Announcements:
● Amanda Senn showed everyone the trophy from trivia night, and she also mentioned the Metis Patio Party on Aug. 10 supporting the Portage County Chambers of Commerce, Rotary clubs, Leadership Portage and the development boards. It’s from 4-6 p.m.
● Aug. 20 is Dog Days of Summer downtown.
● Randy Smith said they’re forming an ad hoc committee to develop alternatives to the Rotary Auction as a fundraiser. There have been good ideas. In particular, Randy would like to see some new members join this committee.
● Bill Childers mentioned that the Ravenna Cruise-In is Aug. 3 from 3-10 p.m, and they’re still looking for volunteers.
Program — Claudia Amrhein, Transportation in Kent: Denise Baba introduced Claudia Amrhein, general manager of PARTA. Claudia joined the organization in 2004 and was appointed as general manager in 2014. She oversaw the completion of the 10-year master plan, installed the first CNG fuelling station and redesigned the system’s fixed route and demand response services. Claudia also serves on a number of boards, in addition to her professional duties.
Claudia provided a historical overview of public transit in Portage County, citing Roger Di Paolo’s historical research and using photos provided by the Kent Historical Society. In the early 20th century, travel between the region’s smaller cities was very difficult. A dirt road connected Kent and Ravenna, which was difficult to navigate. This changed in 1901 with the introduction of the Interurban Line between Stow, Kent and Ravenna. But the streetcars were short-lived as personal automobiles became affordable in the 1920s.
In the 1960s, public transit regained a place in society through a series of federal interventions, including the highway system and the creation of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Kent State introduced a campus bus service in the 1970s, and the Americans with Disabilities Act followed in 1990. Claudia said a turning point for public transportation in Portage County came in 2009 with a $20 million federal grant to build the Kent Central Gateway facility.
All of these investments have helped create a reliable and affordable transportation option. “People in every community need access to educational opportunities, jobs, health care and basic living necessities, like housing and fresh food,” Claudia said.
Finally, Claudia introduced the latest major investment in Portage County’s transportation infrastructure: Polly the Trolly! The new trolley buses will be made to look like the early 20th century buses of the historic Interurban Line but with tires, bus chassis and modern fuel: diesel, CNG and hybrid.
The new trolleys will be running a new fixed line called the Downtowner. The price will be the same as other fixed line services: $1 one way or $2 for a day pass. There are seven CNG trolleys on the way by 2024, three of which should deliver this year, and four more buses are on order. PARTA believes the new trolley program will increase ridership and interest in public transportation.
Tom Hatch delivered the response to Claudia’s presentation.
.png)
