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Weirton Transit ridership reaches record level

WEIRTON – Ridership on Weirton Transit Corp. buses increased to an all-time high of 5,710 during October, beating the previous record of 5,509 set in March 2012. September ridership ranked fifth highest ever.

“Three of the last four months have been huge months,” according to Transit Manager Kevin Beynon. “Almost across the board we have a pretty good increase from what we had last year.”

“I think it shows that there’s a definite need, and that need is increasing,” WTC board member Walter Angelini said. “But also it shows that you and your staff are doing something right.”

On Nov.13 Weirton Transit purchased a 2013 Econoline high-top van with two wheelchair positions, child seats, on-board recording equipment and additional safety features like a rear-view camera for backing up. A new bus that seats 18 passengers is expected to be added to the fleet in early December with some help from the state.

Last Saturday Weirton Transit drivers underwent intellectual disability training provided by associates of the Rahall Transportation Institute at Marshall University. One employee described it as a “fantastic program,” according to board members

“They learned a lot about how to handle different situations and what to look for,” Beynon said.

In other business, members discussed the need to fill an open board position as well as participation in the upcoming Christmas parades in Weirton and Wellsburg.

(Dalrymple can be reached at sdalrymple@heraldstaronline.com)

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