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METRO NEXT has Expanded - More Coverage Across Summit County
What is METRO NEXT?
METRO NEXT is an on-demand service linking suburban and rural areas with METRO RTA’s fixed-line routes. The service zone currently covers all parts of Summit County that traditional line-service doesn’t reach. Customers can book rides in advance or on the day of. This pilot program offers a vital "last mile" solution, improving access to more of Summit County.
How does NEXT work?
You can book a ride two different ways: by using an app or calling Customer Care to schedule directly. Once you schedule your trip, you will be picked up by a small, purple METRO bus.*
With the expanded service zone, you can travel anywhere within the zone, up to 9.99 miles for just $5. Any trip over 10 miles will not qualify for METRO NEXT service.
When the operator is on their way, you will receive a text message that includes estimated time of arrival and a vehicle number.
Keep in mind that you may be sharing your ride with other passengers going to different destinations, as this service is similar to other current rideshare solutions.
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Download the "Mobility by Ecolane" App. Available on Google Play and the App Store. This is the easiest, most efficient way to schedule trips that will start and end within the Service Zone.
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If you are experiencing difficulty scheduling your trip, you can contact Customer Care at 330-762-0341.
*Please note, trips that are scheduled for after 5pm may be performed by TL Worldwide Transportation.
Where can I go?
The METRO NEXT service area covers the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western regions of Summit County. Check to see if your pick-up or drop-off location is within the service area by viewing our searchable map here.
You can select an address-specific destination OR a bus stop at any point along a METRO Direct route that touches or intersects the service zone.
NOTE: Pick-up or drop-off locations outside of the service zone will not be eligible for METRO NEXT. If you have questions about how to travel outside of the Zone using a transfer, please contact Customer Care directly at 330.376.8458
Can I transfer to METRO Direct?
METRO NEXT riders will be able to schedule a ride to a bus stop, where they can connect with METRO's fixed-route service.
NOTE: Trips that require a transfer outside of the service zone may need to be booked by calling customer care, unless you know the exact or approximate location of the nearest METRO Direct bus stop.
NEXT passengers can be connected with METRO’s fixed-route service for one free transfer.
How much will it cost?
METRO NEXT rides will cost $5 one-way, per person (up to two children age 5 and under ride free with a fare paying adult) as long as both points are within the service zone. To verify the zone, click here.
Fares can be paid by credit or debit card in the Mobility by Ecolane app directly, or with cash on-board.
Example of How to Use METRO NEXT
A rider needs to be picked up in Green and taken to Fairlawn. This is an 18 mile trip, which isn’t fully bookable using METRO NEXT. The passenger will need to request a drop-off point at one of the bus stops along Route 2. The selected stop must fall within the service zone. Once the rider is dropped off at the Route 2 bus stop, they can present the METRO Direct operator with proof of their METRO NEXT ride, providing them with one FREE transfer. Once the rider arrives at the RKP Transit Center, they will need to purchase a single ride or day pass to then take Route 1 to Fairlawn.
METRO NEXT Service Hours:
Frequently Asked Questions
No smartphone, no problem? You can contact our Customer Care department for more information and to schedule your METRO NEXT trip.
METRO NEXT is for anyone! To qualify for a METRO NEXT trip, your trip needs to either begin or end in the service zone. This service is different from METRO SCAT and METRO ADA–you do not need to be a certain age or have a qualifying disability.
No problem! You can schedule the beginning of your trip at any METRO Direct bus stop that touches the beginning of the service zone. If you need assistance choosing which stop to schedule the beginning of your trip at, please contact Customer Care directly 330.762.0341. This goes the same for a trip that has a pick-up location in the zone, but a destination outside of it.
Example: Mary lives in Highland Square, but she wants to meet some friends at the Winking Lizard in Peninsula for lunch. To get herself there, Mary would need to ride the METRO Direct Route 27 to the end of the line (which is the point where it touches the METRO NEXT zone). She would have already scheduled her METRO NEXT pick-up location at the bus stop on Weathervane Lane. Once the METRO NEXT operator arrives, Mary would then be taken directly to the Winking Lizard in Peninsula.
No, you don’t need to schedule 24 hours in advance. With METRO NEXT, you can schedule a trip same-day. The earliest a trip can be scheduled is one hour in advance. You can also schedule your METRO NEXT trip at least 2 weeks in advance as well.
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Step-by-step directions:
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