Akron Metro Regional Director Bob Pfaff says customers can ride most buses free Thursday, June 19.
Akron's RTA will get an extra $18 million this year because of a sales tax approved in March and ridership is up 6 percent since April. And they'll need the extra revenue to pay for fuel which has quadrupled in price over the last three years. Here's RTA Executive Director Bob Pfaff.
Pfaff: "It's a double-edge sword when you see gas prices go up. It raises costs on us but it also forces people to think about other opportunities to use services in this community, like public transportation."
To entice propspective riders, Pfaff said he's encouraging drivers to "dump the pump" and take part in Metro's mobile open house. On June 19, riders can board most busses free all day long... except those going to Cleveland. On June 16, through June 20th RTA also will give away prizes on various routes. Metro riders with a valid bus ID can now buy discount tickets to the Akron Art Museum.
Pfaff: "People are making a move toward public transportation, whenever it's convenient. We want to make it even more convenient. That's what we intend to do over the next few years."
A spokesman for the Greater Cleveland RTA said that bus line is not currently offering enticements to its riders.
Kymberli Hagelberg, 90.3