Rider's Digest -- March 2017

 Rider's Digest -- March 2017

Saturday-only service set to begin March 18 to Edgewater Park

This spring, RTA will offer Saturday service to stops within the eastern section of Edgewater Park. The western portion of the park is already served Monday-Saturday by all trips of the Cleveland State Line.

It is part of the March 12 service change, so the first time that buses on the Cleveland State Line will stop there is Saturday, March 18. Hourly service begins at 6:16 a.m. The last westbound bus leaves at 8:16 p.m., and the last eastbound bus leaves at 8:20 p.m.

Buses will pull off the West Shoreway at the main entrance to the park, on West 73rd Street. After stopping at a bus stop sign, they will continue along the entrance ramp and finish their route. See map inside.

This trial service may be increased or discontinued, depending on ridership.

On Saturdays, the Cleveland State Line operates between the Westgate Transit Center in Rocky River and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center near Cleveland State University.

In 1894, the City of Cleveland bought Edgewater Park, and in 1978, it became part of Lakefront State Park. In 2013, it was merged into the Lakefront Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.

21 timetables change on March 12

There are other changes. On March 12, a total of 21 route timetables are changing. Pick up new timetables for the Cleveland State Line, 5, 14, 15, 16, 22, 26, 28-28A, 40, 45, 51, 51A, 51B/C, 51ALL, 76, 77F, 79/A, 90F, 246, 251 and 263.

Where to obtain new timetables

  • They are posted on the Web site.
  • 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 route information will be available when the changes are effective.

March 29-April 9: Film Festival returns to Tower City Cinemas

The Cleveland International Film Festival returns for its 41st annual event March 29-April 9.

All Rapid lines provide direct service to Tower City, so you never have to go outside to see the films of your choice. Ride RTA’s Rapid Transit directly to the Film Festival at the Tower City Cinemas.

More than 102,700 people attended last year’s event, and an estimated 1/3 of them rode RTA. RTA is a sponsor of the event.

Red and Blue Rapid lines operate seven days a week until around midnight, while the Green Line operates until 9 p.m. If you plan on attending a late-evening movie, please park at a Red Line or Blue Line Station.

Tower City Cinemas are also served by these routes.

  • The HealthLine operates 24/7 on Euclid Avenue.
  • The free B-Line and E-Line trolleys operate from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays.
  • The free C-Line trolley operates 7-11 p.m. weekdays, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on weekends.

More than 400 films will be shown at 500+ individual screenings. The event generates more than $5 million of economic impact each year.

On March 3, the new film lineup will be posted on their Web site. On March 17, on-line ticket sales begin. Use the code “RTA” to receive $2 off each ticket purchased on-line.

March Madness: Q hosts MAC tourney

RTA is your best seat for every event at Quicken Loans Arena. This month, those events include 6 Monsters games, 6 Cavaliers games, 8 college basketball games, a circus and a Bon Jovi concert.

To get to the Q, park for free at any Rapid Station, buy an All-Day Pass, and ride the Red, Blue or Green line Rapid train to the Tower City Station. From there, you can stroll down the Walkway right into your seat. The Walkway opens two hours before every event, and you never have to go outside.

OR, board the HealthLine at any westbound station along Euclid Avenue, exit on Public Square at Tower City, and head for the Walkway. The Walkway remains open for 60 minutes after an event ends.

From March 8-11, Quicken Loans Arena hosts the annual Mid-American Conference (MAC) basketball championship for men and women.

  • Wednesday, March 8: Women’s quarter-finals, 4 games that start at noon, with a 30-minute break between games.
  • Thursday, March 9: Men’s quarter-finals, 4 games. The first starts at noon, with a 30-minute break before the second game. The third starts at 6:30 p.m., with a 30-minute break before the fourth game.
  • Friday, March 10: Semi-finals. Women at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Men at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 11: Finals. Women at 11 a.m., men at 7:30 p.m.

March 17: Wear green, have fun and ride RTA to Downtown parade

St. Patrick’s Day is usually RTA’s busiest ridership day of the year. RTA will operate extra rail service to handle the crowds headed Downtown for the parade.

Bring exact change and be prepared to buy a Round-Trip Ticket from RTA staff at major rail stations. Here are other tips to help you enjoy the day.

  • Plan ahead. Buses will be detoured off the parade route to nearby streets. Normal operations will resume as soon as possible after the parade. Automated service on the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500, is available 24/7, or use the trip planner at rideRTA.com.
  • Allow plenty of time for your trip. The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Superior Avenue at East 18th Street, and continues west on Superior Avenue. This year, with renovated Public Square, the parade will continue through the Square, turn right on West Roadway, and right on Rockwell Avenue.
  • Follow directions. Transit Police and RTA staff work to provide you with a safe, enjoyable trip. Transit Police will enforce regulations. Your cooperation is appreciated.
  • Ride the Rapid. RTA offers extra rail service all day. There’s plenty of parking, but if a lot is full, move to an alternate station. Transit Police will ticket and tow cars that block normal operations.
  • Listen to the media. RTA will keep traffic reporters up-to-date as to which Rapid Station parking lots are full, and which ones still offer space. On your mobile devices, follow RTA on Twitter @GCRTA and Facebook.com/rideRTA, and through Commuter Alerts.
  • Visit RTA’s Web page. Keep track of tips and available parking at rideRTA.com/stpats.
  • Dispose of open beverage containers before coming to RTA.
  • Need help? Look for a Transit Police officer or an RTA staff person.
  • Bicycles are not allowed on trains that carry full loads.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: RTA is a Safe Place for all youths

With childhood safety in the news more and more, it’s a good time to remind Clevelander that RTA is part of the national program, A Safe Place.

Safe Places are sites set up in public locations where youth in crisis situations can get help immediately. Safe Place signs -- bright yellow-and-black diamond-shaped -- are displayed on all RTA buses and trains.

Any youth, age 17 and younger, can go to a Safe Place, in any type of crisis situation. It’s free for the youths and their families.

Directions for youths

Just tell the bus or train operator that you are there because of the Safe Place sign. They will notify a Road Supervisor or Transit Police Officer, who will meet the bus or train at a nearby location, usually between within 15-20 minutes.

They will either transport you to a Safe Place shelter partner, or have a Safe Place volunteer come to meet with you. Our shelter partners have counselors who care and want to help.

Going to the shelter is voluntary. Once you go there, no one will force you to stay. You make your own decisions. Parents have to be notified, but counselors are there to help you work things out.