TRANSPORTATION — The Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority has provided the paratransit service since 1992 and is helping people with physical and intellectual needs find more freedom of mobility. Passengers such as Maggie Hunt, pictured here with driver Anthony Dustolfo, have gained more independence by using the transport for work or other needs. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority has kept people moving for years, and its paratransit service promotes independence for those with physical and intellectual needs.

The paratransit service was created in 1992 and has carried users throughout Jefferson County and West Virginia. About 4,414 passengers and aides used SVRTA’s services in 2025, and Transit Manager Tim Turner said the goal is to promote independence.

“We serve the Steubenville, Mingo Junction and Wintersville area, and on occasion have teamed up with Weirton Ride and Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority and we have gone to Weirton Medical Center,” he added. “Sometimes we are their only transportation, so we make an exception for that.”

The service includes one main driver and two assistants who fill in as necessary, while two MV-1 vans are part of the transportation system. Turner said he has seen an increase in usage, particularly since the aging population has utilized the service for errands, appointments, and even to see family, but SVRTA also gives people an opportunity to go to work and reach other goals.

“We’re all about mobility freedom and want to help people go where they want to go and get there when they want to get there,” he continued. “It gives them independence.”

Among its passengers are Maggie Hunt and Kayla Henry, two individuals who have been served through the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and respectively utilize the van for work and volunteering.

Hunt, of Steubenville, has worked at the Antonian Dining Hall at Franciscan University for three years but has taken the paratransit van for the past six months. She spends three days a week at work and said it gives her a sense of freedom.

“I like it,” she said. “They are nice people and are very kind to me.”

Parents John and Aileen Hunt both said it has been a godsend.

“It’s fantastic. Before this, we took her to work and couldn’t find transportation. This was a blessing,” added John, who is also a board member for the JCBDD. “Maggie likes the freedom and she wants to do things on her own. It makes mine and Maggie’s life a little simpler.”

“She enjoys her independence,” said Mom Aileen. “The drivers are very reliable and always inform her of any changes to the schedule. They go above and beyond, making it a great experience for both her and us.”

Kayla Henry, also of Steubenville, has used the transport system since September when she began volunteering at the Sycamore Center. She spends each day assisting youth in grades 1-7 in various activities and said SVRTA gets her where she needs to go.

“I love it. I love the younger kids, and they are really great kids,” she said of her volunteer work, adding that she also appreciated the convenience of SVRTA’s transportation system to get her there. “I take the paratransit van and I really like my drivers.”

Her mom, Lisa, said the service was very beneficial to her and Kayla.

“With the paratransit van, she has the driver’s full attention and they bring her home every evening,” Lisa mentioned. “It’s been very accommodating. Without this transportation, I don’t know how I would have been able to pick her up after work.”

She’s also spread the word about the service to others.

“I’ve already suggested it to a couple of other families,” Lisa continued. “They don’t pick up more than one person at a time, and they take them to their destination before picking up others, plus they have nice drivers.”

Cookie West, public relations and community specialist for the JCBDD, said it has been a component in shaping JCBDD’s mission of building a community of belonging.

“It demonstrates that resources are accessible, and these young women are creating their own villages while stepping outside of their comfort zones,” West said.

For information about SVRTA and the service, call (740) 282-6145.