WRTA Union President Tess Wills, representing bus drivers in Youngstown, proposed a new idea to utilize off-duty WRTA drivers to assist in transporting students, something Wills said may ensure better safety for students, drivers and the community. 

This comes as WRTA drivers said they're overwhelmed with transporting Youngstown city school students with commotion increasing on the WRTA involving students, who rely on the public bus to get to school. 

"We don't want to blame Youngstown city kids for all the commotion that happens, because we do have other ruling passengers," she said, "It's just that when they are in a big group, that's when things start to happen."

Wills said, that unless Youngstown schools assign resource officers on the WRTA during student transports, it'd be best to keep students in a student-only environment.

WRTA drivers like herself are willing to pick up extra shifts and drive students to and from school on the district buses, she said, and may be a way to solve the driver shortage issue; the reason why the district cut busing in the first place.

The district said in part, that safety is the top priority and takes the concerns raised by WRTA drivers seriously, adding the idea of utilizing off-duty WRTA drivers to operate district buses is "an interesting one," but that logistics "need to be evaluated."

As for the WRTA's continued request for school security on WRTA buses, the district said they're determining if it's "practical and effective" in regards to "resource allocation" but understands security value.

YCSD full statement: 

"The safety of our students and the broader community is always our top priority. We appreciate the concerns raised by WRTA drivers and their union leadership, and we take them seriously.

Our district remains committed to working collaboratively with WRTA, city officials, and law enforcement to explore solutions that ensure safe and reliable transportation for our students. While the idea of utilizing off-duty WRTA drivers to operate district school buses is an interesting one, there are logistical and considerations that need to be evaluated. We are open to discussing all potential solutions that could improve student safety.

Regarding student identification and security measures, we are willing to work with WRTA to explore feasible options. We understand their concerns about increased incidents and are continuing discussions about how best to support a safer environment.

As for the proposal to have a school resource officer on WRTA buses, we are in ongoing conversations with WRTA leadership and local law enforcement to determine what is practical and effective. We recognize the value of added security, but any decision would require careful coordination and resource allocation.

We will continue to engage with all stakeholders—including WRTA, city leadership, and families—to develop the best path forward in ensuring the safety of our students and the community."

WRTA head Dean Harris said if drivers are willing to work extra hours, he thinks Wills' idea would definitely help.