News & Updates: Newsroom

RTA News

 

Jan. 26, 2006                         

 

RTA’s new home in cyberspace getting

rave reviews from transit users and Web surfers

 

CLEVELAND – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) unveiled a new Web home and automated trip planner just a few days ago at rideRTA.com, and already, transit users are praising the easy-to-use site.

 

One customer wrote:

“WOW, you got it right!!! Excellent Web site. I am totally impressed. I am a daily rider and I use the Internet a lot. This is going to make it easy. I actually navigated to the Section I wanted in two clicks.”

 

An audiovisual specialist wrote:

“Web site redesign is EXCELLENT. Kudos!”

 

And a downtown employee says:

“Thank you for the outstanding improvements…the navigation is intuitive and clearly displayed…schedules are updated and are EASY to read. Thanks again!!

 

“We sincerely appreciate this kind of feedback,” says RTA CEO & General Manager Joe Calabrese. “Our customers told us they wanted a better Web site and an automated trip planner, and we responded.”

 

Customers enjoy a smoother ride, whether it is on a bus, train or in cyberspace, Calabrese says.

 

“Based on feedback from our customers, we redesigned the Web site to make it easier to find key information,” says Calabrese. “We also studied other Web sites from transit agencies around the country. Our new site:

• Looks cleaner and less cluttered
• Offers streamlined navigation
• Has fewer content sections.”

 

Calabrese says RTA wants to help first-time users, so the revised site includes:

• A detailed how-to-ride section.
• Simplified route and schedule information.

 

A major component of the site is RTA’s new automated trip planner, which operates similar to MapQuestÒ and other software programs.

 

“RTA is attracting new riders every day,” Calabrese says. “The new site allows our new customers to get the information they need, and helps existing customers learn more about routes and services they might not be utilizing.”

 

Using the automated trip planner is similar to other map-based software programs.

• However, instead of telling you to turn right on a certain street, the trip planners tells you to board a certain bus or train.
• It gives you a specific time and place.
• It also gives you several options for getting from Point A to Point B.

 

Customers are encouraged to check out the new Web site and automated trip planner.

 

Comments and suggestions for improvements can be sent here.

 

Personalized trip planning will still be offered on the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500, but the Web site now offers a similar service 24/7.

 

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:

Jerry Masek, 216-566-5211