August 4, 201212 yr FYI, from the Cleveland RTA thread..... Speaking of Akron... One thing I've noticed lately is that during the rush hours, one of the #90 buses says "County Line". That's technically not true. It misses it by about a half mile on Northfield Road. Whenever I leave for work a little later than normal, I see 6 - 10 riders hiking south on Northfield to work. Akron's agency also misses the line (which is at Sagamore Road). Its route stops at Summit Plaza. Considering that about a quarter of a billion dollars is soon to be spent at Northfield Park, is it too early to start planning? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 30, 201212 yr I somehow missed this final master plan from Metro RTA that was published at the end of May. http://www.akronmetro.org/SharedFiles/Download.aspx?pageid=44&fileid=699&mid=95 Definitely a lot of interesting ideas. The cost estimates seem fairly high in everything. For passenger rail, they felt that it would cost almost $40million to set up using the train from the Merriman Valley to Goodyear. I could see that if they are adding a second train track. It practically sounds like that from reading their estimates. We're talking 8 miles of track that was just updated by the CVSR to welded track. Definitely a lot of assumptions in the study like that the train wouldn't be extended further south to Canton. That is definitely the big picture to me for this. Yes its probably not worth the expenditure if it will only ever roll 8 miles back and forth from Goodyear to the valley and will receive a major upgrade in track just to do that. 40mph avg speed is plenty since its more direct than by car. My feel was they needed to replace a bridge or two. Upgrade some track here and there. Add improved crossing gates and buy a few DMUs. My ball park guess was $10-12 million for startup service. My vision was a slicker version than what the CVSR is already providing to get the thing rolling. For part of the study linking the train to Kent, I would think PARTA would be a little more of a participant in that. Perhaps that would save them tens of thousands of dollars by not sending 3-5 buses to Akron every day. I guess they would've had to cough up a few thousand to be part of the study too.. Anything in transportation in isolation looks expensive. Once a network is linked up and is able to be used in multiple places I think it will be worth it for passenger and freight. Hopefully this is part of a preliminary study and they will have a more detailed study with start-up options and realizing improvements that are needed regardless and for moving freight.
August 30, 201212 yr Note that equipment is not counted for in that $38 million figure. Total capital costs are noted on Page 131 -- they do not include how much of those capital cost can be funded by efforts needed to also implement freight rail service on these routes. Even so, the preliminary figures are definitely gold-plated. But that's PB for you. The unit cost figures are fine -- the assumptions are heavy handed. You don't need to replace the continuous welded rail north of Akron Northside, but it is needed south of there. Some of the bridges south of Northside are in bad shape and need lots of work. Sadly, the CTC and PTC overlay is needed to conform to federal regulations regarding signaling in mixed-traffic railroad operations. That is the case south of Akron Junction. I would like to understand why its needed north of there. Also, there is an assumption that only three stations would be provided. And you're right. The rail map shows no potential service south of Goodyear to the airport, Uniontown, Green, North Canton and Canton. Geez, its only one of the busiest and fastest growing areas of Akron-Canton. Even if Akron Metro RTA responds that Canton is out of its service area (which it is -- so is Kent, BTW), the airport is in its service area. Someone's gonna have to help me understand why it was excluded. BTW, keep in mind that all of the cost estimates and assumptions in that document was conceptual-level, masterplan stuff. The harder data and findings start to come out of the federally compliant Project Development Process. Thus far, only the Merriman-Goodyear rail route has entered Alternatives Analysis -- the first step of the PDP. BTW2, I loved what the report had to say starting on Pg. 99. The back-to-the-city movement, and the development of "suburban villages" such as the increased investment in dense settings like what is occurring in downtown Kent, Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson are likely indicative of our future. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 30, 201212 yr Thanks for allaying my fears. I was hoping this was just conceptual surmising in trying to find the worst case scenario cost expectation. There were definitely some nice things in the report that I think they were able to get from AMATS like future demographic concepts to take into consideration. I'd lean more towards a hybrid of back to the city and suburban TOD for Summit Co. as being most likely in the cards. I believe the rail bridges are scheduled to be replaced very soon if we're talking the one(s) over the Little Cuyahoga river. That could be another reason why the CVSR isn't running south to Canton currently.. (It was to be replaced this past winter. Not sure that happened) Interesting the report also had a quote in the 2nd section from the interviews with local organizations that there is no service to Gilchrist rd. Well guess what the train runs right through there. Also there were quotes saying how it would be nice for better service to CAK and also UofA. Interestingly, they didn't interview people directly associated with Goodyear, UofA, or Parta for this study. Nice they spoke with reps from CAK though but train service would be pretty pie in the sky for them since they know Metro doesn't even have a train and weren't even hinting one would come along in the next 20 years. So, yes, more buses! Also, they discussed putting up a tax or levy in the quotes with movers and shakers. I would think an increased sales tax would be commensurate with the goals trying to be achieved. Improvement of tracks to Canton and Kent shouldn't be shouldered by Summit County alone. The other counties I think should be included. In that regard, its not a burden that only Metro alone would have to carry without even contemplating having to push a new tax. It would be truly improved regional service and I would think a cost savings.
