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The Akron metropolitan area includes Summit and Portage counties and Chippewa Township in Wayne County. Currently, the region is made up of 17 cities, 16 villages, and 28 townships with over 700,000 people residing in the area. Akron is the central city accounting for almost one-third of the region’s population.
The region has a large and comprehensive transportation system that is anchored by several major freeways and two major rail lines. The Akron-Canton Airport serves the area with several commercial airlines. Two public transit agencies, METRO in Summit County and PARTA in Portage County, provide bus transportation.
Historical, educational, and recreational institutions are a major draw to the region. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park attracts thousands of visitors every year to the river valley. Bike trails such as the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Summit County and the Portage Hike and Bike Trail in Portage County are popular amenities. The region has two large universities, Kent State University and The University of Akron, as well as Hiram College and the Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy.
In a larger context, the Akron metropolitan area is part of the Northeast Ohio region. While the boundaries are sometimes contested, Northeast Ohio is generally considered to be the cities of Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and their corresponding urbanized areas. Northeast Ohio is a dynamic region with significant interplay between the four major cities and the surrounding communities. Many residents reside in one urbanized area and work in another. AMATS works with its sister organizations in the region to ensure comprehensive transportation planning.