Monday's session focused on bar owners within the community on how the city can assist in small business growth and development in Lima. According to statistics provided by the city, small businesses account for 99.6% of all businesses in the State of Ohio. An established relationship between the city departments, such as police and the RTA, and small businesses is pivotal for economic growth in Lima.

This Saturday, rides on any fixed route buses will be free. The free rides will be an opportunity to experience what the RTA is all about. The buses will be making special stops at Free Comic Book Day in downtown, the Bradfield Block Party, and “Runway at the Park” in Faurot Park. Both the RTA and Downtown Lima Inc. hope “Free Ride Saturday” introduces the convenience of the bus service to area residents.

Starting Monday, March 8th, the Allen County Regional Transit Authority will be offering free rides for those with appointments to get the vaccine. Everyone will get a free round trip for each dose. All that is needed is to tell the bus driver you are going to an approved vaccination site, and there will be no charge. Those requiring Up-Lift or ADA services need to call the RTA office (419-222-2782) at least 24 hours in advance to schedule a pickup time.

The Allen County Regional Transit Authority is starting discussions with local officials in those communities to see how routine bus routes could be beneficial to all involved. The Lima Allen County Regional Planning Commission is providing data on how many people travel to and from Lima, Delphos, and Bluffton daily to work, shop, or play. Public transportation could be key.

The Allen County Regional Transit Authority’s Customer Appreciation Day just happens to land on Election Day. All fixed route rides will be free and Uplift Passengers can call to schedule a ride to the polls. RTA had to eliminate services due to a failed levy more than a year ago, but services have been brought back thanks to voters passing a recent levy. Transit officials say they and their customers are thankful to those who voted yes.

The search continues for the next executive director for the Allen County Regional Transit Authority. The RTA board says that they did previously have a few candidates that they were speaking with, but didn't find exactly who they were looking for. 

The Allen County Sheriff's Office has informed everyone that since the mandate is a health order, they will not enforce it. They have advised people not to call 9-1-1 if you want to report a potential violation of the order, but if you do have a concern, contact the Allen County Department of Health.

The Allen County Regional Transit Authority is in the process of beginning a search for a new executive director. The board of trustees accepted the resignation of Sheila Haney as she has left for another job. Right now the RTA has two interim co-directors in Brian Wildermuth and Karen Garland. The board president said the plan is to first look locally for candidates before expanding the search outside Allen County. Last spring, voters helped pass a sales tax levy for the RTA that has helped them return previous services and start new ones.

The Allen County Regional Transit Authority has begun a new project in downtown Lima. A parking lot project got underway Monday with the beginning steps of the demolition of two buildings. Two vacant buildings at the corner of North Street and Central Avenue will come down to make way for a parking awning for the services uplift vans. Along with that will be a gazebo, green space and additional employee parking. According to Elliot Rankin of the RTA, the project costs $580,000 and is totally funded by a federal capital investment grant.