The METRO Regional Transit Authority (METRO RTA) in Akron is using federal investments in public transportation to fuel economic growth and opportunities.
In 2023, METRO broke ground on a $59 million state-of-the-art maintenance and operations facility, 70% of which is covered by a federal grant. This facility will modernize METRO’s operations—providing functional maintenance space for more than 200 buses, office space for over 40 employees, and capacity to support new service improvements, including rapid transit routes and service expansion,” said Jarrod Hampshire, METRO RTA’s Chief of Staff. “Most importantly, this facility represents an unprecedented investment in our front-line staff to make METRO a premier workplace. This wouldn’t have been possible without support from our elected officials in Washington, D.C.”
Beyond the transit system itself, the project is boosting the regional economy—supporting jobs for architects, construction crews, and other local workers. Once operational, improved transit will continue to connect riders with jobs in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, logistics, and food service—industries vital to Akron’s economy.
METRO has also secured federal funding to purchase 33 new buses manufactured by the California-based company Gillig – an investment that will cascade down through companies across the country that supply the technology and parts for these compressed natural gas buses.
METRO is also pursuing a broader vision for downtown Akron. Near the RKP Transit Center, the agency has proposed a mixed-use development that could include affordable housing, community services, and new administrative space—an investment in both mobility and economic growth that could be eligible for a federal loan through the Build America Bureau.
In 2024, METRO recorded a 23% increase in ridership across Summit County, reflecting rising reliance on public transportation for work, healthcare, and daily life. With federal partnerships in place, METRO can continue building a stronger, more connected Summit County—one where transit delivers not just mobility, but opportunity.
