The Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2027 Tax Budget is an initial analysis of the financial trends affecting revenues, with preliminary forecasts on expenditures and service levels of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (“Authority”). It is a forward-looking document that reviews estimated revenues for the next fiscal year. It is a valuable tool and the first step in the budget development process.
The Authority launched Account-Based Ticketing (ABT), Fare Capping, and Smartcards in June 2026. This provides our riders an easier way to pay and benefit from automatic savings. The 2019 Pillar Study on Fare Equity identified the need to create more equitable ways for customers to pay their fares. The Account-Based Ticketing, Fare Capping and Smartcards improve the customer experience and make transit more affordable and equitable. Trips are tracked through the EZfare App or a Smartcard to ensure they receive the lowest fare. Riders will never pay more than the cost of a daily, 7-day, or monthly pass, even when paying per ride.
In April 2026, the Authority held public hearings on the proposed service reductions. The proposed 3% service reductions will take effect in August 2026. Other cost saving measures that the Authority has taken include hiring more part-time operators, implementing a hiring freeze for non-service personnel, reducing travel and other expenses, and temporarily reducing the transfer of Sales & Use Tax receipts to capital from 10% to 5% (only for 2026 through 2028). The Authority is currently reviewing additional sources of revenue.
The Authority has purchased 54 common high-floor light rail vehicles through Siemens Mobility Inc. that can operate on both the heavy and light rail systems. The first railcar is expected to be delivered in the Fall of 2026 at the Port of Cleveland. The vehicles for the Red Line are expected to go into service in the Fall of 2027, once all the vehicles have completed the required testing and acceptance process and the infrastructure modifications are completed. The vehicles for the Blue/Green/Waterfront Lines are
expected to go into service in the Fall of 2028. The program is expected to be completed in the Summer of 2030.
Some additional highlights of 2026 include:
- Mayor Paul A. Koomar and Ms. Emily Garr Pacetti were re-elected as President and Vice-President, respectively, of the Board of Trustees
- Reappointment of Board Members: Ms. Anastasia Elder and Mr. Jeffrey Sleasman through the City of Cleveland
- Ms. Emily Harper was sworn in as the newest member of the Board of Trustees, appointed through the City of Cleveland
The Authority has been awarded several grants in 2026:
- $10 million from the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) for Tier 1 funding for light rail track reconstruction
- $16.7 million from Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) for Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) grant for purchase of replacement CNG vehicles
- $250,000 from US Congress from Congressionally Directed Spending for the Light Rail track rehabilitation
- $125,000 from NOACA for the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) for Pathways to Transit: First/Last mile connections to transit stations
- $35,000 from the Ohio Department of Development from TechCred – Round 35 for reimbursement of eligible training of employees
- The Authority has several grants that are pending review
The GCRTA builds its financial strategy around providing safe, reliable service today and into the future. We leveraged federal and state funding to modernize vehicles, advance railcar replacement, and strengthen mobility options for seniors and individuals with disabilities. We continue to invest in community-based enhancements in connectivity, accessibility, and a consistent visible safe presence. We safeguard the dependability of our service through investments in fleet modernization, rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, and specialized event planning in order to move riders forward with transit that they can count on. Our commitment
to responsible stewardship of public dollars drives all that we do.