August 30, 201212 yr CVSR was running weekends-only south to Canton this summer. I think their last weekend is this one. Part of the reason why Akron Metro RTA is seeking freight service on these rail lines is to get non-commuter rail funding sources into the mix. Otherwise the introduction of commuter rail on these lines will likely not meet FTA New Starts criteria. The cost simply will be too high, and I don't anticipate super great ridership. But good ridership is possible on the lines to Hudson, Kent and, if they considered it, Canton. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 26, 201212 yr Next Akron Metro RTA board meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 8 a.m. The meeting is at METRO's headquarters, 416 Kenmore Blvd, Akron: http://ow.ly/eNWIp Note that the Rail Operations Committee has not met in months despite rail revenue being down, major capital expenses (bridges) pending, at least one large new rail user pending, and a freight plan adopted last spring that cannot be implemented because the Rail Committee's chairman is too busy to hold meetings. Note the lack of rail discussion or activities by the board as noted in its packet at: http://www.akronmetro.org/Data/Sites/2/Assets/PDF/october2012boardpacket.pdf "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 9, 201212 yr Here is a notice about upcoming public meetings Nov. 14-15 for the Akron Metro RTA Market-Arlington Alternatives Analysis. One of the options being considered is commuter rail in the valley.... http://www.akronmetro.org/SharedFiles/Download.aspx?pageid=44&fileid=814&mid=95 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 15, 201212 yr Metro looks at $25 million plan to shave travel times in Akron By Dave Scott Beacon Journal staff writer Published: November 15, 2012 - 08:55 AM Metro RTA is leaning toward a $25 million plan to shave 10 minutes or more from travel times across Akron. An update on expansion plans at the Pfaff Transit Center in Akron on Wednesday made clear it’s all tentative at this point, but the leading suggestion is to have multiple new unheated stations along Market and Arlington streets with express routes between the Summit Mall/Montrose area and another terminal between Arlington/Waterloo and Interstate 77. Planners are not ready to commit to exactly where the lines would end, because they want to hear from the public, particularly about whether the lines should extend to Walmart stores at each end of the line. Planners also heard from riders who want improved service to their jobs in commercial areas in Montrose and the intersection of Arlington Road and I-77. READ MORE AT: http://www.ohio.com/news/metro-looks-at-25-million-plan-to-shave-travel-times-in-akron-1.350141 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 12, 201212 yr Hold on for more information still to come. The rail is going to be general a north to south piece with a bit of a jog east to goodyear area. What they were discussing is how to best handle east-west travel mainly along market. Certainly the train could handle a portion of it but it won't be taking anyone to west akron. Not to say it couldn't be done but they would have to make a dramatic crossover to connect to the w&le tracks that do roll through into west akron and would only get to wallhaven area. That would, as far as a regional train, be fine. But only 1 stop in west akron is not worth the effort for the discussion at hand.
