Navigating the Akron City Bus System

Are you looking to explore Akron or get around the city with ease? Our local METRO bus system is a fantastic way to travel efficiently and affordably. To help you make the most of your bus rides, we’ve put together some essential tips and information on using the Akron METRO bus system.

1. Route Planning Made Easy

Before you set out, use the METRO route planner to find the best routes and schedules. Visit Realtimemetro Route Planner to plan your trip. The planner provides real-time updates, route maps, and schedules to ensure you’re on the right track.

2. Allow Sufficient Time

It’s important to plan your trip with extra time to account for potential delays. Buses might not always be on time, and finding your stop can take a few minutes. Aim to arrive at your bus stop at least 5-10 minutes before the scheduled departure to avoid missing your bus.

3. Understanding Bus Transfers

If you need to switch buses to reach your destination, you can transfer between METRO routes. Ensure you request a transfer slip from your driver when boarding your initial bus. This slip will allow you to continue your journey on another METRO bus without additional cost.

4. Fare Payment and Passes

You can pay your fare directly when boarding any METRO bus or use the EZfare mobile ticketing app to purchase passes. The app is available on your mobile device and integrates with Moovit, Transit app, and Uber for convenience. Here’s a quick guide to the available passes:

• General One Day Pass: Ideal for occasional riders.

• General 7 Day Pass: Perfect for frequent weekly travel.

• General 31 Day Pass: Best for regular commuters.

• Northcoast Express (NCX) Pass: For longer trips on the Northcoast Express.

• METRO Drives Pass: For those who drive and use the bus occasionally.

• ADA 10-Ride Pass: For ADA-certified riders.

• Older Adults & Persons With Disabilities (D&S) Pass: Discounted fare for eligible individuals.

5. Traveling Outside Summit County

If you need to travel beyond Summit County, METRO has connections with other transit systems:

• Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA)

• Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA)

• Laketran

• Lorain County

• Brunswick

METRO honors transfers from SARTA and GCRTA. Make sure to obtain a transfer slip from the external transit system to enjoy a free ride on METRO. Additionally, all participating transit agencies (excluding METRO’s Northcoast Express) honor transfers between their services where routes intersect.

6. Special Note on Northcoast Express

If you’re using the Northcoast Express service, please be aware that while METRO will issue transfers to other systems, transfers from other agencies to the Northcoast Express are not honored.

We hope this guide helps you navigate Akron’s METRO bus system with ease. Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring the city, or traveling beyond Summit County, METRO is here to get you where you need to go. Happy Travels.