State funding enables Cleveland RTA to maintain, add service

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will begin using the $5.4 million from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Next Generation Transit Partnership Program in December.

According to state guidelines, the money must be used to preserve existing service or add new critically needed transit services, specifically with an emphasis on connecting Ohioans to jobs opportunities and education centers.

The bulk of the funds, about $4 million, will be used to preserve existing transit routes and transit jobs in 2011. The remaining approximately $1 million, will fund strategic improvements and enhancements.

Changes that will offer more service to our customers, starting on Dec. 12, 2010 include additional pickups for paratransit customers; two new weekday routes; extended weekday service; additional weekend service and enhanced Sunday service.

In addition, RTA will apply for competitively awarded funds, focused on new services that connect job centers and enabling workforce retention, especially targeting younger riders.