Rep. Strong Sykes Tours Proposed Reimagined Network METRO Route
HUDSON, OH – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes toured a proposed METRO Regional Transit Authority (RTA) route that would expand access to public transit in Summit County. The Reimagined Network plan would provide frequent and convenient service in high ridership corridors and markets where public transit is essential.
“I applaud METRO RTA’s employees and leadership team for their hard work and commitment to this important transit initiative. This proposed route will dramatically increase access to public transit in my district,” said Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes. “Public transportation strengthens our economy by ensuring people can get to work, attend school, visit the doctor and, most importantly, make it home safely. During my time as Minority Leader in the Ohio House of Representatives, I proudly secured historic investments for public transportation in the state budget. On Capitol Hill, I will continue to support efforts to make public transit equitable and accessible for all.”
With the Reimagined Network, the median county resident who lives near transit could access 53 percent more jobs with a 45-minute commute, and a majority of those residents would be near a route that runs every 15 or 30 minutes. More than 97 percent of riders on today’s network will be within a quarter of a mile to a stop with the new network, and more than 63 percent would be within a short walk from a bus running every 15 minutes.
“We were honored to have Congresswoman Sykes join us to tour a new proposed route that will provide additional connections for those in the Congresswoman’s district. All of METRO’s routes, including this one, will soon be updated to provide more equitable and reliable access to jobs and opportunities across the region,” said Dawn Distler, Chief Executive Officer of METRO RTA.
Members of the public can submit a comment on the entire plan, or on details of specific changes to routes, via the Reimagine METRO Feedback survey until March 1, 2023. The first changes to the Reimagined Network will begin June 4, 2023.