Metro Eyes Service Restructuring

A public event on Tuesday will explore ideas for improvements to public transit services in Akron.

Akron Metro RTA has been conducting an online survey asking riders and others to provide suggestions for ways to enhance service.

The survey is part of a campaign Metro has launched called “Reimagine METRO RTA.”

Among the ideas Metro is considering is creation of routes that run more often, ways to streamline and adds trips to Northern Summit County, and creating new connections to Cuyahoga and Portage counties.

Metro released last month a draft of its revamped network and is seeking public comment through March 4.

Officials have said the additional service envisioned by the plan will require hiring additional bus drivers, which the agency is actively seeking to do.

The plan will be the subject of a public open house at the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ohio Public Transit to Get $1.3B Over 5 Years

Ohio public transit agencies are expected to share in $1.3 billion in federal funding over the next five years from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The funding is expected to be released in stages with $260 million being allocated in federal fiscal year 2022.

Of the FY2022 funding, $73.5 million will be available immediately with the remaining money released later this year.

Cleveland will receive $22 million while Akron will get $3 million.