Release Date: April 5,2023
METRO RTA Board of Trustees Approve Reimagined Network, Allowing June 4 Roll-Out of System Redesign
March 5, 2023, Akron, Ohio - On Tuesday, March 28, the Reimagined Network was unanimously approved by METRO’s Board of Trustees with implementation set for June 4, 2023. The Reimagined Network was designed to provide frequent and convenient service in high ridership corridors and markets where and for whom transit is essential.
The major changes will offer a more streamlined service with five new high frequency corridors, three new 30- minute routes added to the already existing five, expanded weekend service, and offer regional connections to Kent, Brimfield, and Cuyahoga County.
“When METRO conducts a major service change, it is required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to conduct an evaluation to ensure that the planned changes will not disparately impact minority populations and/or disproportionately burden low-income populations,” said Valerie Shea, Director of Planning and Strategic Development. “METRO has completed its analysis, available in full on yourmetrobus.org, and has found there will be great benefit to the community, with a 53% increase in job access for the median Summit County resident living near transit. This number increases to 104% for low-income residents and to 89% for People of Color.”
METRO conducted three extensive rounds of public outreach from 2021-2023. Changes were made to the Reimagined Network prior to Board approval on March 28 based on public input received. Innovative mobility solutions are being considered where METRO’s traditional service options do not meet the needs.
“METRO team members have worked diligently on this project to improve public transit across our region,” said Robert DeJournett, METRO Board Present. “Board members were updated monthly and were provided with an in-depth analysis to review before casting the March 28 vote. Outside of focus groups, informational tables, and targeted public outreach, METRO has also worked with stakeholders and appointing authorities to ensure this plan will provide fair and equitable transportation for our community.”
For more information regarding services updates and changes, visit reimagine-metro.com.
METRO RTA is the public transportation provider in Summit County. METRO enhances the quality of life for our community by providing innovative transportation solutions that are safe, equitable, dependable, costeffective and customer focused, now and into the future.