January 3, 201312 yr ^I don't understand why rail service to the Merriman Valley was shot down, and no explanation given why? :wtf: Not only is it a major northwest side commercial/entertainment destination district that would easily complement a Wallhaven stop, given the large number of UA students and young professionals that live in the valley and are likely averse to car ownership, a rail line connecting the valley to UA/Downtown via Wallhaven and Highland Square seems like a no-brainer. As far as the overall picture of rail service in the Akron-Canton+Kent/Portage area, there is a pretty solid case to be made for some kind of a regional partnership at the very least between Akron Metro RTA, SARTA and PARTA given the following key rail stops: Downtown Akron University of Akron/UA Park Goodyear HQ/Riverwalk Kent State University/Kent (PARTA) Highland Square Wallhaven Merriman Valley Akron-Canton Regional Airport/Green/North Canton (SARTA-Metro) Downtown Canton (SARTA) CAK should also factor in more heavily than they appear to be interested. Are they even aware that Cleveland Hopkins has the Red Line connecting it to Downtown Cleveland?
January 4, 201312 yr I'm pretty sure wallhaven would be out of scope for rail service. They really are looking at some brt for w. market. I think that will be fine. Use that as the east-west and again use the train for some north-south travel. I guess part of the reason that Metro hasn't sought to spur a train to the valley is they don't own the tracks. I'm thinking they should go ahead and buy the tracks to the merriman valley. They own up to the Northside station.
August 23, 201311 yr Nice to see the expansion but dial-a-rides are typically more than 10 times as expensive to operate as regular route buses..... Metro’s expanded bus service in Northern Summit County begins Monday By Dave Scott Beacon Journal staff writer Published: August 22, 2013 - 09:26 PM Expanded bus service to seven northern Summit County communities are among numerous changes Metro RTA plans for Monday. Akronites also will see articulated or “bendybuses” on regular routes on Market and Arlington streets, and the system is adjusting all schedules for the new school year. The Wednesday and Friday grocery bus schedules also have changed. Dial-a-ride service will be available in Twinsburg, Twinsburg Township, Northfield Center Township, Macedonia, Reminderville, Sagamore Hills and Northfield Village. Riders must call the previous work day to summon a bus to their home, so today is the day to call 1-877-820-4710 for a ride on Monday. READ MORE AT: http://www.ohio.com/news/metro-s-expanded-bus-service-in-northern-summit-county-begins-monday-1.423023#.UhdfMUVVBYQ.twitter "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 25, 201311 yr Metro RTA test rides $900,000 electric bus By Dave Scott Beacon Journal staff writer Published: September 24, 2013 - 11:08 PM Metro RTA might charge into downtown Akron with a “circulator” bus powered by electricity. A decision remains years away, but Metro officials toured the city Tuesday in a $900,000 electric bus being shown off by Proterra, a company based in Greenville, S.C. During a stop at Swensons in West Akron, Metro Executive Director Richard Enty said, “Metro’s definitely going to consider it.” Enty said it could be good for short runs. “For this type of vehicle, one of the applications we are considering is a downtown loop bus, so this is something we might look at if that makes sense.” READ MORE AT: http://www.ohio.com/news/local/metro-rta-test-rides-900-000-electric-bus-1.431598 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 27, 201311 yr Regarding Akron Metro RTA's discussions with CVSR for the use of various rights of way (discussed in the CVSR thread), my thought on the matter is.... I think Akron Metro RTA needs to relinquish ownership of its rights of way that go to Hudson, Kent and Canton to a Port Authority or some sort of Industrial Development Authortiy (and give CVSR the section from Howard Street to Akron Junction). The reason is that the Federal Transit Administration audit requirements on Metro regarding the purpose and use of its tracks are so cumbersome and time-consuming to navigate that RTA is unable to quickly to respond to private sector freight rail opportunities or to adequately market industrial properties and shipping opportunities along its rights of way. It's not Akron Metro's fault, but the end result is that these rights of way are not being capitalized upon to their highest and best use. