March 21-April 8: RTA holds 14 public meetings to discuss budget issues
On March 21, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) begins a series of public meetings to gather comments about proposed fare increases for buses, trains and Paratransit, as well as proposed service modifications.
“These proposals will affect every customer, and we want to hear from you,” said Joe Calabrese, RTA CEO and General Manager. “By law, we must balance our budget. To be good stewards of public money, we must look at all possible alternatives. Your comments will help guide our final decision, which will be made April 26 by the Board of Trustees.”
Calabrese said that RTA needs to close a $7 million gap in the 2016 operating budget, passed by the Board in December. He blamed part of the problem on weak transit funding by the State.
At the public meetings, customers will be asked to comment on modifications to a number of routes being considered for full or partial cuts. RTA’s goal is to impact the least number of customers. Modifications to these routes will impact less than 2 percent of RTA’s current customers.
Staff will also present several options for a bus/train fare increase. Fares have not been increased in 7 years. The options are:
- Current $2.25 to proposed $2.50.
- Current $2.25 to proposed $2.75.
RTA is considering three Paratransit proposals:
- Fares may rise from the current $2.25 per ride to $3.50 per ride.
- ADA customers may no longer ride regular buses and trains for free.
- Personal Care Attendants may pay the regular fare on buses and trains.
Service changes will likely take effect in August.
Public hearing / community meeting schedule
Monday, March 21: Noon-2 p.m. & 6-8 p.m., RTA Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St.(link is external), Cleveland 44113. Served by E-Line, B-Line and C-Line trolleys.
Tuesday, March 22: 6-8 p.m., Cuyahoga County Public Library, Auditorium, 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights(link is external) 44137. Served by routes 40 and 90F.
Wednesday, March 23: 6-8 p.m., Tri-C Western Campus, Bldg. A, 11000 Pleasant Valley Road, Parma(link is external) 44130. Served by routes 45/45A, 68 (until 7:15 pm.) and 83.
Thursday, March 24:
- 6:30-8:30 p.m., Cuyahoga County Public Library, Meeting Room, 5235 Wilson Mills Road, Richmond Heights(link is external) 44143 Served by routes 7 and 94.
- 6-8 p.m., Lakeview Tower, Community Room, 2700 Washington Ave., Cleveland(link is external) 44113. Served by route 81.
Monday, March 28: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Murtis H. Taylor Multi-Service Center, 13422 Kinsman Road, Cleveland(link is external) 44120. Served by routes 14 and 48-48A.
Tuesday, March 29: 6-8 p.m., Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 9201 Brecksville Road(link is external) 44141, Brecksville. Served by route 77F.
Wednesday, March 30: 6-8 p.m., Sagrada Familia Catholic Church, 7719 Detroit Ave(link is external)., Cleveland 44102. Served by route 26.
Thursday, March 31: 6-8 p.m., Euclid Public Library, 631 E. 222 St., Euclid(link is external) 44123. Served by routes 28 (until 7 p.m.), 30, 94.
Saturday, April 2: 3-5 p.m., St. James AME Church, 8401 Cedar Ave(link is external)., Cleveland 44103. Served by route 8.
Monday, April 4: 6-8 p.m., Tremont Pointe Apartments, Community Room, 2556 W. Sixth St., Cleveland(link is external) 44113. Served by route 81.
Tuesday, April 5: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Gunning Recreation Center, 16700 Puritas Ave(link is external)., Cleveland 44135. Served by routes 78 and 86.
Wednesday, April 6: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Fairfax Recreation Center, 2335 E. 82 St., Cleveland(link is external) 44104. Served by routes 2 (until 7:30 p.m.), 8, and 11.
