Rider's Digest -- July 2018

In an Emergency, Text 216-575-EYES

In light of tragic events across the country, RTA and Transit Police are continuing their commitment to the safety of customers, passengers, and employees.

Building on the Department of Homeland Security's "See something, Say Something" campaign, RTA has been working with Cincinnati Bell Technology Services to offer a safe and discreet way to notify Transit Police Dispatchers of suspicious or criminal activities via text message.

The 575-EYES "See Something, Text Something" campaign is designed to allow customers to send SMS text, photo, and video messages to Transit Police. There are no apps to download. Users simply send text messages to 216-575-EYES (3937), and dispatchers are notified of a LiveChat session. They can then talk with the customer via text and, if needed, push the message to responding field officers who can monitor the chat with the customer.

We all have a responsibility to report suspicious activity to keep our fellow riders and ourselves safe.

Operator Spotlight

Trolley Ambassador Eddie Mae Mckinney

In addition to being an operator, Eddie Mae McKinney is a glowing ambassador for RTA and all it values. One of the original Ambassadors, she has been on the Trolley since 2006, nearly half of her total career as a bus operator. Eddie Mae says she decided to apply for the Trolley Ambassador position for a change of pace (and scenery), but it’s since become a way of life. She loves the people, the downtown energy, and the entertainment value of her job. Even on a bad day, she offers this sage advice: “You don’t need to bring home the bad, just the funny. It’s a free show out there!”


And riders certainly enjoy having her as their Trolley operator. Some people will even wait specifically for her Trolley so they can catch up on life and other goings-on. The feeling is mutual: Eddie Mae loves the familiarity she has with her returning customers, and remembers their riding habits and regular stops.


Of course Eddie Mae is a Trolley Ambassador, but she might also be considered an ambassador for our great city. She loves speaking with tourists to find out what brings them to Cleveland, and she’s been known to point out the best events and destinations around town—and her knowledge goes far beyond the obvious choice of bringing people to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Between her above-and-beyond customer service and her infectious smile, she is truly a distinguished employee who makes RTA great.

Summer Track Work Brings Rail Closures

As we strive to provide the best service to all of our riders, we need to perform maintenance and repairs to our infrastructure. For three weeks, July 22 – August 11, Red Line riders will be inconvenienced due to a major track replacement project on the west side. 66R buses will replace Red Line trains between Puritas and West 117th stations in order to reconstruct the tracks in the area between West 117th and West Park. This means that some customers will need to board a train, then a bus, then a train in order to reach downtown Cleveland.

A temporary Red Line timetable, with train and replacement bus times, will be printed and posted on the web. While 66R buses will operate at a frequency that mirrors the train schedule, please plan an additional 30 minutes to your commute during this time.

Ride RTA to These July Events

July 6: Star-Spangled Spectacular

Enjoy this free community concert featuring the talents of the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra. It’ll take place rain or shine on Friday, July 6. Pre-concert activities (including food trucks) begin at 6 p.m. The orchestra will perform at 9 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Gather on the spacious Mall B (located at 300 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, between the Global Center for Health Innovation and Cleveland Public Auditorium) and prepare for a night to remember.

Mall B is a short walk from RTA’s Tower City station, so ride any Rapid line for hassle-free transportation.

Wade Oval Wednesdays

Throughout the summer, bring your family and friends to Wade Oval. These community celebrations feature live music, local food vendors, and late night museum visits, so there’s something for everyone. This month, W.O.W. will take place July 11, 18, and 25. (Please note there is no Wade Oval Wednesday on July 4.)

Don’t let a lack of parking spaces spoil your fun. Take the Red Line rail to the Little Italy - University Circle stop. University Circle is just a short walk from the station.

Flat Out Fridays

Flat Out Fridays is a free summer concert series, and the next performance will be at 7 p.m. on July 13 with a performance by the band Faction.

You can enjoy any of The Flats’ restaurants, or buy from local vendors who will be set up along the Cuyahoga River. Proceeds will benefit a
local nonprofit.

Avoid the hassle (and expense!) of parking, and go RTA. The Flats East Bank is served by the C-Line Trolley. The service operates 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with Trolleys running every 10 minutes. It’s free with a smile!

Beyoncé and Jay-Z at First Energy Stadium

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's co-headlining On the Run II tour is coming to Cleveland on Wednesday, July 25. The couple's blockbuster performance starts at 7:30 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The concert is sure to draw a large crowd—and equally huge traffic snarls and parking prices. Make "Lemonade" out of lemons and ride RTA. Take any Rapid line to Tower City, and then take the Waterfront Line to the West 3rd Street Station. The stadium is just across the street.

Hamilton at Playhouse Square

The award-winning phenomenon “Hamilton” will be coming to Cleveland for a month-long residency starting Tuesday, July 17. Due to the popularity of this show, parking lots will fill up quick. But don’t throw away your shot at a convenient transportation option! Take the HealthLine to E. 14th Street stop or use the C-Line or E-Line Trolley, both of which serve Playhouse Square.

Quarterly Service Planning Open House

RTA is hosting our Quarterly Service Planning Open House on Tuesday, July 17 in the RTA Main Office Board Room located at 1240 W. 6th Street. There will be two sessions, 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

We welcome feedback and comments on all aspects of our service at these gatherings. For the July 17 session, we would appreciate special attention paid to the 14, 15, 19, 76, 77F, and 90F bus routes.

We hope you’ll join us if you’re able, as meeting customers’ needs is our top priority. However, if you can’t make it, you can email comments to public-comment@gcrta.org, and the presentation will be posted at rideRTA.com/quarterlyopenhouse after the meeting.

Kids Ride Free

Have some summer fun! Now through Saturday, August 11, up to three kids aged 12 and under can ride RTA for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. That means more trips and more opportunities to take advantage of the fun Cleveland has to offer.

Only 3 More Bike to Work Days Left!

Celebrate Bike to Work Day on RTA. The RTA Rack-N-Roll program offers you the opportunity for anyone to bring their bicycles on buses and trains and ride RTA for free. There are designated spaces for bicycles on HealthLine vehicles and Rapid cars, and a three-unit bike rack is mounted on the front of every bus. In addition, there are bike racks at many stations. Take the healthier way to work!

Remaining Bike to Work dates:

  • July 27
  • August 31
  • September 28

Independence Day: Holiday Schedule

RTA will operate Sunday/holiday service on Wednesday, July 4, in celebration of Independence Day.

If you need help planning your trip, check the online trip planner or call the RTAnswerline at 216-621-9500. Operator-assisted trip planning, fare, and service information is available Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

 

RTA Rewards

Get rewarded just for riding RTA. We’ve partnered with over 30 retailers and destinations to pass on discounts when you show your same-day RTA pass, Farecard, or mobile ticket.