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 27, 201311 yr Nice to see the expansion but dial-a-rides are typically more than 10 times as expensive to operate as regular route buses..... Metro’s expanded bus service in Northern Summit County begins Monday By Dave Scott Beacon Journal staff writer Published: August 22, 2013 - 09:26 PM Expanded bus service to seven northern Summit County communities are among numerous changes Metro RTA plans for Monday. Akronites also will see articulated or “bendybuses” on regular routes on Market and Arlington streets, and the system is adjusting all schedules for the new school year. The Wednesday and Friday grocery bus schedules also have changed. Dial-a-ride service will be available in Twinsburg, Twinsburg Township, Northfield Center Township, Macedonia, Reminderville, Sagamore Hills and Northfield Village. Riders must call the previous work day to summon a bus to their home, so today is the day to call 1-877-820-4710 for a ride on Monday. READ MORE AT: http://www.ohio.com/news/metro-s-expanded-bus-service-in-northern-summit-county-begins-monday-1.423023#.UhdfMUVVBYQ.twitter They could do something similar to what Maple Heights to make itself transit friendly during its pre-RTA days by running a bus line from 91 down 82, up and down 8 to the Racino, back to 82 turning around at the nursing home by Chafee, then heading back up 82 to either Boyden, Brandywine, or Old 8. Turn right there and left on Highland back to 91, up 91 back to 82. There's lots of older people from the Maple Heights-Bedford area now living in this section that I think would go for this. It would connect with the Summit County radial routes numerous places, and presumably with GCRTA at Northfield Park, which sits on the county line.
September 27, 201311 yr They could do something similar to what Maple Heights to make itself transit friendly during its pre-RTA days by running a bus line from 91 down 82, up and down 8 to the Racino, back to 82 turning around at the nursing home by Chafee, then heading back up 82 to either Boyden, Brandywine, or Old 8. Turn right there and left on Highland back to 91, up 91 back to 82. There's lots of older people from the Maple Heights-Bedford area now living in this section that I think would go for this. It would connect with the Summit County radial routes numerous places, and presumably with GCRTA at Northfield Park, which sits on the county line. They run something similar to that, the #102 route, as far north as Summit Plaza...... http://www.akronmetro.org/route-schedule.aspx?Route=102 (grab and drag the route map north to that area) "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 12, 201311 yr AKRON morning rush-hour traffic on 11-12-13 (red is heavy highway traffic at speeds less than 20 mph, yellow is less than 30 mph and diamonds are accidents). This is a pretty common morning, traffic-wise for Akron.... And what rail corridors does Akron Metro RTA own? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 6, 201411 yr I did note yesterday that the 102 bus now proceeds that extra half mile north to the Rocksino at Northfield Park. This touches Cuyahoga County so if GCRTA decides to venture south of Alexander Road (which I have heard might be in the works) there's another contact point between the two systems, and a high profile one.
March 23, 201510 yr Interesting conversation on Twitter in response to the AAO tweet: All Aboard Ohio @AllAboardOhio 22h22 hours ago On March 25 @AkronMETROBus transit board to consider divesting of 51 miles of #rail corridors to expedite new service http://www.akronmetro.org/Data/Sites/2/pdf/march2015boardpacket.pdf Freddy WithaY @FreddywithaY 3h3 hours ago @allaboardohio @akronmetrobus @thestile1972 how will this effect future @metro_parks rail 2 trail development in Summit Cty ? Frdm/Wlf crk? Summit Metro Parks @metro_parks 2h2 hours ago @FreddywithaY @AllAboardOhio @AkronMETROBus @thestile1972 Don't know yet, but we're talking with Metro Jason Segedy @thestile1972 40m40 minutes ago @FreddywithaY @metro_parks @AkronMETROBus @AllAboardOhio We should learn more about this at the Board meeting Wed. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 24, 201510 yr If he's going to talk rail, I wish Diamond Don Plusqualic would instead focus on the rail link between The Univ. of Akron and Kent State.
