Rider's Digest -- February 2017

 Rider's Digest -- February 2017

RTA offers new vanpool service

RTA now offers an additional travel option to Greater Clevelanders.

VanShare provides vanpooling opportunities as an alternative means of transit. Although vanpools can be used for a variety of reasons, most vanpools are formed to help persons commute to a work site that is not now served by RTA.

Each vanpool must either have a destination in Cuyahoga County, or the driver and all riders must be residents of Cuyahoga County.

“There is a great deal of interest in vanpools across the country,” said RTA CEO Joe Calabrese. “RTA already provides a wide variety of transportation services. By adding the vendor-operated VanShare, we hope to increase the number of residents using our safe, reliable, clean, and courteous public transportation service.”

A van will be provided. If you are interested in either driving a van, or being part of a vanpool, please visit the Web page.

Ride RTA for ice skating at 2 area rinks

RTA continues to provide transportation to ice rinks at Public Square and Wade Oval.

Each rink charges a fee, and each offers rental skates.

For your safety: Emergency procedures on RTA light-rail trains

Riders on the Blue, Green and Waterfront lines should take time to read these emergency evacuation procedures. They are posted inside every rail car.

  • Listen for instructions from the operator, and follow them.
  • Exit the train in an orderly manner.
  • Help those in need, such as children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
  • Leave large packages behind.
  • Exit instructions, written in red, are located on a panel above each door.

To open the side doors:

  •  To release the closed doors, push the red knob over the door.
  •  To open the doors, place one hand on each of the red circles on the doors, and push.

After the doors are open:

  • On bridges and other elevated structures, open only the doors that face the tracks.
  • If there are downed wires, remain in the train.

If you step out and are not at a station platform:

  • Be aware of trains operating on nearby tracks, and stay clear of them.
  • On bridges and other elevated structures, open only the doors that face the tracks.
  • If there are downed wires, remain in the train.

If you step out and are not at a station platform:

  • Be aware of trains operating on nearby tracks, and stay clear of them.

Learn about other RTA safety tips.

Spring service changes begin March 12

A total of 21 timetables are changing for bus routes and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), effective Sunday, March 12.

The changes include a pilot service connecting Edgewater Park to the region by way of RTA’s Cleveland State Line. Effective March 12, all Saturday trips by the Cleveland State Line will exit the Shoreway, and stop at West 73rd Street, within walking distance of the popular Edgewater Park. The Park is now part of the Lakefront Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.

In late February, you can pick up new timetables for all 21 routes – the Cleveland State Line, 5, 14, 15, 16, 22, 26, 28, 40, 45, 51, 51A, 51B/C, 51ALL, 76, 77F, 79/A, 90F, 246, 251 and 263.

Where to obtain new timetables

  • In late February, click here.
  • Data on RTA’s trip planner will be updated before March 12.
  • Stop by RTA’s Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St.
  • Visit RTA's Customer Service Center at the Tower City Station.
  • To order a timetable by mail, call the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500.

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

RTA work enhances Mayfield Road area

Work continues daily on a $1.4 million project to improve the Mayfield Road streetscape, near the Little Italy - University Circle Rapid Station.

The work includes rehabilitation of the areas underneath two railroad bridges, replacing the sidewalk and curb wall, improved lighting and other upgrades that will benefit pedestrians, including those customers heading for the Rapid Station.

The project in this growing area is expected to be completed this summer.

Work begins on new Green Line Station at Lee-Shaker

Construction work has begun on the new Lee-Shaker Green Line station. Temporary wood platforms are being used. The old platforms will be demolished and replaced. Please use caution in the construction zone. When the new opens this summer, it will feature upgraded platforms, wheelchair lifts, lighting and track beds.

Feb. 17-26: Enjoy a free trolley ride + a fine meal at a great discount

RTA’s trolleys are ready to take you to fine dining at a discount, during the 10th annual Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week, sponsored by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

The event runs from Feb. 17-26. More than 50 restaurants will offer $15, $30 and $40 lunch and dinner specials.

RTA trolley rides are free with a smile from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on weekends. Trolleys operate on three different routes, but all stop in front of Tower City on Public Square. Transfers from the Rapid to trolleys are always convenient.

Feb. 18: Celebrate art, music, fire, fun at Brite Winter event

RTA provides easy transportation to the eighth annual Brite Winter Festival, an outdoor winter celebration of art, music, fire and fun, from 3 p.m.-1 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18.

The free festival is centered near the intersection of Main Avenue and Elm Street, on the Flats West Bank.

Transportation: With a $5.50 All-Day Pass, you can ride the Waterfront Line to the Settlers Landing Station, or ride the Red Line to the West 25th Street Station. Either way, Brite Winter will provide a free shuttle to take you to the festival site.

The Waterfront Line operates until 7 p.m. On Saturdays, the last eastbound Red Line train leaves the West 25th Street Station at 1:46 a.m., and the last westbound train leaves at 12:47 a.m.

More than 15,000 persons attend this event annually. Enjoy more than 39 bands on 6 indoor and outdoor stages. More than 10,000 square feet of heated tent space will allow you to enjoy work from 12+ artists.

Q offers events from brides to basketball

Quicken Loans Arena offers a wide variety of events this month, from Monsters hockey to monster trucks, and from bridal shows to basketball.

It’s easy to reach the Q on RTA. Just park for free at a Rapid Station, buy a $5.50 All-Day Pass, ride to the Tower City Station, and stroll down the enclosed Walkway to your Arena seat. You never have to go outside.

NOTE: The last eastbound Green Line train leaves Tower City at 9 p.m. daily. Consider switching to the Blue Line when attending evening events at the Q.

Events this month include:

  • 6 Cavaliers games
  • 5 Monsters games
  • Feb. 4, Bridal Show
  • Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day concert, with Charlie Wilson, Fantasia and Johnny Gill
  • Feb. 18-19, Monster Jam (giant trucks)
  • Feb. 22, Maroon 5 concert
  • Feb. 24, Eric Church concert, Holdin’ My Own tour
  • Feb 26, Arianna Grande concert, Dangerous Woman tour.

Rock Hall celebrates Black History Month

Music legend Fats Domino’s 89th birthday is Sunday, Feb. 26. To celebrate, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will offer continuous screenings of the film, Fats Domino: The Big Beat. It runs 2 hours and 22 minutes, from 10 a.m. -5:30 p.m. in the Forest City/RMS Theater, Main Exhibition Hall. Showings are included in admission. Board the Waterfront Line at Tower City. Get off at the North Coast Station on East Ninth Street, and walk to the Rock Hall.

Feb. 20: Hours set for Presidents' Day holiday

Monday, Feb. 20, RTA is closed on the Presidents' Day holiday. RTA will operate a weekday service schedule. The Telephone Information Center is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Paratransit Call Center is open from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.