Release Date: April 2,2024
METRO RTA to Provide Free Fares on April 8 to Assist in Traffic Safety During Total Solar Eclipse
April 1, 2024, AKRON — METRO RTA will offer free fares on METRO Direct and METRO ADA services on Monday, April 8 to assist with traffic safety during the highly anticipated solar eclipse. City and county officials are urging residents to stay home if possible, with heavy traffic and congestion expected from community members and visitors.
The total solar eclipse, an event that hasn’t happened in Ohio since 1806, is expected to bring up to 500,000 people to Ohio. Summit County falls within the path of totality for this eclipse, making it one of the prime locations globally to witness the event.
“This solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity for our community to come together and witness an extraordinary event,” said METRO Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Molly Becker. “With an anticipated significant increase in traffic volume, METRO is committed to working with our local officials and agencies to bring safety and convenience to commuters and community members during the event.”
The eclipse event will begin at 1:59 p.m., as a partial eclipse, and will last through 4:29 p.m. on April 8, 2024. Totality will be visible everywhere in Summit County from 3:13 p.m. to 3:17 p.m.
It is highly recommended by scientists and medical professionals to use protective eyewear while looking at the eclipse. METRO team members will be passing out eclipse safety glasses at the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center throughout the week prior to the eclipse while supplies last.
METRO is committed to serving the Summit County community and providing reliable transportation for residents and visitors alike. For more information on METRO’s routes and times, visit yourmetrobus.org or call 330-762-0341. For more information regarding local events and information, visit www.visitakron-summit.org/solar-eclipse.
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, cost-effective, and customer-focused, now and into the future.