March 27, 201510 yr If he's going to talk rail, I wish Diamond Don Plusqualic would instead focus on the rail link between The Univ. of Akron and Kent State. That's probably easier to do since it has one owner -- a transit authority! -- and no conflicting freight traffic. And it could be undertaken as uniting two large state universities who do some distant-learning programs between them as well as two re-emerging downtowns. Yet the most vocal proponent of this rail link has been the economic development department in Tallmadge which has tried to get AMATS to support a feasibility study of Akron-Kent commuter rail. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 27, 201510 yr If he's going to talk rail, I wish Diamond Don Plusqualic would instead focus on the rail link between The Univ. of Akron and Kent State. That's probably easier to do since it has one owner -- a transit authority! -- and no conflicting freight traffic. And it could be undertaken as uniting two large state universities who do some distant-learning programs between them as well as two re-emerging downtowns. Yet the most vocal proponent of this rail link has been the economic development department in Tallmadge which has tried to get AMATS to support a feasibility study of Akron-Kent commuter rail. It just seems to make a lot of sense. When I was at Akron our library cards were good at KSU. I was probably in their library more than the one at Akron. And as the 90's wore on, definitely in their bars more.
July 30, 20159 yr Metro is going to get in the freight rail business. They signed an agreement with an engineer group out of Buffalo to get the section of rail that connects to NS in Hudson ready to go by early next year for $1.2 million. There is starting to be a substantial industrial park complex developing off of Hudson Dr. and Seasons Rd. The positives for this is it makes it far more efficient for the manufacturers in Stow to move product and receive raw material. One said they would open a secondary facility for finishing if they could use rail to move between the two locations. This should take some of the heavy trucks off the road on Seasons rd going to Rt 8 and possibly take a little strain off Rt 8. http://www.akronmetro.org/Data/Sites/2/pdf/july2015boardpacket.pdf
July 30, 20159 yr It's not their first. Metro has an active contract with Wheeling & Lake Erie to provide freight service over Metro-owned right of way between Akron and Canton. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 30, 20159 yr Good news. (Mostly saying that 'coz I wanted to follow this thread, even if it isn't that active.)
July 11, 20168 yr Metro RTA redesign includes increased frequency on main routes, eliminating some By Rick Armon Beacon Journal staff writer Published: July 10, 2016 - 11:10 PM | Updated: July 11, 2016 - 07:31 AM Metro RTA is looking to boost the frequency of buses on its core routes during peak work hours. It also plans to cut or reduce suburban routes, eliminate bus stops and create new transfer hubs that would mean many riders wouldn’t have to pass through the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center in downtown Akron. The overall effort, dubbed “Driving Metro Forward,” was announced earlier this year but the Akron bus company unveiled a more detailed proposal during a recent series of public meetings designed to gather feedback from riders. MORE: http://www.ohio.com/news/local/metro-rta-redesign-includes-increased-frequency-on-main-routes-eliminating-some-1.696353 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 26, 20168 yr Roadblocks slow Metro RTA overhaul October 22, 2016 UPDATED 7 DAYS AGO By JUDY STRINGER Akron Metro RTA has hit a few bumps in the road to its system-wide makeover. The third series of public meetings — the ones expected to provide a "preferred alternative" of new bus routes and schedules — were supposed to take place in September and October. A leadership transition and problems securing locations for proposed neighborhood transit hubs, however, have delayed those meetings, according to Metro RTA interim planning and development director Alex Harnocz. "I would not say [the public meetings] are on the immediate horizon," Harnocz said, "because we are working on those alternatives and really trying to identify what's realistic for next year." Next year, or more specifically Aug. 27, 2017, is when Metro RTA said it will roll out the changes. Harnocz expects to make that deadline. How "impactful" those changes will be, he is less certain. And Harnocz wants the business community — from whom he's heard limited feedback — to know that it's not too late to join the discussion, especially for those companies in locations near current routes. MORE: http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20161022/NEWS/161029995/roadblocks-slow-metro-rta-overhaul "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 6, 20186 yr Is your community's transit agency offering an "Official-ly On Board" program like Akron's? If not, why not?? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 11, 20204 yr https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2020/09/new-app-allows-akron-metro-rta-riders-to-plan-pay-for-trip.html
