You are using an outdated browser. For a faster, safer browsing experience, upgrade for free today.

History of Transit in Zanesville, Ohio

There is a long history of mass transportation in Zanesville. This history began in the latter part of the 1800's, when streetcars and trolleys traveled the famous Y-Bridge as the city served as Ohio’s state capital. Privately owned mass transportation survived in Zanesville until the early 1960's.

In 1961 the Zanesville Mass Transit Company gave notice that they would cease operations when the franchise expired in 1962. Operating costs were exceeding the fare box revenues. Local residents rallied by selling stock at $10.00 per share. In only three months, over $34,000 was raised to save the city’s transit service.

Through these efforts, Y-City Transit was born. The system operated eight (8) routes with thirty (30) minute headways. Federal funding, pursuant to the Urban Mass Transportation Assistance Act of 1964 helped recapitalize the system. Still, continuing operation deficits led to the failure of Y-City Transit in May of 1977.

The Muskingum Authority of Public Transit (MAPT), which was created on September 24, 1979 by the City of Zanesville, Muskingum County Commissioners and the village of South Zanesville, is a public body created by Chapter 306, sections 30-71 of the Ohio Revised Code and is owned by the taxpayers of Muskingum County. It is financed by Federal, State of Ohio, and local funding. It is the intention to provide residents a continued, uninterrupted public transit service. Operations began in 1980. In January 2000, MAPT legally changed its name to South East Area Transit (SEAT). In 2022, the average number of riders transported by SEAT for Muskingum County is 8,200. 2001 started SEAT’s presence in Guernsey County where the average number of riders per month is now 3,000.

In 2018, SEAT started public transportation services in Noble County, where none existed. The first month, SEAT transported 92 individuals to medical appointments. In 2022, the average monthly number of riders is 544. April 2021 started SEAT’s presence in Belmont County, where the average number of riders per month is 692.

Today, SEAT offers five (5) fixed route services in Zanesville and two (2) fixed route services in Guernsey County. Also offered are E&D ADA (curb-to-curb Paratransit service) in Muskingum and Guernsey County, and County Wide demand response service in Muskingum, Guernsey, Noble and Belmont Counties.

The mission of South East Area Transit

SAFE EFFICIENT AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION