 for Class IV property. Transit agencies typically rely on local levies to supplement federal and state funding, with operational costs rising significantly in recent years due to inflation and workforce challenges.

Details

The levy period would cover fiscal years beginning July 2026 and ending July 2027, providing essential funding for the agency's operations across multiple communities throughout the Ohio Valley region. Weishar emphasized that the service provides affordable transportation for residents who can't afford personal vehicles. The agency's currently addressing staffing challenges but has made progress by training three new bus drivers, with two additional drivers expected to be trained. Officials said they plan to restore all routes by July 6th, though specific route numbers affected by current staffing limitations weren't detailed.

Timeline

Voters will decide the levy's fate in May 2026, with the funding period set to begin in July 2026 if approved. The agency's working to complete driver training and restore full service by July 6th, officials said. If the levy fails, the transit service would face closure, though officials haven't specified an exact timeline for when operations would end.

Impact

The levy's failure would eliminate public transit access for residents across the Ohio Valley region who depend on bus service for work, medical appointments, and daily needs. Officials said the $13 annual household cost represents a critical investment in maintaining mobility for residents without personal vehicles. Riders can track real-time bus arrivals and plan trips using Moovit, which provides updates for OVRTA routes throughout the region.