October 25, 20213 yr Summit County Metro RTA seeks public input about proposed bus routes Megan Becka - Cleveland.com - Oct. 25, 2021 "Summit County Metro RTA is asking community members to take a survey to provide feedback about its Draft Reimagined Network as it seeks to overhaul its fixed bus routes to better serve high ridership corridors and markets and people for whom transit is essential. The first phase is the Transit Service Plan, a draft fixed-route bus network for Summit County that aims to make transit more useful to more people via increased access to more destinations and opportunities. The Transit Service Plan is designed to show how Metro’s network could look with more frequent service and consolidated service on busy corridors. It is based on extensive outreach and feedback with stakeholders and the public in 2019-2020." Survey Existing Network Map: Reimagined Network Map:
October 25, 20213 yr Note that they are proposing hourly service to Greater Cleveland (Southgate) on two routes plus express service every 90 minutes during rush hours to downtown Cleveland. https://www.reimagine-metro.com/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 2, 20213 yr Looks like this would remove route 101 which could serve SHW's R&D Center, but interesting to try comparing this system redesign versus GCRTA's latest. I love to see inter-agency connections while our region's transit systems remain disparate networks, so it is intriguing to see the hourly service to Southgate. It feels that the inherent shortcomings of a hub-and-spoke system make transfers awkward for adjacent areas on separate lines, but it seems there is a greater focus on equity for those riders who are most transit-dependent, so that is nice to see.
December 13, 20213 yr Cross posted from the Youngstown transit thread Who knew? Route #81 Akron Express - Western Reserve Transit Authority: WRTA (wrtaonline.com) Looks like free fares through December 31! https://www.wrtaonline.com/schedules/route-81-akron-express/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 5, 20223 yr Metro RTA adds first two electric buses to fleet https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/04/02/akron-metro-rta-regional-transit-authority-electric-buses-summit-county-bus-schedule-transit-center/7202461001/ Akron Metro RTA has its first two electric buses. Summit County’s public transportation provider launched the county’s first two electric buses, nicknamed “Jolt” and “Volt,” at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday at the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center in downtown Akron. Minutes before the event, Metro’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution to purchase two additional electric buses at its monthly meeting. That means that by the end of 2023, Metro will have four electric buses in its fleet. ====================================== I've been OOTL on other Ohio metro area transit systems making this transition. A quick Google search let me know that COTA (in partnership with the Columbus Regional Airport Authority) has rolled out a few electric buses (I didn't see the quantity) and Laketran in the Cleveland area has deployed ten (https://www.cleveland19.com/2021/10/18/laketran-deploys-ohios-largest-electric-bus-fleet/). Any others forumers are aware of? I'm surprised to see Metro near the front end of this trend in Ohio, though of course globally, China is the unquestioned leader on this.
April 5, 20223 yr Well, Dayton has had electric buses for 88 years....and counting... "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
April 5, 20223 yr 7 hours ago, ColDayMan said: Well, Dayton has had electric buses for 88 years....and counting... Dayton does electric buses right while Boston is tearing out a perfectly good trolley bus system and replacing it with battery buses that have a diesel heaters for extreme temperature. Meanwhile transit operators using battery buses are realizing the severe range limitations and temperature related problems. Boston MBTA is REALLY screwing this up. / End transit rant When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
January 29, 20232 yr https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/01/18/summit-county-metro-rta-plans-more-frequent-service-akron-riders/69800311007/ When it comes to getting around on Metro RTA, riders say the service is fine, Metro CEO Dawn Distler recently told Akron City Council. She said things are going to get even better starting June 4, when the agency plans to make major changes that will improve service for most riders. If anyone does have complaints about the plan, the agency is still taking suggestions. The new Reimagined Network, as Metro RTA calls the plan, will bring more frequent service that places 97% of riders within a quarter-mile of a bus stop, and 63% of riders close to lines with more frequent stops, according to an analysis by Metro. That 63% includes 77% of low-income riders and 79% of people of color who use the system. Currently, only 36% of riders have access to a bus that comes every 30 minutes or less. There will be five routes where buses will make rounds every 15 minutes, where the average wait time at a bus stop will be 7½ minutes. Other routes will also increase in frequency, from 45 to 30 minutes and from as long as 90 minutes to 60 minutes. ...... Reimagined Metro would offer cross-county connections The new plan also includes improved out-of-county connections, including an hourly express from downtown Akron to Portage Area Regional Transit Authority's main terminal in Kent, Distler said. "We're also going to just jump that 1 mile or so over the county line, from Tallmadge into Brimfield, to connect to the new retail there, as well as providing a pretty exciting new connection on the east side of Cuyahoga County, where we will be connecting to the Southgate Transit Center, which is in Maple Heights."
