March 17: RTA getting ready for St. Patrick's Day crowds

 March 17: RTA getting ready for St. Patrick's Day crowds

Mar 4, 2013

CLEVELAND -- The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is getting ready for St. Patrick's Day 2013.

As officials anticipate the annual parade this year, RTA is planning for many additional riders. RTA service is increased significantly throughout all rail lines (Red, Blue and Green), and many buses serving downtown all day on March 17. This year St. Patrick's day is a Sunday, and the parade starts at 2 p.m. Weather is always a huge factor in this event - the warmer the forecast, the busier the day. 

Come early, stay later: The busiest St. Patrick's travel times on RTA are just before the parade, and directly when it is over. This year, those times are between noon and 2 p.m. and just after the parade ends.

For a smoother less-crowded ride, come early and stay later. 

Here are some facts for you on how to best prepare to ride RTA on St. Patrick's Day.

  • Plan your route via Google Transit or on www.riderta.com.
  • Buy an All-Day Pass for $5. Have cash for each person. RTA employees will sell All-Day Passes at many rail stations that day, or buy you can buy one in the ticket vending machines, from vendors in advance or at Positively Cleveland.
  • Be prepared to wait in line. Pay attention to directions by Transit Police and RTA employees. There will be a lot of people -- be courteous to others so everyone has fun.
  • Parking lot details: West 117th and Brookpark stations on the Red Line fill up first. Triskett and West Park, also on the Red Line, have the most available spaces (and are not far from Brookpark). Green Road also fills quickly on the Green Line, so come early to park and ride. Parking is FREE at RTA rail lots.
  • RTAnswerline (customer service): 216.621.9500: If you don't find your answer on riderta.com or Google Transit, call customer service.
  • Stay tuned to RTA's Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on available parking at rail locations, and emergency announcements.
  • Sunday Trolleys (C-Line and L-Line) will have reroutes due to parade and crowds. Stay tuned to www.riderta.com for details.

Remember, there are nearly 7,000 free parking spaces in RTA's system. No alcohol is allowed on RTA vehicles.

Media contact: Mary Shaffer, 216-566-5211

On May 17, 2012, RTA provided nearly 100,000 rides -- probably the biggest single special event in RTA history. Nearly 20,000 All-Day Passes were sold that day.

Major Stations