Rider's Digest -- June 2016

 Rider's Digest -- June 2016

RTA looks forward to serving riders on the new Public Square

For the first time in more than 30 years, Public Square is getting a makeover. The “new” Public Square is expected to open soon, and RTA officials are looking forward to it.

“You can feel the excitement in the air,” says RTA CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese. “Although this is not an RTA-funded project, we were an integral part of the planning. The Square has always been important to transit users, and that will continue.”

Every weekday, more than 30,000 customers are served by RTA’s rail hub in Tower City, and 40,000 customers are served by RTA’s bus hub on Public Square. As many as 50 percent of these customers transfer between modes, so it is critical to maintain that interconnectivity.

“Our goal was that a new design not only maintains, but enhances, the convenience and attractiveness of public transit in and around Downtown,“ Calabrese said.

The new design includes a four-lane Superior Avenue for buses only, and HealthLine stations on West Roadway and Tower City. RTA has already integrated most other changes into daily routes.

The Square itself, with more open green space, will be inviting for persons of all ages. Superior Avenue will be closed for major special events.

June 5: Summer service changes begin

 Some RTA bus timetables change on Sunday, June 5. Riders can pick up new timetables for the 7, 30, 39/39F, 32, 49, 51, 75 and 246.

Where to obtain new timetables

New real-time route information will be available when the changes are effective.

#IGORTA social media campaign begins

Where do you go on RTA? Why not tell us – and tell the world?

A social media campaign, IGORTA allows you to share your RTA destinations with Cleveland. Use #IGORTA to post your photos on Twitter and Instagram. You could be eligible to win prizes. The contest ends Aug. 31.

And, your RTA pass can get you discounts for food and fun this summer. Go here for a map and a list of more than 40 places that offer a discount. Use the hashtag, and your photos will automatically appear on that page.

Season in the sun: RTA participates in these fun events

At these events, members of RTA’s “street team” will give away t-shirts and other prizes. They will engage members of the audience in fun contests – such as air guitar -- to raise awareness of transit.

Wade Oval Wednesdays: Every Wednesday, from June 15-Aug. 31, enjoy live outdoor music, food, and a family-friendly event from 6-9 p.m. on Wade Oval, in the heart of University Circle. To reach Wade Oval Wednesdays (WOW), just ride RTA’s HealthLine to the station at Euclid Avenue and Adelbert Road. From there, it is a short walk to Wade Oval. The Plain Dealer says WOW “has become one of the hottest summer events in town,” with up to 5,000 people each night. Many visitors turn the event into a BYOB picnic – Bring Your Own Blanket. And, cultural institutions on Wade Oval stay open late, to offer discounts and special events.

Edgewater Live: Edgewater Live has been called “the largest beach party on America’s North Coast.” The event attracts up to 10,000 persons at Edgewater Park, operated by the Cleveland Metroparks. The event runs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, June 9-Aug. 11. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy activities, food, music and fun. A different band plays each week, and you can enjoy a rotating lineup of local food trucks. There is no event on July 21.

Progressive Field: Whenever the Tribe plays at home on Friday or Saturday night, RTA sponsors a pre-game concert at Progressive Field. Last year, the Indians re-designed part of Progressive Field to enhance the fan experience for young professionals. The District includes a concert stage behind right field. Ride any rail line into the Tower City Station. Game times for June concert dates:

  • Friday, June 3, 7:10 p.m., Kansas City Royals
  • Saturday, June 4, 7:15 p.m., Kansas City Royals
  • Friday, June 17, 7:10 p.m., Chicago White Sox
  • Saturday, June 18, 6:10 p.m., Chicago White Sox

Parade the Circle: From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 11, Wade Oval is transformed into Parade the Circle -- a colorful, lively, musical bonanza for the whole family. Ride the HealthLine to the Adelbert Road Station, and walk to Wade Oval. The parade begins at noon, rain or shine.

Cleveland Museum of Art: RTA is pleased to partner with CMA, as the museum marks its 100th anniversary. There’s lots to see every day. Special events this month include the free June 7 birthday party, and the great June 25 Solstice celebration, which is sold out. The HealthLine operates 24/7. Ride the HealthLine to the Adelbert Road Station, and walk to the Museum.

Ride RTA to these fun events in June

Sports bonanza: Cavs, Indians, Monsters and Gladiators share the June spotlight. Basketball and ice hockey playoffs continue at Quicken Loans Arena, and the Gladiators play there on June 3. Next door, the Indians play 11 home games at Progressive Field. RTA’s Rapid Transit system, and the Walkway from Tower City to the Arena, provide fans with the most comfortable, affordable transportation. The Walkway opens two hours before every event.

Flat Out Fridays: Every Friday, from June 3-Aug. 12, ride the Waterfront Line to outdoor concerts near the Flats East Bank Station from 6-10 p.m. It’s only a 3-minute ride from the Tower City Station. The event is called Flat Out Fridays.

Larchmere Porchfest: Ride any Blue Line or Green Line train to the Shaker Square Station. You are just a short walk away from the Larchmere Porchest. From 2-8 p.m. on June 18, bands play a variety of music on 30 front porches along Larchmere Blvd.

Shaker Heights Arts and Music Festival: This event runs from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, on Shaker Blvd., in front of the Shaker Heights Middle School. Ride the Green Line to the RTA station at Shaker Blvd. and Warrensville Center Road.

Tri-C JazzFest: On June 23-25, the Tri-C JazzFest includes several venues, including the U.S. Bank Plaza at Playhouse Square, where free concerts will held from 1 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ride the free C-Line trolley or the HealthLine.

Commuter Choice awards salute local employers

If your company really cares about sustainability, this contest is for you.

The five-county Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is beginning its third annual Commuter Choice awards, saluting employers who offer their staff environmentally friendly ways to commute.

The use of alternative modes of transportation saves commuters money, relieves congestion, improves air quality, benefits health and reduces stress. If your organization encourages employees to use alternative transportation modes – such as public transportation, carpooling, bicycling, walking, telecommuting, and flexible work weeks -- NOACA wants to hear from you.

You can enter the contest through July 31.