SARTA opens new $5.1 million bus station in downtown Massillon

MASSILLON – Using public transportation became a little easier in the city Thursday with the opening of a new Stark Area Regional Transit Authority bus station on Tommy Henrich Drive NW.

Kirt Conrad, chief executive officer and executive director of SARTA, said having the transit center operational after a two-year construction process is a plus for local riders. Work on the $5.1 million project began in winter 2022.

"We're happy about the (building)," he said. "I want to thank our riders and the city for being patient."

Temporary bus stops were setup a couple of years ago at the site, 227 Tommy Henrich NW, after SARTA moved out of its previous home at the Hampton Inn downtown. New buses were having trouble entering and exiting the hotel station.

The new station is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and is staffed with customer service representatives during hours of operation.

A celebration to mark the opening will be scheduled later, Conrad said.

Massillon has an average of 500 bus passengers per day, Conrad said. The station is visible from state Route 21 and positioned just west of Towne Plaza shopping center.

The new station has two electric car charging stations and a 20-car parking lot.

Conrad said the charging centers and a park-and-ride area have yet to be completed and should be operational by late summer.

The new Massillon station resembles SARTA's Belden Village facility, Conrad said. The climate-controlled space includes public restrooms and is equipped with customer service representatives to assist riders.

Ted Herncane, the city's development director, called SARTA's new station a positive addition for folks who use the bus service.

"It's a much needed upgrade and great for downtown," he said.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: New SARTA bus station opens in downtown Massillon