Cleveland RTA Proposes Service Cuts, Seeks Public Input

Clevelands RTA Proposes Budget Cuts: Waterfront Rail Line & Downtown Trolley Bus Route on the Chopping Block

Clevelands Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is considering budget cuts, including the elimination of regular service on the Waterfront rail line and the downtown loop trolley bus route. Both services have low ridership, with the Waterfront line averaging less than one rider per trip and the trolley averaging 3.3 riders. These cuts, along with minor adjustments to other bus routes, would save $2.5 million annually, preventing deeper cuts discussed last December. The Waterfront line, launched in 1996, and the trolleys, introduced in 2006, were initially intended to boost tourism and celebrate the citys bicentennial, but ridership has since declined. The RTA is facing rising costs, particularly a projected increase in employee health insurance from $34 million this year to $56 million by 2026. Public hearings on the proposed changes will take place April 13th, 15th, and 16th, with comments accepted until April 27th. If the changes are approved, they will take effect August 16th. Despite the cuts, the Waterfront line is expected to remain for future lakefront redevelopment.

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