In Kent to view the solar eclipse?
PARTA provides fixed route public transit bus service in Kent and Ravenna. It's a great way to get around town for all the weekend activities preceding the eclipse and on the day of the eclipse. This page provides a quick reference guide for using PARTA's bus service.
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*NOTE: PARTA buses do not operate on Sundays.
The basics
Bus fare
Single Ride
Day Pass
Akron Express Fare
Cleveland Express Fare
$1.00
$2.00 (only available with EZfare)
$1.00
$5.00
NOTE: PARTA provides bus services for Kent State University through a contract with the university. All campus bus routes start with the number five (5) and are free to ride for the general public as well as Kent State students. Bus routes off campus require payment of fare.
How to pay
The best way to pay your fare is with the EZfare app. Download the free app to your mobile phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play. After downloading the app, set up an account. All you need is an email address and to create a password. Once your account is setup, you can purchase digital tickets or just add funds to your account and simply tap and go when you get on the bus. The EZfare app accepts payments from Apple Pay and Google Pay, or you can use your credit or debit card. To use your digital fare, open the app and scan the barcode on the validator at the front of the bus. For more detail visit the EZfare website.
Don't want to use digital fare? You can always pay cash on the bus. However, you MUST have exact fare ready! Bus drivers cannot make change. The metal farebox accepts US currency and coins (NO PENNIES please). Just drop coins or bills in the slot on top of the fare box.
Getting around
The PASSIO GO! app lets riders track any PARTA bus in real time. View all PARTA fixed and express route buses. Select your stop location in the app to see when the next bus will arrive. The app also provides information on bus schedules and service alerts. Download the FREE app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit the website at https://passiogo.com/.
Real-time bus tracking
In addition to boarding at the transit center, riders can also catch a PARTA bus anywhere along its route by standing next to a bus stop sign. PARTA bus stop signs are located at regular intervals along each route. Every sign displays a Stop ID and the route number(s) for that particular route. Bus routes are numbered and color coded to help riders navigate the system with greater ease. Please note that bus operators are only permitted to pick up and drop off passengers at designated stops.
Bus stops
The Kent Central Gateway (KCG) Transit Center in downtown Kent at the intersection of DePeyster and Erie Streets is PARTA's main hub. KCG offers a convenient and accessible location to catch the bus. All bus routes servicing Kent depart from, and return to, KCG including the Akron and Cleveland Express service. Bus bays are located on the ground level and the upper floors offer public parking. Visit the KCG page on the PARTA website to see parking rates and hours the Gateway attendant is on duty.
Transit Center
Other useful links...
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Bus detours
On Sunday, April 7, and Monday, April 8, the City of Kent will close several streets in the downtown area for special events. PARTA does not operate on Sundays; however, planned road closures will impact PARTA's 30 Interurban West and 40 Suburban North routes on Monday. The Interurban West and Suburban North buses will be on detour while affected roads are closed. More information about the Route 30 and 40 detours is provided below. All other PARTA buses will operate on their regular routes, though delays may occur as increased traffic and congestion is expected throughout the day on Monday. Check PARTA's PASSIO Go! app, website, and social media accounts for updated detour information as additional adjustments may be necessary should unexpected road closures occur the day of the eclipse.
40 Suburban North AM
From Hudson Rd.
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Right on Carthage Ave.
- ​Right on Mantua St. (making courtesy stop for Mantua & Carthage SB before turning onto Mantua St.)
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Resume Route​
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40 Suburban North PM​
​From Mantua St.
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Left on Carthage Ave.
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Left on Hudson Rd. (making courtesy stop for Hudson & Carthage SB before turning on to Hudson Rd.)
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Resume Route
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Missed Stops
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1009 Hudson & Roosevelt NB
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314 Kent Roosevelt HS
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775 Mantua & Grant SB
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1072 Mantua & Carthage SB (courtesy stop)
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1073 Mantua & Riverside NB
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766 Mantua & Grant NB
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1001 Kent Stanton MS
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769 Hudson & Carthage SB (courtesy stop)
30 Interurban West & 40 Suburban North Detours
Monday, April 8
30 Interurban West Outbound
From Kent Central Gateway
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Left on DePeyster St.
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Right on Haymaker Pkwy.
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Right on River St.
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Left on Main St.
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Resume Route​
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30 Interurban West Inbound​
​From Main St.
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Right on Mantua St.
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Left on Haymaker Pkwy.
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Left into KCG
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Missed Stops
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628 Water & Erie NB
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397 Main & Water WB
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914 Main & River EB
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445 Main & Water EB
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779 Water & Erie SB
Ride Polly the Trolley to your favorite restaurants, breweries, and other entertainment locations in Kent along PARTA's 46 Downtowner Route. The Downtowner operates Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 4:30 pm. See the map and schedule below.
46 Downtowner Route
The Downtowner, Thurs-Sat, 4:30pm-11:10pm
46
Areas: Kent Central Gateway, Water St. & Main St., Water St. & Columbus St., University Plaza/Kent Cinemas, Kent Central Gateway