May 26, 20232 yr The connection to Cleveland RTA will now be every 30 minutes! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 1, 20232 yr For Immediate Release June 1, 2023 Connecting Communities Expanding Coverage New Transportation Services at GCRTA’s Southgate Transit Center Cleveland, OH – Starting on Monday, June 5, 2023, the Akron METRO RTA, will begin operating scheduled fixed-route bus service to and from GCRTA’s Southgate Transit Center to various places in Summit County. The Akron METRO RTA buses will also make stops at METRO RTA bus stops established along Northfield Road in Cuyahoga County. “This is a huge win for residents of Cuyahoga County who may be looking for access to industrial jobs in Macedonia and Twinsburg, and for Summit County residents looking to access the vast opportunities in GCRTA’s network,” said GCRTA Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Floun’say Caver. “The collaboration between GCRTA and Akron METRO RTA provides new mobility opportunities and demonstrates the benefits of regional cooperation.” GCRTA along with METRO RTA customers arriving at the Southgate Transit Center will now have the ability to transfer from one bus authority to another in reaching various destinations between Cleveland and Akron. “Providing 30-minute service to GCRTA’s Southgate Transit Center will create new access to jobs and opportunities for our passengers, “said Dawn Distler, METRO RTA Chief Executive Officer. “I’m proud that our team continues to think outside of the bus by building connections beyond Summit County, and I thank GCRTA for their continued partnership in creating these connections for our communities.” The new Akron METRO RTA routes are the #31 and #32. Those routes will run every hour on weekdays and Saturdays through Hudson, Twinsburg, Stow, and Macedonia, continuing on to Northfield and ending at GCRTA’s Southgate Transit Center in Cuyahoga County. “I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Akron METRO RTA in providing integrated and innovative transportation solutions that increase service across the region, and enhances the riding experience for our customers,” said GCRTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, India L. Birdsong Terry. Akron METRO RTA bus route schedules can be found by visiting https://www.yourmetrobus.org/bus-schedules.aspx Also, you can utilize the Transit app to purchase fare media, real-time trip planning, paying fares, and vehicle tracking. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 1, 20232 yr ^ Nice, but they should have extended it to the Van Aken Center rapid. Maybe they will in the future. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
June 1, 20232 yr 8 hours ago, Dougal said: ^ Nice, but they should have extended it to the Van Aken Center rapid. Maybe they will in the future. Blue Line isn't frequent enough. It runs only every 30 minutes, even during rush hours. Between the 19 and the 90, there's a bus roughly every 15 minutes to downtown from Southgate. The 90 is the faster of the two as it takes Libby/Granger to Transportation Blvd then the freeways to downtown. Then there's the 41, which runs every 30 minutes all day and all night up Warrensville including to the Blue Line, Green Line and ends at the Windermere station for the Red Line. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 2, 20232 yr More details on Akron METRO's route overhaul. Akron METRO RTA riders may see faster service, longer walks to bus stops starting Sunday Ideastream Public Media | By Anna Huntsman Published June 2, 2023 "Starting June 4, the agency will add five new routes with 15-minute bus service: West Market Street, South Arlington Street, East Exchange Street, Grant and Brown Street and Euclid Avenue, Diagonal Road and Vernon Odom Boulevard. METRO will also launch new regional connecter routes that will take riders to and from Kent, Brimfield and parts Cuyahoga County. ... All Akron METRO bus service, except for the three regional routes, will be expanded through Saturdays and Sundays, Distler added." https://www.ideastream.org/economy/2023-06-02/akron-metro-rta-riders-may-see-faster-service-longer-walks-to-bus-stops-starting-sunday
