Expanded bus service to start

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Public transportation patrons who live, work and play between Rostraver Township and Monessen are now able to catch a bus along Tyrol Boulevard at Rostraver Apartments.

The Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority announced that starting today, the Weekender 1 will stop at Rostraver Apartments. Starting Monday, the LOCAL 3 will also stop at the apartment complex.

“A recent survey confirmed that there is a need to add a stop to Rostraver Apartments,” MMVTA Executive Director Ashley Seman said Friday. “The route will provide access to appointments at (Monongahela Valley) hospital and shopping in Monessen and Rostraver.  

“We are happy to provide this transit opportunity to Rostraver Township and the residents of the apartments.”

The MMVTA board voted June 27 to add the stop after Rostraver Township Commissioner John Lorenzo, who represents the township on the MMVTA board, and Naz Victoria, owner of Victoria House Personal Care Homes Inc. on Tyrol Boulevard, called attention to the dangerous stretch of road and the fact that Monessen and Rostraver Apartments residents walk along it in an attempt to get to and from shopping destinations, medical appointments, other bus stops and their jobs.

Seman said the survey included questions about how often people would ride the bus and for what purpose. Around 40 residents in the apartment complex were polled. It was found that 19 would use the stop to get to and from work, 22 would use the service for transportation to medical appointments and 25 would use it for groceries and shopping.

Almost a third of participants said they have no other transportation available or currently walk or bike the route.

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