What's New

The Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) announces that Transportation Outlook, the new 20-year regional transportation plan for the Greater Akron area, is available.

The plan utilizes a “fix-it first” approach for the area’s transportation system. Planning Coordinator Curtis Baker explains that the plan emphasizes preservation of the existing system rather than expansion. Baker adds that this approach is necessary given emerging trends and funding realities for transportation.

Volatile fuel prices and construction costs, a renewed public interest in transit services and environmental concerns have all combined to place new demands on transportation systems, Baker observes.

“These trends have appeared over the last few years; the question is whether they are permanent or temporary?” he continues, “While many things are sure to change between now and 2030, Transportation Outlook ensures that the region’s transportation system will continue to remain an efficient and reliable asset.”

The plan:

• Establishes highway preservation as the area’s highest priority while continuing to address the issues of safety and congestion.
• Urges preservation of the area’s existing transit systems and advocates for more federal and state operating funding for RTAs.
• Recommends that, as the Towpath Trail is completed in Summit County, investments be focused on completing other regional bikeways, especially in Portage County.
• Promotes land use decisions that reduce vehicle miles traveled, promote transit, walking, and biking and improve air quality.

Transportation Outlook is available here