June 29, 20231 yr Akron METRO RTA moves ahead with plans for new LEED-certified maintenance facility Ideastream Public Media | By Zaria Johnson Published June 28, 2023 at 3:31 PM EDT "Akron METRO Regional Transit Authority is going to build a new, expanded maintenance facility with sustainability in mind. The Federal Transit Administration awarded METRO RTA $37.8 million Monday to build a LEED-certified maintenance and operations facility to support a fleet of nearly 250 vehicles." https://www.ideastream.org/environment-energy/2023-06-28/akron-metro-rta-moves-ahead-with-plans-for-new-leed-certified-maintenance-facility
July 24, 20231 yr Akron METRO RTA, Laketran offering free rides to vote in August special election Ideastream Public Media By Abigail Bottar Published July 24, 2023 "Voters in Lake and Summit counties can get free bus rides to vote in the August special election. The hope is to make voting more accessible. ... Akron METRO RTA has offered free bus rides for general elections since 2018, but this is the first time the transit authority will be offering free rides for a special election. Fairchild hopes the service will drum up voter engagement on Election Day. ... Akron METRO RTA is waiving all fares for riders on August 8." https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2023-07-24/akron-metro-rta-laketran-offering-free-rides-to-vote-in-august-special-election
November 20, 20231 yr Akron Metro RTA breaks ground on new $37M maintenance and operations facility Published: Nov. 20, 2023 By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio – Metro RTA representatives and community leaders on Monday broke ground on the new $37 million maintenance and operations facility located on Metro’s existing campus at 336 Kenmore Blvd. The project will support current and future operations needs and provide facilities that will allow Metro to keep its fleet of vehicles in good repair while improving operational efficiencies, the public transit agency said. ... The new facility will span 107,138 square feet and consist of both operations and vehicle maintenance areas. The operations area will include a new visitor dayroom lounge, fitness center, sleep room, quiet room, game room, kitchen and a locker room. The exterior space will feature outdoor patios, a large walking path and a meadow. https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2023/11/akron-metro-rta-breaks-ground-on-new-37m-maintenance-and-operations-facility.html
January 31, 20241 yr Akron RTA’s transit center riders are ‘checking out’ Library On the Go by Kassi Filkins January 30, 2024 Bus riders at the downtown transit center are now able to check out books, movies and digital resources such as e-books and audiobooks as part of a collaboration between the Akron-Summit County Public Library and METRO RTA. The Library On the Go program, housed in a blue vending machine-style locker inside the facility at 631 S. Broadway St., was made possible by $62,535 in federal funding distributed by the State Library of Ohio’s American Rescue Plan Act 2021 Outreach Grant. ... QR codes on site allow patrons to sign up for a library card so they can check out items. Books and movies will be replenished multiple times throughout the week in the lockers at the transit center – library goers can return physical library items in the return box. https://signalakron.org/akron-rta-library-check-out/
July 29, 2024Jul 29 METRO RTA ridership rates hit highest level in 3 years by Kevin Dilley and Akron Documenters July 29, 2024 METRO RTA reported a 25.6% increase in ridership year over year through May. Members of the transportation group’s leadership team presented these findings during committee meetings held July 18 at the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center in Akron. ... Leppo also said that METRO RTA has experienced a more substantial rebound in ridership compared to the national average. “We implemented a comprehensive network redesign about a year ago, [the culmination of] years of effort,” he said. The effort focused on core users, increasing frequency, and streamlining services. https://signalakron.org/metro-rta-ridership-rates-hit-highest-level-in-3-years/
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