Rider's Digest -- November 2016

 Rider's Digest -- November 2016

HealthLine service marks 8th anniversary on Euclid Avenue

On Oct. 25, 2008, officials cut a ribbon on Euclid Avenue to signal the start of HealthLine service.

The HealthLine continues to be recognized as the top BRT system in North America.

In 8 years, it has provided rides for than 34.9 million customers, and has generated more than $5 billion in economic development.

Your RTA guide to fun on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend

For your convenience, a $5.50 All-Day Pass allows you unlimited use of all RTA vehicles until 3 a.m. the following day. All Downtown trolley rides are free with a smile.

Thursday, Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day

  • RTA: Operates Sunday/holiday service. All buildings are closed.

Friday, Nov. 25

Saturday, Nov. 26:

  • RTA: Operates regular Saturday service, with extra rail service for Winterfest.
  • Winterfest returns to Public Square with a lighting ceremony from 6-7 p.m. All streets that border Public Square will be closed. A stage will be set up on Rockwell Avenue, in front of the Old Stone Church. Ride a decorated C-Line trolley, with carolers from the Old Stone Church. Some events begin as early as noon. Carriage rides will be offered from 1-4 p.m., and a Kids Stop on Public Square is open from 1-5 p.m.
  • Sports: 7 p.m., Monsters host Grand Rapids at Quicken Loans Arena.
  • Skating: Ride the HealthLine to the rink at Wade Oval. Ride the Rapid to the ice rink on Public Square.

Sunday, Nov. 27:

Ride RTA to ice rinks at Wade Oval and Downtown this winter

The Rink at Wade Oval in University Circle opens for recreational skating from noon-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 – the day after Thanksgiving. It is located on the north side of Wade Oval, near the stage area.

The rink remains open through Sunday, March 5, with hours of 3-9 p.m. Fridays, noon-7 p.m. Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. It will also open every Wednesday in December, and daily from Dec. 19-30, for the holiday break from school. Admission is $2. Skate rental is $3.

To reach the rink, just ride the HealthLine down Euclid Avenue to the Adelbert Station, and walk north on East Boulevard.

New on Public Square

A new ice rink is being built on Public Square, directly over the site of the water fountains.

The rink is expected to be open from Nov. 18-March 1.

There will be a skate rental fee, and an hourly fee for usage. Group rentals will be available.

The rink will be operated by a vendor.

Exact hours will be posted. Early estimates are that the rink will open around 10 a.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. on other days. Closing times will be in the evening.

Dec. 4: Changes take effect on some service

A number of bus and rail service changes take effect on Sunday, Dec. 4.

You can pick up new timetables for the Cleveland State Line, Blue Line and Green Line, as well as these bus routes – 1, 5, 7, 11, 15, 22, 25, 32, 39F, 41, 49, 51, 51A, 51B/C, 51all, 53F, 55, 79/79A, 86, 246, 251, 263

Where to obtain new timetables

  • In late November, go to the RTA Web site.
  • Data on RTA’s trip planner will be updated before Dec. 4.
  • Stop by RTA’s Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St.
  • Visit RTA's Customer Service Center at the Tower City Station.
  • To order a timetable by mail, call the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500.

New real-time route information will be available when the changes are effective.

RTA serves all events at Quicken Loans Arena

From Disney to dunks, from Monsters to music, Quicken Loans Arena will be busy this month – and RTA will serve all 17 events.

  • 8 Cavalier games
  • 5 Monsters games
  • Nov., 5, Scott Hamilton ice show
  • Nov. 16, Maxwell & Mary J. Blige
  • Nov. 20, Disney Live, 2 shows

As the weather turns cold, the Rapid remains your best bet. Park free at a Rapid Station, buy a $5.50 All-Day Pass, ride any Rapid line in comfort to the Tower City Station, stroll down the 1,000-foot heated Walkway, and go right to your seat. You never have to go outside.

East Siders: When choosing your route, remember this.

  • The last eastbound Green Line train leaves Tower City at 9 p.m.
  • The last eastbound Blue Line train leaves Tower City at 12:15 a.m.
  • For schedule updates, it’s always good to visit rideRTA.com.

Buying your fares is easy with RTA’s new mobile ticketing. Try it.

Heading for Hopkins Airport? Take the train to the plane

If you’re heading for Hopkins this holiday season, the best way to get there is on RTA.

Ride a Red Line train. It takes less than 30 minutes to go between Downtown Cleveland’s Tower City Station and the Airport Station.

RTA's Airport Station is on the lower level of the terminal complex. To reach it, take the elevators or escalators near the center of the ticketing and baggage claim levels.

RTA's regularly scheduled service makes this the most convenient and least expensive way to travel. The Red Line operates 7 days a week, from 4 a.m.-12:30 a.m. 

FARES: Riding the Rapid costs $2.50 each way for a one-vehicle or one-train ride. If you will travel on more than one vehicle or train (i.e. Red Line and transfer to another rail line or bus to complete your trip), buy a 5-Trip farecard, which includes transfers. For unlimited rides for an entire day, buy an All-Day Pass for $5.50.

Transfers are included in all Monthly Passes, 5-Trip cards and 7-day passes. Passes can be purchased from the Ticket Vending Machines at the Airport Station. Exact fare is required and credit/debit cards can be used.

You can also try RTA’s new mobile ticketing option. Your farecard will appear right on your cellphone.

The Red Line uses a Proof of Payment system. Keep activated passes and farecards handy, in case Transit Police asks to see your Proof of Payment.

RTA's Red Line was the first Rapid Transit service to an international Airport in North America. On Nov. 15, 1968, direct Rapid Transit service began operating between Downtown and Hopkins International Airport. In addition to serving air travelers, the new extension brought Rapid transit facilities closer to Southwest suburban commuters.

Three open meetings set

There are three open meetings this month. Each starts at 9 a.m. at RTA’s Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St. The site is ADA-accesible and is served by the free B-Line and E-Line trolleys.

Veterans Day service set

       Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day – RTA operates regular weekday service. All buildings are open.

Prepare for winter now

Now is a great time for commuters to prepare for winter. In addition to the information available at rideRTA.com, RTA offers several services to keep you in the know when bad weather affects transit performance.

Commuter Alerts notifies your PC or mobile device if your rail service has been delayed. Sign up here.

NextConnect informs you, in real time, when the next bus or train will arrive at your stop. You can also receive notifications on your PC or mobile device. Use this service.

Some Service Alerts and other RTA news are posted on Facebook and Twitter.

RTA also publishes an e-newsletter twice a month. Sign up here.

Stay safe this holiday season

Transit Police offer these holiday tips to stay safe on vehicles, at stations and on the roads.

  • Pedestrians: Always use crosswalks, obey traffic signals and watch for vehicles. Avoid distractions, like texting or listening to music, on the roads. Listen for vehicles, be alert.
  • Everywhere you go: Pay attention to your surroundings.
  • Transit riders: Secure your belongings; protect your electronic devices.
  • See Something, Say Something: Call Transit Police 24/7 at 216-566-5163, or download the free iWatchRTA app and report any safety or security concerns via text, video or photo.
  • Parking: Put your junk in the trunk.
  • Check out our Web site: Read more safety tips at rideRTA.com.