METRO: Think Outside the Bus

Join Tatia and Molly as they discuss with some of METRO's leadership team about being honored as the Outstanding Public Transportation System in the country. This award is for every single team member and the METRO community and we are super proud. Mic drop...nope, don't drop that mic, Molly likes it too much!

This week we talk with Caitlyn Conley of the Akron History Center. Mickey Mouse gas masks, the modern silver screen, the marble fields of Akron, and Dum Dum suckers are few tidbits in this surprising episode. Just WOW!!!

Downtown Akron is poppin' and the Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) is the reason why! Join us as we discuss all things downtown Akron with Dominic Caruso, Communications Director of DAP. What is DORA? A punk rock flea market? Dancing? Akron has it all! Grace and Kyle talk about pickles, a pickle crime, about sandwiches, and and so much more. You never know with these two!

This week we chat with the Planning Department on route and service changes starting Sunday, August 17, with more frequency, some earlier hours and more! Also, is it DAYta or DAta, why is planning hanging out with horses, and where is Molly escaping to and is it because she is spicy?

Join us as we chat with Director of Marketing & Events Elena Bell from the Akron Zoo. We learn about bears who topor, (wait, what?), a new baby white-cheeked gibbon, dinosaurs galore, and join us for the Last Mile with Grace & Kyle and their humorous take on the zoo and the Dino Trek exhibit.

This week we chat it up with Eleni Manousogiannakis, Executive Director of Better Kenmore CDC. From First Fridays and holiday events, sparking new business growth, and honoring the past the Better Kenmore CDC is on the move and have become known as Music Row here in Akron. Tune in to hear about all they have to offer and what is happening!

This week we sit down with Alexandra Vukoder Chief Advancement and Communications Officer with the Akron Art Museum and learn about the current exhibit She Said, She Said. We also dive into all the museum does in and for the community, how you can rent art, chat about Linda (Akron's Mona Lisa) and the Big Pink Q. Grace and Kyle explored the galleries with Jenee Garlando and talk about their experi...

This week Molly and Tatia chat up the '80s, as that's the theme for this year's Free Fare Weekends on METRO Direct. Jelly shoes were the equalizer and the true start of leveling the playing field and, yes, your mix tape skills were being judged. Tatia was a little punk rock in her hair style and Molly rocked the big Aquanet hair. Then Grace and Kyle's Last Mile takes a look at the...

This week we are chatting with Robert DeJournett, METRO Board of Trustee & now President of the newly formed Black Chamber of Commerce. Robert speaks of his obsession with all things METRO and buses, community outreach, and how he is helping to fill in the gaps for black and minority owned businesses in the Summit County area. Join us as we find out how he is always watching out for buses, our...

This week we talk with former METRO Operator and now City of Akron Ward 5 Councilman Johnnie Hannah. The interview takes place in Northside Marketplace, in his ward, and we chat about his career path, some of his focus as a councilman, and how men should listen to women...yes! Also, on the Last Mile with Grace & Kyle they explore the marketplace and talk about all it has to offer, the validity...

Join Tatia and Molly for a chat with John M. Williams, CEO of the Akron Urban League. The Akron Urban League has a rich history in Akron and programming for its community that is second to none. The Akron Urban League is in its 100th year and they are reaching out and listening to the community to recreate themselves and to further help meet the needs of the Akron community now and into the future...

This week we chat with Claire Merrick from Summit Metro Parks. From a new park on the horizon, events for every single person imaginable, to ginormous muscles (say what) and fairy shrimp (crazy!) we hear about all the things surrounding all the beauty in the parks right here in our own backyard. Then Grace and Kyle head out to a Summit METRO Park and chat about their experience and discuss pets lo...

Baseball season is here and Molly and Tatia talk with Nick Bello from the Akron RubberDucks about all things RubberDucks. From mascots, to extreme foods, to partnerships, and game day fun there is something for everyone at a RubberDucks game. Then take a listen to Grace & Kyle discuss hot dogs, the food options, and how ranch dressing is America, but American cheese on a hot dog? Nope!

Join us for a chat about the arts in our area with Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow. From fiber art dragons, collaging, writing, and safe, vibrant public spaces this week's episode tackles all the artful topics. Perfection in your art or just enjoy the process? Do you journal? Nicole is ready to have her journals locked down and Tatia and Molly are on the case. Akron and the surroundin...

Join us for an interview with the organizers of the Black Family Wellness Expo being held in Akron and around the country on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This family friendly event has something for everyone. The Links Incorporated, Kent Area Chapter, are the organizers and have a rich history of movers and shakers making the world a better place.

Join us for a chat with Kenny Lambert who personally discovered it is never too late to turn your life around. He has gone from a life of addiction, to recovery, to winning an Emmy, to making an impact in his community. And in a Moment of Grace find out from others what they deem is never too late to start.

Join us for a chat with Mark Greer, the Executive Director of Akron's 200th Bicentennial. Tune in to learn about all the happenings around town (and there are many), find out how you can be involved, and what events you want to attend. Also, listen to the new segment, The Last Mile with Grace & Kyle where they chat about Akron, the Roo Express, and conduct a brief spelling bee of the word...

Join us this week when we meet up with on-air personality Keith Kennedy from 98.1 WKDD. We discuss the annual radiothon, recycled trees, falling out of chairs, driving buses, and those darn PINKY puppets!

Today we are chatting about 2024! There are awards, ridership is soaring, and METRO is Community Driven. And will someone please get Molly a new office space?

Join the METRO team as they discuss a new service METRO NEXT in the southern part of Summit County, part of the ongoing Reimagine METRO service redesign.

Join us this week for a chat with Operator Waymon Brown. He talks about being in our largest operator class and his work in the community with YEPAW, inspiring the youth of today through performances and spiritual outreach.

From basketball, to bikes, to being a resource for families at the holidays, South Street Ministries in making a difference in the Summit Lake Community. Join us for a conversation with Joe Tucker and get a glimpse into all South Street is doing!

This week we met up with Tawanda from METRO's Customer Care Center. She is one of the friendly voices you hear when you call to schedule a METRO Select trip, looking for information, or need to know what route is best on METRO Direct. Her enthusiasm shines each time that phone rings!

Today, we chat with METRO's Finance Department and what it takes for a vendor to conduct business with METRO. We buy everything from paperclips to buses and there is a process and some tips to be successful. Also, with the holidays upon us we re-visit the HOLIDAY DECORATING WARS between METRO departments, because Finance has won the last two years...ugh! We mean, congratulations to them!

METRO is Community Driven each day when it hits the road. METRO also reaches out to the community in a variety of ways, especially around this time of the year. Meet Dietra, a METRO Transit Police Officer, and learn how she is helping METRO's transit-loyal riders and others.