Rider's Digest -- July 2014

 Rider's Digest -- July 2014

Letter from the General Manager: Thank you for your patience

Thanks to your patience and cooperation, June was one of the most productive months for important infrastructure upgrades in RTA history.

As East Side trains were replaced by buses, RTA enjoyed an unprecedented window of opportunity to upgrade track, stations and grade crossings. Some crews worked around-the-clock to complete their tasks.

Most importantly, crews moved tracks over Mayfield Road, so work can progress on the new Little Italy - University Circle Rapid Station. The new station, slated to open in fall 2015, will be a boon to the area.

RTA also did vital work on the new Cedar - University Station, which will officially open in a few months. And work on the new Lee - Van Aken Station got underway, as crews demolished the old canopies and built temporary stairs.

You’ll experience a safer, smoother ride, as crews replaced more than 7,500 railroad ties and finished related improvements to upgrade miles of Red Line track.

On Shaker Square, RTA finished more than $1 million in upgrades to two key grade crossings. Drivers will notice this as they visit one of the city’s great neighborhoods.

The Ohio Department of Transportation took advantage of the shutdown to demolish parts of the old Innerbelt bridge that were near RTA tracks, and continue to work on the bridge adjacent to the Buckeye-Woodhill Station.

Finally, the shutdown gave RTA an opportunity to roll out its newest articulated buses, which will go into service on the West Shore Express later this year.

We thank you for your patience, as we completed millions of dollars of work that will benefit RTA riders for years to come. Enjoy your summer.

Joe Calabrese

Free concert, fireworks, mark July 4th celebration

Each year, Clevelanders look forward to two great Independence Day traditions – a free concert on Public Square by the Cleveland Orchestra, and RTA’s Family Fest at the Settler’s Landing Station to watch fireworks.

  • July 2: Concert on Public Square

The world-famous Cleveland Orchestra will present its 25th annual concert on Public Square. The patriotic Star-Spangled Spectacular begins at 5 p.m., with the concert at 9 p.m. Fireworks will follow.

RTA will provide additional Rapid service for the event. Riders are encouraged to buy an All-Day Pass, to keep crowds flowing smoothly when the concert ends.

  • July 4: Family Fest and fireworks

For the 10th year, RTA will host a Family Fest as part of Cleveland’s fireworks celebration. Items from the former Euclid Beach amusement park will be present, including the “thriller car.”

Music will be provided by a 12-piece Sousa band. Refreshments will be sold.

The festival begins at 7 p.m. Families are encouraged to park free at an RTA Rapid Station, ride the Rapid to Tower City, and take Waterfront Line to the Settler’s Landing Station.

Bring a blanket, and grab a spot on the hillside for a great view of the fireworks. The display, at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, is expected to start around 10 p.m.

RTA service makes travel to and from the Flats fast and convenient. Plan to come early, as a large crowd is expected.

You are encouraged to buy an All-Day Pass -- $5 for adults and $2.50 for each child, age 6-12, up to three children. Up to three children younger than age 6 can ride free. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

West Side track work set for two weekends in July

In July, RTA has tentatively set aside two weekends to upgrade Red Line tracks on the West Side.

On July 12-13 and July 26-27, buses will replace trains for all Red Line service west of Tower City. Look for buses and bus stop signs marked 66R. At Tower City, the 66R buses stop at the Public Square entrance of the Horseshoe Casino.

The 66R buses will serve all Red Line stations, and operate during the same hours as a Red Line train. However, the buses may take longer than the train, so please allow extra time for your commute.

Ride RTA to these great summer fun events in July

  • Every Wednesday, ride HealthLine to Wade Oval events

From 6-9 p.m. on Wednsdays through Aug. 27, University Circle offers the free, popular Wade Oval Wednesdays (WOW), with fun, movies and music for the whole family. Ride the HealthLine to the Adelbert Station, and walk to Wade Oval Drive. If you’re not sure where to walk, just listen for the sounds of people having fun.

