Sen. Moreno Visits Akron Metro, Sees Federal Transit Investment in Action

Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) visited the Metro Regional Transit Authority in Akron, OH, Oct. 6, for a tour of the agency’s new, federally funded maintenance and operations facility, offering an opportunity to see firsthand how public transportation investment supports local communities.

During the visit, Sen. Moreno also got behind the wheel of one of Metro’s 40-foot Gillig buses, navigating a series of cones used for driver training.

Visits like this give elected officials a direct look at the infrastructure, equipment, and people that keep public transportation moving. From modern maintenance facilities and vehicle fleets to the drivers and technicians who keep service running safely and reliably, transit agency tours help connect federal funding decisions to the everyday work of delivering mobility to millions of Americans.

For public transportation agencies, hosting Members of Congress and other elected officials is also an opportunity to demonstrate the local impact of federal investment. Capital projects support construction and manufacturing jobs, while reliable transit service helps people reach jobs, schools, healthcare, and other essential destinations. Public transportation also connects businesses with employees and customers, supports economic development, and helps communities make the most of their existing transportation infrastructure.

As Congress considers future transportation funding and reauthorization, these firsthand experiences can help inform discussions about the resources needed to maintain, modernize, and expand public transportation systems. Showing elected officials completed projects, explaining outstanding capital and state-of-good-repair needs, and introducing them to the employees and riders who depend on transit can help illustrate why sustained federal investment matters to communities of every size.

APTA encourages its members to invite Members of Congress to visit their facilities, ride their systems, and meet with transit employees and community stakeholders. These visits can build understanding of local needs, strengthen relationships between transit agencies and their congressional delegations, and provide a tangible foundation for conversations about increased public transportation funding.

APTA’s Planning Site Visits with Your Members of Congress offers practical guidance for planning, organizing, and executing effective events with elected officials. The toolkit also includes sample social media posts to help agencies extend the reach of their visits and share their stories with broader audiences.