Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

Welcome

Greater Cleveland shone in the national spotlight in 2016, and RTA was in the driver’s seat for every big moment. The Cleveland Cavaliers championship parade marked the largest ridership day in RTA history. Public transportation received critical acclaim for seamlessly aiding the travel of over 50,000 delegates and guests for the Republican National Convention. And Tribe fans had more reasons to cheer after avoiding $100 World Series parking with a $5 round-trip. But it’s really the little, everyday moments that have made, and will continue to make, the big moments possible and ultimately successful...

As we celebrate another great year at RTA, we also realize that past success does not guarantee future returns. That’s why every decision is made with rigorous evaluation, precise execution, and a hope for a better tomorrow. Through continued disciplined fiscal management, the Authority ended the year $16 million better than budget, resulting in a more sustainable future. A future that includes a stable outlook for RTA’s valued customers after the Board of Trustees approved an operating budget of $300 million for 2017.

New and refurbished physical assets are key to the success of any transit authority. In 2016, RTA continued its commitment to a State of Good Repair with major capital investments. On the 10-year anniversary of the Downtown Trolley program, 12 new, larger vehicles replaced the original fleet to meet growing demand and increased passenger volume—meaning more free rides with a smile. New Compressed Natural Gas buses continue to roll in, with more slated for arrival in 2017, to help reduce both Cleveland’s carbon footprint and RTA’s diesel fuel consumption. And 20 new Paratransit vehicles were introduced in 2016, providing a more comfortable ride, more economical operation, and ultimately, a better customer experience. Facility upgrades capped off 2016 with the opening of the modernized, ADA-compliant Warrensville Station 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.

A strong internal system is also critical to any successful organization. And RTA continues to be a leader in workforce diversity and management training—receiving multiple awards for workplace inclusion and graduating 30 employees from the Public Transit Management Academy at Cleveland State University. In addition, the Authority provides promotability training to current employees, which complements the succession planning for the next generation of leaders. RTA is making the necessary investments in its people for a bright future.

As always, RTA’s mission remains to provide safe, reliable, clean, and courteous public transportation. With the help of both strong physical and employee assets, RTA is committed to delivering excellent customer service. The Authority conducts regular customer service surveys to ensure the customer voice is heard, while new technology is continually being developed and tested to enhance every rider’s experience. In 2016, RTA launched a mobile app with major potential for the future—giving customers access to buying fare, planning trips, and real-time service information, all from the convenience of their phones.

And now we come to 2017, with both vast potential and emerging challenges on the horizon. As for potential: more new vehicles are slated to hit the streets, new Brookpark and Lee Road Rapid Stations are scheduled to open, and more enhancements to customer service are planned. But the challenge of changes to the Sales & Use Tax due to Federal requirements starting on July 1, 2017 looms large. And unless the State of Ohio acts to correct the problem, RTA stands to lose approximately $18 - $20 million of revenue annually. It’s important to note that eight other states affected by this problem have already successfully addressed the issue to avoid significant loses. We are confident the State will find a remedy and avoid a tremendous loss for not just RTA, but all 88 Ohio counties that stand to lose $200 million annually.

We invite you to watch the videos below to see what people are saying about RTA’s critical role in the growth and sustainable future success of Greater Cleveland. And learn how you can help make a difference in 2017 and beyond. Lastly, a continued big thanks to RTA’s Board of Trustees, staff, political and business community, and most of all, our valued customers for their support. RTA is confident that by working together, we can conquer the road ahead.

Sincerely,

George F. Dixon, III

George F. Dixon, III
President, RTA Board of Trustees

George F. Dixon, III

Joseph A. Calabrese
CEO/General Manager

No Car, No Problem with RTA

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.

In the Driver’s Seat

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.

New & Improved

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.

I Go RTA

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.

2016 Success Stories

Join RTA in celebrating the successes of 2016. A year filled with historic moments, new improvements, and the continued pursuit to provide the best possible customer service each day.

RTA riders hit the jackpot

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A record-setting day

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Meet our newest vehicles

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Safety: our top priority

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Recognition for jobs well done

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Budgeting a better way forward

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The Red Line as an art gallery

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Taking a stand for sustainability

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Testimonials

Hear what friends of RTA, who happen to be community leaders, are saying about RTA’s important role in the current and future advancement of Cleveland. After listening, keep scrolling to learn how you can partner with RTA to keep public transit strong in 2017 and beyond.

2017 – Looking to the Future

With both vast potential and emerging challenges on the horizon, RTA is eager for the road ahead and optimistic that by working together, each challenge will be met with a positive outcome—making for a great 2017 and keeping the momentum rolling well into the future.

IGORTA

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Hammers, saws, and drills: the soundtrack of progress

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Of course RTA will be there

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Ahh...that new bus smell

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Staying true to our mission

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The fight for public transit

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There is an app for that

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The pursuit of perfection

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How can we help you?

We invite you to join RTA on its continued journey towards the growth and sustainable success of Greater Cleveland, now and well into the future.

  • If your company does not currently offer RTA’s Commuter Advantage Program, please contact Jim Frick (216) 356-3058 to learn how you can give your employees the option of buying their fare pre-tax and the gift of more dollars in their pockets.

  • If your company is currently enrolled in the RTA Commuter Advantage Program, please contact Jim Frick (216) 356-3058 to learn about how RTA can help employees get started with trip planning assistance, free passes, and how-to-ride education.

  • If your business is interested in partnering with RTA to provide discount(s) and giveaway opportunities to riders, in exchange for marketing opportunities, please contact Steve Bitto (216) 356-3111 to get involved in the I-GO-RTA program.

Lastly, we extend a continued big thanks to RTA’s Board of Trustees, staff, political and business community, and most of all, our valued customers for their support. RTA is confident that by working together, we can conquer the road ahead.