ASHTABULA – In late 2025, Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski asked Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere to see if the city was interested in a GoBus stop.
Fast-forward to February 2026, and the idea has become a reality.
Recently, the City of Ashtabula announced that GoBus will soon add a new stop in the Historic Ashtabula Harbor as part of its Grey Line service, which travels along Lake Erie between Ashtabula and Toledo.
“The Ashtabula County Commissioners are excited to welcome a GoBus stop to Ashtabula County, specifically in the City of Ashtabula in the heart of the Harbor,” Kozlowski stated in a news release. “This new stop will help better connect our community to the rest of the state and create new opportunities for both residents and visitors to travel throughout Ohio — and to visit Ashtabula, which we know has so much to offer. It’s a great addition for our area, and we’re looking forward to its launch and success when service begins next month.”
According to the news release, the GoBus stop will be located in front of the Bridge Street Public Parking Lot with service set to begin March 2. People can buy tickets at www.ridegobus.com.
Timonere was enthusiastic about the new service and the opportunities it brings to both residents and visitors.
“GoBus is an affordable transportation alternative that will attract travelers to Ashtabula while also allowing our residents to conveniently travel throughout the state,” Timonere said in the news release. “There are many opportunities to reach destinations across Ohio through the connections available along this route.”
The Gazette reached out to Timonere with some questions about the announcement and how the public has reacted to the news.
“So far, there has been a good response,” he said. “I do believe this service will benefit our residents and the county, both from a tourism perspective as well as a transportation option for our community.”
He noted that the services provides an alternative for people who may not want to drive on a vacation or visit out of town.
“Additionally, there are a lot of universities along the routes GoBus serves and their ridership shows many college-age students use this as transportation to and from school,” he added.
He thought GoBus could serve just about anyone.
“Whether you’re looking for a ride to the Cleveland Airport or to get your child to their college, or if there is a destination along the service lines someone would like to visit and spend a day or two, this provides a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to driving,” he said. “Additionally, visitors to Ashtabula will experience the same benefits.”
Timonere saw GoBus as a benefit to tourism in the Harbor.
“The Harbor has become a regional destination for tourism, and this will continue to bring people into town,” he said. “The Bridge Street district is walkable and there is a lot to do within walking distance, and a car is not necessarily required to enjoy all we have in this area.”
As to whether a shelter will be built for the bus stop, he acknowledged that as a possibility, although nothing is in the works currently.
“Depending on how ridership is, these assets would be considered in the future, but for now, there isn’t anything planned,” he said.
As of Feb. 12, the city’s announcement on Facebook had 131 likes/loves and 11 comments.
“That’s great!” Ann Pean wrote. “I saw a large bus like this crossing the bridge from the east side, and a few minutes later return back across the bridge. Must have been a trial run!”
Jamie Bilovus wrote, “This is awesome!!!”
“Welcome GOBUS to Historic Ashtabula Harbor & Safe Travels !” Linda Pykus wrote.
The news release notes that from Ashtabula, the Grey Line will make stops in Painesville and Cleveland, including a stop near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport at the Greater Cleveland RTA Brook Park Station.
It states that from there, riders can access numerous public transportation options and additional GoBus destinations, including Akron, Columbus, Athens and Cincinnati. The travel time from Ashtabula to Cleveland is approximately one hour and 30 minutes, it notes.
Information on the GoBus website notes that passengers enjoy first-class amenities and ADA-accessible service aboard deluxe 50-passenger motor coaches, with affordable fares through a mileage-based pricing structure.
Amenities include air conditioning, an onboard restroom, reclining seats with headrests and footrests, tinted windows, and ample storage, and most buses also feature free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets at every seat for added convenience, according to the news release.
“The City of Ashtabula looks forward to the positive impact this new transportation option will have on tourism, economic development, and regional connectivity,” the news release reads.
“I think that’s going to be a great addition to our town,” Ashtabula City Council President John Roskovics said. “I think many people will take advantage of this service. For a wide variety of reasons people need to travel, and this will be a nice option for many to utilize. Hopefully this will bring visitors to our city and afford our residents many opportunities and conveniences.”
Ashtabula City Council member RoLesia Holman said transportation is a need in the city.
“The GoBus, well, it’s worth giving it time to see how it will work out initially, then seeing what modifications are needed to make it work for our passengers and infrastructure,” she commented.
“The GoBus will be a great addition to the city, offering a fantastic transportation service for locals and a destination for those out of town,” Jodi Mills, Ward 4 Councilor for Ashtabula City Council, said. “The benefits include a cost savings, reducing commuting stress, efficiency, boosting our economy and an environmental impact reducing the carbon footprint. This is exciting news for our city. Thank you to all involved on this project.”
