“It’s high time that happened,” said Doug Deeken, a director of Ohioans for Concealed Carry. “They were in violation of state laws.”
“There’s no reason, just because you choose public transportation, that you give up your right to defend yourself,” Deeken continued. “That’s inherently wrong and discriminatory.”
The Buckeye Firearms Association also cheered the decision, echoing Deeken’s argument that the Dayton RTA had been in violation of the law.
RTA CEO Mark Donaghy noted guns will still be banned from RTA’s building, as government buildings can still prohibit firearms under state law. Donaghy also noted the RTA would prefer to have all their properties completely free of firearms.
“Our highest priority is the safety of our customers and employees,” he said. “But at this point, given the change in the law, that’s not possible.”
Some groups, such as the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence, also voiced concerns, due to the fact that Dayton Public Schools are considering using RTA buses to transport students.
