Since September of 2024, Youngstown city schools cut busing because of a shortage of bus drivers, leaving those students with one option: WRTA.

Since then, the city council, police and WRTA said there's been an increase in altercations and other inappropriate behavior.

In one incident earlier this month, a WRTA employee had been attacked following a fight involving Youngstown students.

Youngstown's school board and head of school security admit there is not always extra security, but said they assist during peak times on most days.

YPD's Chief Carl Davis said his department is also "doing everything they can" to help, but Councilwoman Anita Davis said she hopes all entities will come up with a solution to take safety measures a step further, such as assigning a school resource officer to be physically on the WRTA with students.

She adds it wouldn't be reasonable to expect YPD to provide this help. 

"YPD cannot do that," she said, "That would be really pushing resources to the end, just about."

In a statement, the school board said they're aware of problems involving "some Youngstown school students, adding, the "issues should not be seen as representative" of their students who ride the bus, and said it's important "not to single out" YCSD as they are not the only students on the WRTA.

Full statement from YCSD School Board President: 

"The Youngstown Board of Education is cognizant of behavioral conduct issues involving some Youngstown City School District scholars who ride the WRTA. It is important to note that these issues should not be seen as representative of all our scholars who ride the bus. It is equally important not to single out Youngstown City Schools scholars, as they are not the only students who use the WRTA. Recognizing the importance of student safety, the district has proactively engaged with stakeholders. These collaborative efforts have led the district to send school resource officers to the WRTA station during peak times. The board and district are unwavering in their commitment to working with council members, the community, families, and the WRTA. This collaborative approach ensures a cohesive partnership that supports our scholars and promotes a shared responsibility for their well-being."

WRTA Executive Director Dean Harris said the past five months have been "a lot to handle," and has also increased WRTA security.

He said he has also requested school resource officers from the district, but so far, none have been assigned on the buses. 

A Youngstown school board meeting takes place on Tuesday. 

The school board and Councilwoman Davis said they plan to discuss these concerns.