Sep 9, 2026
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $20 million in grant funds to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) created in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021.
The $20 million grant to GCRTA will be used to rehabilitate seven of its eleven stations along the Light Rail Green Line to make the entire Green Line accessible for people with disabilities. Station upgrades will include replacing the 40-year-old platforms with new concrete platforms with tactile warning panels, installing redesigned ramps, replacing sidewalks, elevating a platform section to access trains, and improving parking stalls with curb ramps to access the stations. Upon completion of this project, the entire GCRTA rail system will be ADA compliant.
In addition to ADA compliance, each station’s reconstruction will result in platform compatibility with GCRTA’s new railcar fleet, a $435 million project, while increasing safety and security at the stations.
“Greater Cleveland is currently dealing with crumbling platforms and deteriorated sidewalks limiting access for individuals with disabilities. I’m proud to have secured this investment to repair seven stations across the city, increase access to the downtown area from the eastern suburbs and provide reliable transportation for workers and visitors. This will strengthen the city’s economy and drive long-term regional prosperity,” said U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio).
“I’m proud to announce more federal funding is coming to Northeast Ohio thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This is a big win for our community: $20 million for our transit system that thousands of Ohioans rely on. I was proud to advocate for this funding because this federal grant will help make GCRTA platforms more accessible, allowing more passengers and their families use the Rapid to get where they need to go. It’s another example of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivering for Northeast Ohio,” said U.S. Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH-11).
“This award represents a major milestone for GCRTA and Greater Cleveland. Once this work is complete, every rail station in our system will be ADA accessible. We are grateful to Senator Husted and Congresswoman Brown for their support and for recognizing the important role accessible, reliable public transportation plays in driving Ohio’s economy forward,” said India L. Birdsong Terry, GCRTA General Manager and CEO.
This station reconstruction project is funded by a $20 Million Grant through the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) and supported by additional local match of $5 million.