WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced that the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority will receive a $1,514,888 federal grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. The funding that made this grant possible was appropriated through H.R. 8337, which passed the House with Joyce’s support.

“The Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority is an essential service for many residents in Portage County,” said PARTA General Manager Claudia Amrhein. “We are a lifeline, providing access to jobs, healthcare, grocery stores, and other necessities of daily life. I sincerely appreciate the support of Congressman Joyce in securing these funds for PARTA. They will benefit our riders by allowing us to purchase new buses to replace older vehicles enabling PARTA to better meet the needs of those we serve.”  

“This funding will help the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority modernize its fleet and continue to provide safe and reliable services for its passengers,” said Joyce. “One of the most important jobs I have in Congress is to advocate for the needs of our communities and ensure federal funding is directed to where it will have the greatest impact back home. I look forward to having these tax dollars returned to Northeast Ohio and seeing them improving transportation options for those in our communities who depend on bus service to get to their employment, education, healthcare and other important services.”

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program makes federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities including technological changes or innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities.