The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of providing reliable transportation services to Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs.

In 1974, the Cleveland Transit System (CTS) changed and became known as the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) after former Cleveland Mayor Ralph Perk signed the RTA legislation on Dec. 30, 1974.

“For half a century, GCRTA has connected customers and communities to jobs, education, and health care, in addition to serving a multitude of neighborhoods in the Greater Cleveland area with access to special events,” said GCRTA GM/CEO India L. Birdsong Terry. “This is an important milestone worth celebrating in appreciation of our customers, as well as our dedicated, hard-working employees, who over the last 50 years have kept GCRTA on track in providing accessible and affordable public transportation in Ohio.”

GCRTA’s Mark on the Community

Since its incorporation in 1974, GCRTA has grown into a vital network that serves thousands of riders daily while continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of the residents of Cuyahoga County.

“Over the last 50 years, GCRTA has been a major asset to our region, providing transit access to millions of customers each year,” said GCRTA Board President Paul A. Koomar. “Our customers and employees are the lifeblood of GCRTA as we celebrate five decades of service. We are also preparing for the future, as we adapt to meet the needs of our growing and changing population. This celebration not only celebrates the past, but it also energizes us in anticipation of an amazing future.”

As part of the 50th Anniversary festivities, GCRTA decorated its Main Office Building windows with commemorative anniversary posters to go along with the special GCRTA 50th Anniversary banners on display in downtown Cleveland Public Square.

In addition, multiple GCRTA bus shelters throughout Cleveland will display a 50th Anniversary design while two GCRTA buses will be wrapped in a special 50th Anniversary advertisement and operate throughout GCRTA’s service area from November 2024 through June 2025.

On Monday, November 18, 2024, and for the next seven weeks, GCRTA will launch its 50th Anniversary/holiday social media campaign featuring GCRTA and Cleveland history trivia.