Along with pro basketball’s 2016 world champions, Cleveland can now add another title distinction: top city for car-free visitors. Beating out heavy favorites like New York and Chicago, USA Today placed Cleveland atop their rankings, citing RTA as the main reason for the city’s first place finish. From arrival to departure, RTA’s breadth of service allows visitors to explore all the city has to offer—without ever getting behind the wheel—thanks to services including a rail system that connects from the airport directly into Downtown, the free Trolley system that serves all the major Downtown hotels and attractions, the world-class HealthLine that provides 24/7 service between Downtown and University Circle, and a myriad of other services that connect the city center with surrounding suburbs. And in light of such a noteworthy national distinction, RTA hopes more residents utilize the world-class service available at their front door—for work, school, or that next night out on the town.

2016 was a year to remember for Cleveland—from the city’s first major sports championship in 52 years to hosting the Republican National Convention to the Indians magical World Series run—and RTA was in the driver’s seat for every moment. After over half a century of waiting, Cleveland fans packed the streets for the Cavaliers’ NBA championship parade—marking the single largest ridership day in RTA history. Hundreds of thousands of fans packed buses and trains to avoid traffic and revel in the victory. Weeks later, RTA played host to 50,000 RNC delegates and every major national media outlet. By delivering quality service from the opening to closing gavel, RTA was the critical link from the airport to the convention floor, and all the fun in between. And when the Indians captivated the city with a World Series bid, RTA was there to relieve fans from $100 parking fees with a $5 round-trip fare. Today, RTA is looking to help Cleveland keep the momentum rolling into 2017 and beyond.

In 2016, RTA continued its high-spirited pursuit to provide safe, reliable, clean, and courteous public transportation. The mission starts with evolving important assets, from new vehicles to facility upgrades to ensure the sustainable success of the Authority. On the 10-year anniversary of the Trolley program, 12 new vehicles were deployed to enhance customer experience and meet a growing demand and passenger volume—meaning more free rides with a smile. New Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses continued to roll in, with more slated for arrival in 2017, to help reduce Cleveland’s carbon footprint. And 20 new Paratransit vehicles were introduced to provide a more comfortable ride, a more economical operation, and enable better customer service. In addition, facility upgrades capped off 2016: the modernized, ADA compliant Warrensville Station opened along the Green Line, and the replacement of all four escalators as well as the completion of Phase 1 of the Track Replacement Program at RTA’s Tower City Station. Living in the present, with an eye on the future, RTA remains committed to its customers.

To show that “RTA connects to all the places I go,” RTA launched a new campaign in 2016 that put ownership of the brand in the voice of the customer: I-GO-RTA. The campaign was brought to life through multimedia and targeted acquisition strategies, by engaging with people first-hand at events and providing incentives through a myriad of local partnerships that encourage trial. From Melt Bar and Grilled to Cleveland Cinemas to the Zoo and more, RTA established 25 community partnerships. And staff was on-site at the biggest events in town, including Cleveland Indians home games, Wade Oval Wednesdays, and Edgewater Live to engage people with games, prizes, and giveaways. Cleveland is amid a renaissance, and RTA is here to ensure each person is connected to the hottest restaurant, the biggest event, or even just a trip to work, by providing safe, reliable, clean, and courteous public transportation. So, what are you waiting for...it’s time to GO RTA.