Umair Gaines
Akron, Ohio, has been served by buses since at least the 1960s. In November 1960, the Akron Transportation Company, a predecessor of Akron Metro RTA, celebrated the arrival of a fleet of 10 diesel buses from General Motors with a downtown parade. In 2022, Akron Metro RTA introduced its first two battery-electric buses, nicknamed Jolt and Volt. The agency approved the purchase of two additional electric buses on the same day as the launch, with all four buses expected to be in service by the end of 2023. While there are currently no long-term plans to convert the entire fleet to electric vehicles, Akron Metro RTA has not purchased a diesel vehicle since 2015 and hopes to retire its diesel fleet in the coming years.
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What You'll Learn
Akron Metro RTA's first electric buses
In March 2022, Akron Metro RTA introduced its first two battery-electric buses, nicknamed "Jolt" and "Volt". The transit agency received grant money to cover the cost of the two new, all-electric buses, which came to about $924,000 each. The buses were launched at a ceremony at the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center, where attendees were able to see the buses in action, silently operating during the event.
The introduction of these electric buses marked an important milestone for Akron Metro RTA, as they strive to be nationally recognized leaders in the use of alternative fuels. The agency's battery-electric bus fleet will expand in the future, with the Metro Board of Trustees approving the purchase of two additional electric buses. Akron Metro RTA expects all four buses to be in service by the end of 2023.
The decision to transition to electric buses offers significant savings on fuel and maintenance costs. Akron Metro RTA spends about $700 per bus per month on diesel fuel, whereas the electric buses will cost roughly $200 per month to keep charged. Additionally, the solar panels on their bus garage allow them to take advantage of solar power, further reducing costs.
The electric buses also offer a quieter and smoother ride for passengers, with no engine noise or lurching stops. Akron Metro RTA's fleet currently comprises 240 buses, with 85% running on compressed natural gas. The agency hasn't purchased a diesel vehicle since 2015 and aims to retire their diesel fleet in the coming years, demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability and green initiatives.
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Akron's 1960 bus parade
In November 1960, Akron held a bus parade to celebrate the arrival of a new fleet of luxury coaches. The parade was organised by the Akron Transportation Co., a predecessor of Akron Metro RTA, which had purchased 10 diesel buses from General Motors for $250,000. The buses, named Metroliners, were built mainly of stainless steel and aluminium and featured a range of modern amenities. The company advertised the new fleet as "modern as tomorrow" and encouraged people to "ride downtown in style".
The parade began two weeks after John F. Kennedy defeated Richard M. Nixon in the presidential election. It started on Sunday, November 21, with a three-day celebration that included an open house for transit workers' families and an inspection of the vehicles by civic leaders. On Tuesday morning, officials from General Motors, the Akron Transportation Co., Akron Merchants Association, and Akron Chamber of Commerce gave speeches in front of City Hall.
The parade itself took place on Tuesday, with hundreds of officials climbing aboard the Metroliners for a joyful procession. The gleaming buses began their route at 11 a.m. at the Sheraton Hotel, turning south on High Street, then onto Exchange Street, Main Street, and finally, Market Street. The new fleet offered improved comfort and style, with features such as a V6 diesel engine that eliminated lurching stops, a heating and ventilating system, and an air-suspension ride that provided a smooth and jolt-free experience.
The bus parade in 1960 was a significant event for Akron, showcasing the modern and sleek design of the new coaches. It also marked a shift in public transportation, as the city transitioned from electric trolley buses to the more advanced and comfortable diesel-powered Metroliners. The parade was a celebration of this progress and a boost for downtown Akron, which had been facing a decline in retailers and ridership since World War II.
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Akron's new diesel buses in 1960
In November 1960, Akron Transportation Co. celebrated the arrival of a fleet of 10 diesel buses from General Motors with a downtown parade. The buses, which cost $25,000 each (roughly $218,000 today) for a total of $250,000 (around $2.1 million today), were built mainly of stainless steel and aluminium and could carry 45 passengers.
