Greater Dayton RTA’s downtown hub inspiration for Toledo system

Wright Stop Plaza — the Greater Dayton RTA’s downtown hub — is featured this week in a report by The Blade newspaper in Toledo as an example of how Midwest cities have created downtown transit hubs.

The Blade reports the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority seeks to build a transit hub similar to the one built in Dayton nearly a decade ago. The Blade's report is available here.

In recent years, Greater Dayton RTA and regional partners have taken steps to improve the area around Wright Stop Plaza.

MORE: The Market opens at Wright Stop Plaza

In 2015, the transit authority, Montgomery County, Homefull and Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County partnered to open “The Market” at the facility. The effort is credited as a way for lower-income riders to access produce and other fresh foods.

Then, in 2016, RTA announced plans for more than $2.5 million in renovations to the facades and roofs of the downtown buildings at Wright Stop Plaza.

DETAILS: RTA plans big year of capital projects

In January, the plaza was the site of pickets during a four-day strike of unionized transit workers. During that time, the transit authority barricaded the plaza behind fencing in an effort to secure the system’s assets.

The plaza is also central to criminal proceedings against the head of that union, ATU Local 1385 President Glenn Salyer, who faces a criminal trespass charge following an incident at the plaza in August. Salyer has filed a motion to dismiss the case in Dayton Municipal Court.

MORE: Union president seeks to dismiss trespass case

Read more about Greater Dayton RTA:

» Film about RTA and Beavercreek feud wins 'best feature documentary'

» Miamisburg bridge replacement will impact traffic, RTA routes

» 5 times American transit workers walked off jobs

» Ohio GOP legislators say 'never again' after RTA strike

» RTA's union deal could be reopened by June, allowing another strike

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