Metro RTA rolls out updated bus routes with week of free rides on direct service
The Metro Regional Transit Authority has revamped its direct bus service map, with updated routes beginning this week in Akron and Summit County.
The rollout of the new-look network includes free fares through Sunday on Metro's direct routes, and the transit authority also has planned a summer of community activity and ridership promotions.
The overhaul of local routes is the result of an extensive review of Metro's services begun in 2021 that included input gathered during public comment periods.
Here's what Metro's changes mean for its ridership:.
How can I find out if my route is affected?
Metro riders can go to https://www.reimagine-metro.com/trip-planner to see how the overhaul affects existing routes. Changes took effect Sunday.
The transit authority also has a downloadable brochure on its website that maps out the updates.
What new options are available for Metro riders?
According to Metro's website, the redrawn route map includes five new high-frequency 15-minute corridors and three 30-minute routes in addition to five existing 30-minute routes.
The overhaul includes new regional connections to Brimfield and Cuyahoga County.
Metro also said it is preparing for the return of its Grocery Bus service later this year.
What ridership options are being eliminated or delayed?
As of this week, Metro is scrapping the Metro Connect pilot program that it launched in September 2020. The bus service said most of the coverage provided by that service has been absorbed into Metro Direct daily routes, creating more convenient access.
METRO Connect portions no longer covered include Portage Trail Extension, Stow Municipal Court, Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls from state Route 8 to Kent Road in Stow South Main Street (Munroe Falls)/North Avenue (Tallmadge) between Munroe Falls Avenue and Tallmadge Circle.
Metro said it has indefinitely postponed its Route 91 Kent Connection, which was to have launched this week, due to "unforeseen challenges." Also impacted is Route 22 Howe/Stow/Kent, with the route ending at Target in the Stow-Kent Shopping Plaza until further notice. Metro called the delay "just a bump in the road, not a detour," said it is committed to continuing the planning process of these two routes.
What objectives does Metro hope to achieve with this overhaul?
The Reimagine Metro initiative set out to keep ridership opportunities broadly attainable while increasing access to frequent stops, especially in low-income areas.
The new network's goals include:
Ensuring 97% of existing boardings are within a quarter-mile of service.
Keeping 63% of existing boardings within a quarter-mile of a frequent stop.
Making sure 77% of low-income residents and 79% of people of color who are near service will be near either a 15- or 30-minute route..
Increasing job access. The median number of jobs reachable by Summit County residents near transit in 45 minutes will increase by 53% for all residents, 104% for lower-income residents and 89% for all people of color.
What other promotions and events is Metro planning this summer?
In addition to free fares all week on Metro Direct routes, the bus service is offering free ride on Saturdays and Sundays through August on these fixed routes and for Americans with Disabilities Act services.
Also, every Friday this summer, Metro will host a food truck at the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center and on select days at 416 Kenmore Blvd. Food truck events are open to the public.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron's Metro RTA launches revamped routes with week of free fares