  • July 20: RTA co-sponsors Taste of Tremont event

This year’s Taste of Tremont event will be held from noon-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. Enjoy music, shopping and sampling in the heart of Tremont’s restaurant area. Ride the 81 bus to the festival site. RTA will provide improved frequency between downtown and Steelyard Commons during the event, so buses will arrived every 20-25 minutes instead of every 45 minutes.

  • July 18: Ride the Rapid to country music concert at Progressive Field

Country music star Jason Aldean will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Progressive Field. Park free at any Rapid Station and buy a $5 All-Day Pass. Ride the Rapid into Tower City, and stroll down the Walkway, which opens at 6 p.m. Service home on the Rapid is guaranteed for at least 90 minutes after the concert ends. Aldean has sold more than 8.5 million records, including the popular Night Train in 2012.

  • July 5 & 14: Watch Arena football at Q

Indoor football fans can benefit from the Rapid just as much as legendary Browns fans. The Cleveland Gladiators play their last 2 home games of the season at 6 p.m. on July 5 and 7 p.m. on July 19, at Quicken Loans Arena. Ride any Rapid into the Tower City Station and use the Walkway, which opens two hours before each game.

  • Rally Alley: Extra fun with the Tribe & RTA on Fridays and Saturdays

The Indians enter the season mid-point still in the pennant race. RTA offers the best way to see the Tribe all season.

Just park for free at a Rapid Station. Buy a $5 All-Day Pass, and ride in comfort on any Red, Blue or Green line train into Tower City. From there, use the Walkway to reach Progressive Field.

After the game, service home is guaranteed for 90 minutes, so if the game lasts 17 innings, relax. We’ll get you home safely. And your All-Day Pass is good until 3 a.m.

The Indians play at home 13 times this month, with games against the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners. Buy your Indians tickets now.

This season, the Indians and RTA partner on a Friday-Saturday pre-game festival, Rally Alley, located right outside Progressive Field for two hours before the game begins. In July, Rally Alley weekends are:

  • July 4-5 vs. the Kansas City Royals.
  • July 11-12 vs. the Chicago White Sox.

There are many transit options for your summer fun in July

  • Waterfront Line

Hours: 6:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Ride the Waterfront Line from Tower City to the South Harbor Station in the Municipal Parking Lot to enjoy RTA’s Family Fest, watch July 4th fireworks, experience the new development on the Flats East Bank, see the action at FirstEnergy Stadium, dance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and feel awed at the Great Lakes Science Center and IMAX Theater.

If your destination is Public Square, park in the Municipal Parking Lot along the Shoreway, ride the Waterfront Line to Tower City, and say goodbye to traffic woes.

  • HealthLine

Hours: 24/7.

HealthLine serves Euclid Avenue, from the Horseshoe Casino on Public Square, through University Circle, to the Louis Stokes Rapid Station at Windermere in East Cleveland. Buy an All-Day Pass for $5 and get off and on as often as you want.

Visit the historic Dunham Tavern Museum, CWRU, CSU, the museums in University Circle, restaurants, world-class medical facilities, the theaters at PlayhouseSquare, and much more.

The HealthLine includes a bike lane on Euclid Avenue, from CSU to CWRU. You can rent a bike at The Bike Rack, 2148 East Fourth St., near Quicken Loans Arena. Or, bring a bike from home. Every RTA bus also includes a bike rack, and you can take them on the Rapid with you.

  • Trolleys

Hours: Until 11 p.m., seven days a week.

RTA offers late-night and weekend trolley service to many areas of downtown, from the Horseshoe Casino to the lakefront to CSU. All service is “free with a smile”, so it’s easy on your wallet.

  • Rapid

Hours: Until midnight or later, seven days a week.

All Rapid Lines serve Tower City. From there, you can try your luck at the Horseshoe Casino, walk to Progressive Field or Quicken Loans Arena, hop on a trolley or board the HealthLine. You can go just about anywhere.

Consider purchasing an All-Day Pass for $5. It’s good until 3 a.m., and you have unlimited rides

The RTA trip planner is easy-to-use. So, go have fun.