The Greater Dayton RTA has partnered with the Combined Health District of Montgomery County to encourage no smoking at the agency’s bus stops throughout the Dayton region.
Dayton RTA is Ohio’s first transit agency to encourage customers not to smoke at stops.
A dedication ceremony was held at the bus stop on Valley Street at Dayton Children’s Hospital this morning. RTA chief executive officer Mark Donaghy announced during a press conference there. All 3,300 RTA bus stop signs will include the words: Please No Smoking by the end of 2016. Public health commissioner Jeff Cooper, City of Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, as well as the director of the Center for Child Health and Wellness at Dayton Children’s Hospital Jessica Saunders were on hand to support the bus stop request project.
The bus agency is hoping the reminder will encourage Dayton citizens to be mindful of the harmful effects of smoking.
“Nothing could be more important to RTA than the health of our customers and employees,” said Donaghy. “Our objective is to help provide a healthy environment for both.” It’s an important first step to improving the overall quality of life in the Miami Valley, he added.
“We applaud the Dayton RTA for this initiative,” Saunders said. “We know the dangers that tobacco smoke poses to young developing lungs, and support RTA’s effort to reduce tobacco exposure, especially to children.”
