Sep 11, 2026
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s General Manager and CEO, India L. Birdsong Terry accepted the recommendation from GCRTA’s staff and decided to delay a second round of service cuts until after the planned May special election in 2027. Terry made her decision in accordance to GCRTA policy on Thursday evening September 10, 2026.
"Per board-adopted policy, the GM & CEO makes the final decision on service changes, and my decision was aligned with the expressed views of our riders and GCRTA Board members who attended our public hearings, and who also shared their daily reliance on existing GCRTA service," said GCRTA General Manager & CEO, India L. Birdsong Terry.
Though GCRTA financial projections have improved slightly, thanks to administrative cost cuts, reduced healthcare expenses and greater than expected tax collections, Terry warns that the fundamental financial problem remains. “If the upcoming 2027 ballot initiative fails, GCRTA will need to make deeper cuts,” said Terry.
GCRTA largest source of income comes from Cuyahoga County’s sales tax. Out of the 8% levied on purchases throughout the county, 1 percentage point goes to GCRTA. That 1% was last supported in the 1975 levy election which took place in July and passed by 71%.
GCRTA’s Board Members have voted to ask for a tax increase in the May 2027 election. Trustees are expected to deliberate the size of that tax increase at the September 22 Board Meeting.