WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – In less than a week, people will be able to travel through the greater Warren area with new WRTA services. But, the city needs your help to make sure the new routes stay.

On March 2, the WRTA will start six new bus routes into Warren that will cover the city.

The new routes were created from a $1 million state grant. The funds cover the new Warren bus routes through at least May 30, 2021.

Councilwoman Helen Rucker said it’s important for people to get out and use the new routes so they stay past the temporary basis. If the routes are successful, the state will continue to fund them.

“I’m really urging people to come out, hop on the bus, ride your neighborhood or ride down to downtown Warren and stop at some of the area restaurants,” Rucker said. “It’s growing. It’s something that’s vital for Warren and I think people really should use it.”

Rides in both Trumbull and Mahoning counties will be free for the entire week, March 2-7.

The WRTA will also start new hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. But, the Warren Express also runs on Saturdays.

Editor’s note: This story corrects that rides will be free the entire week, not just March 2. This story also corrects that funding for the new routes was obtained through May 30, 2021, not three months as previously reported. We regret the errors.