News & Updates: Newsroom

RTA News

Aug. 15, 2006

New transit center to open near Parmatown Mall

CLEVELAND – Officials of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and the City of Parma will open a new $2.1 million transit center near the Parmatown Mall this week.

"This is a great day for RTA’s customers in Parma and all the nearby suburbs," says RTA CEO & General Manager Joe Calabrese. "This transit center will improve RTA service throughout the area. RTA has many loyal customers in the Parma area, and we are delighted to be able to offer a higher-quality service."

The project enjoyed strong support from Parma City Hall. Parma Mayor Dean DePiero is pleased with the outcome of the project.

"I'm delighted that RTA has constructed a transit center that will not only serve Parma residents, but those from other communities who wish to visit our municipality," the Mayor says. "This facility is a welcome addition to our city and we couldn't be more pleased."

The 1.8-acre site is at 8555 Day Dr., just south of the Parmatown Mall, and in front of Fitworks and the Fox-n-Hound Restaurant.

The facility includes 52 parking places and a 1,000 square foot building where customers can wait in warmth, comfort and safety. Similar to an airport-waiting lounge, it is equipped with a state-of-the-art information system providing "real time" arrival and departure information on RTA services, fare vending machines, and other retail services. Six bus lines -- #20A, #23, #45, #68, #79A and #145 – serve the facility.

Project manager Maribeth Feke notes three special features:

• "The building design is unique to Parma, fitting into the suburban mall context while being attractive, light, and transparent."
• "Decorative tile by Greg Albierti around the bottom perimeter of the building provides an attractive bit of color and texture to the building, drawing your attention to it."
• "The use of permeable paving in the customer parking area uses an environmentally friendly design feature."

ODOT committed about $200,000, which covered about 10 percent of the land acquisition and 10 percent of the construction. The contractor was East-West Construction, a local firm.

RTA also operates Park-N-Ride lots or transit centers in Westlake, North Olmsted, Fairview Park, Maple Heights and Euclid.

Construction on the expansion of the Strongsville Park-n-Ride lot has begun. RTA is designing expansions to the park-n-ride lots in Westlake and North Olmsted, and wants to build five more facilities in the next five years:

• Brecksville – RTA is working city officials and the Ohio Turnpike Commission to select a site near the new I-77 Turnpike exchange. RTA would like to purchase the land in 2006.
• Independence – RTA hopes to purchase land in 2009 near the intersection of I-77 and Rockside Road.
• Oakwood Village – RTA plans to purchase land in 2008 near the junction of I-271 and I-480.
• Solon – RTA has an interim site, and is working with Solon City officials to find a permanent site with convenient access to the Rt. 422 freeway.
• Mayfield/Highland Heights – RTA’s capital plan for a land purchase in 2007 along I-271.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:
Jerry Masek, 216-566-5211