Akron Transportation General Manager Joseph Lilly described the new Metroliner as being built for comfort. The V6 diesel engine eliminated lurching stops, and the heating and ventilating system changed the interior atmosphere every 80 seconds. The air-suspension ride was described as “float [ing] you along like riding on a cloud” without jolts or jerks. The company advertised:
> Ride downtown in style aboard ATC’s brand new fleet of busses, modern as tomorrow. These luxury coaches are the result of a three-year study by top officials of the American Transit Association and General Motors who planned a bus that looks modern on modern city streets, provides extra visibility in keeping with today’s architectural trends, gives the riders comfort in seating, seeing, and air-suspension ride.
The Metroliner also featured an extra-wide windshield for drivers, cheerful colours in lacquered panelling, push-type exit doors, lock brakes, full-length fluorescent lights, big picture windows, higher windows so riders could watch for stops without stooping, and foam-padded, two-tone seats.
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Akron's electric bus charging
Akron, Ohio, has been taking steps to improve the sustainability of its bus fleet, introducing electric buses and charging infrastructure. In March 2022, the Metro Regional Transit Authority (RTA) introduced its first two battery-electric buses, nicknamed "Jolt" and "Volt". The RTA expects to expand its electric fleet to four buses by the end of 2023, with the board approving the purchase of two additional electric buses.
The introduction of electric buses is a significant step towards reducing emissions and improving air quality in the city. According to the Director of Public Relations, Molly Becker, electric buses produce zero emissions, which is a stark contrast to the diesel buses that previously dominated the fleet. The new electric buses also offer a quiet and smooth ride for passengers, a notable difference from the noise and vibrations typically associated with diesel engines.
The RTA's decision to transition to electric buses is expected to bring cost savings as well. While the initial investment in electric buses is high, with each bus costing about $924,000, the ongoing operating costs are significantly lower. The RTA spends approximately $700 per bus per month on diesel fuel, whereas the electric buses are estimated to cost only $200 per month to keep charged. Additionally, the RTA can utilise its 2,000 solar panels on sunny days to charge the buses at no cost.
Akron currently has 83 public charging station ports within a 15km radius of the city, supporting the transition to electric buses and other electric vehicles. The city's commitment to sustainability and green initiatives is evident, with the RTA not having purchased a diesel vehicle since 2015 and aiming to retire its remaining diesel fleet in the coming years. Akron's efforts to electrify its bus fleet demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to public transportation, benefiting both the environment and the community.
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Akron's bus fleet in 2024
Akron's bus fleet has seen several changes and upgrades over the years, with a continued focus on improving sustainability and the passenger experience. In 2024, the Metro Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in Akron, Ohio, approved the purchase of 33 new compressed natural gas buses from GILLIG LLC. This decision aligns with the agency's goal to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce their environmental impact.
The new buses are expected to join a diverse fleet, as the Metro RTA had already started introducing electric buses to its fleet in 2022. The agency received grant money to cover the cost of two new all-electric buses, each priced at about $924,000. These electric buses produce zero emissions and offer a quieter ride for passengers. The Metro RTA had also approved the purchase of two additional electric buses, expecting all four to be in service by the end of 2023.
The transition to electric buses brings significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs. While diesel buses cost about $700 per bus per month in diesel fuel, electric buses are estimated to cost around $200 per month to keep charged. Additionally, the Metro RTA's bus garage is equipped with over 2,000 solar panels, enabling them to take advantage of renewable energy sources to power their electric fleet.
In the past, Akron celebrated the arrival of new buses with a downtown parade, such as the one held in November 1960 to showcase a fleet of luxury coaches purchased from General Motors. These new buses, with their sleek and modern design, offered improved comfort and visibility for passengers. Akron has continued this tradition of investing in its bus fleet, ensuring that residents have access to reliable and environmentally friendly public transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Akron Metro RTA, the public transit agency serving Summit County, Ohio, and the city of Akron, introduced its first two electric buses in March 2022. Akron Metro RTA hasn't purchased a diesel vehicle since 2015 and plans to retire its diesel fleet in the coming years. However, there are currently no long-term plans to convert the entire fleet to electric vehicles.
Electric buses offer significant savings on fuel and maintenance costs. They also produce zero emissions, which can lead to avoided healthcare expenses and help Akron Metro RTA achieve its sustainability goals.
The electric buses are equipped with a contactless, independent mobility device securement system and an electric air purifier. They also have a braking system that generates electricity to charge the battery, extending their range and efficiency.
