Public Transportation Coming to Van Wert

BIG NEWS: Public Transportation is coming to Van Wert!  

We are so excited to finally share what the Bridging the Gap committee has been working on! Through a $72,000 OneOhio grant spearheaded by First United Methodist Church and a partnership with RTA of Lima, we are removing barriers and creating access for our neighbors. 

Watch the video below where Teresa Shaffer, Director of Outreach for First United Methodist Church shares how we got here.  

Save these dates:   

✅ Jan 9 – Discovery Day: See the buses in person around town and take a FREE test ride to see how easy it is to use.   

✅ Jan 19 – Official Launch: Public micro-transit officially goes live in Van Wert!  

How it works: It’s like a community ride-share. You can request a door-to-door ride via an app or phone call.  Cost: Only $3 for a one-way trip ($6–$12 for country routes).  

Purpose: Work, doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or the food pantry.  

How we’re helping: Bridging the Gap will be using grant funds in creative ways such as providing bus passes or other transportation needs (gas, car repair, etc). These will evolve over the next few months. 

If you have questions, reach out to Teresa Shaffer at teresa.shaffer@vanwertfirst.net.