SARTA looks to open new Massillon transit center in March or April

Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent
·2 min read
The new Stark Area Regional Transit Authority bus center at 227 Tommy Henrich Drive NW in Massillon is in line for a January 2024 finish. Construction on the $5.1 million station started last March.
The new Stark Area Regional Transit Authority bus center at 227 Tommy Henrich Drive NW in Massillon is in line for a January 2024 finish. Construction on the $5.1 million station started last March.

MASSILLON – The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority bus station taking shape on Tommy Henrich Drive NW is in line for an early 2024 finish.

Work on the $5.1 million project began last winter and is expected to conclude by early January, said Kirt Conrad, chief executive officer and executive director of SARTA.

"The construction has been going pretty good and on time," said Conrad, adding that Mineral City-based Stanley Morgan construction is contractor for the project.

Construction is ongoing for the new Stark Area Regional Transit Authority center along Tommy Henrich Drive NW in Massillon. The city averages about 500 bus passengers per day.
Construction is ongoing for the new Stark Area Regional Transit Authority center along Tommy Henrich Drive NW in Massillon. The city averages about 500 bus passengers per day.

SARTA is targeting mid to late March or early April for the facility to open, said Conrad, adding that Massillon has an average of 500 bus passengers per day. The station, which is visible from state Route 21, is located at 227 Tommy Henrich.

There are multiple reasons for building the new station Conrad said, such as the Hampton Inn transit center not being able to accommodate the height of some of the newer buses, in addition to the former site not being visible for riders. It also posed safety concerns because of sight lines for drivers entering and exiting the facility.

On the move: What we know about Massillon's new SARTA transit center

The new station will also have two electric car charging stations and a 20-car parking lot, Conrad said.

"The parking area and landscaping will come in the spring after the center opens," he said.

The new station will resemble SARTA's Belden Village facility, Conrad said. The climate-controlled space includes public restrooms and will be equipped with customer service representatives to help riders.

The new Stark Area Regional Transit Authority bus center is being built at 227 Tommy Henrich Drive NW in Massillon. Construction began in March and is slated to conclude in January 2024.
The new Stark Area Regional Transit Authority bus center is being built at 227 Tommy Henrich Drive NW in Massillon. Construction began in March and is slated to conclude in January 2024.

David Maley, Massillon's economic development director, called the new transit center a boost for city residents who use the bus line.

"This will be a high quality facility for the people of Massillon," Maley said. "Based on what you can see now, it will be a spacious facility for (riders) to help get around the city."

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

This article originally appeared on The Independent: SARTA transit center in NW Massillon set for January 2024 completion