Oct 20, 2020
Seeks public comment to create greater frequency, greater connectivity
for bus service in Greater Cleveland
CLEVELAND, OH -- The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is launching a new easy to navigate and highly interactive website to solicit public input for the proposed system redesign for its bus network.
Called NEXT GEN RTA, the site provides interactive maps which allow users to review service options, configure routes and offer comment based on transportation needs, while they compare service based greater frequency or greater connectivity options.
The website also offers opportunity for virtual public engagement sessions, beginning October 26, 2020 at 11:30 am with Facebook Live meetings. Public comment will be solicited through November 30.
For those who cannot attend a virtual meeting, the website allows for presentations to be accessed 24 hours a day 7 days a week, with opportunity to offer comments, suggestions and transportation preferences and needs.
“We urge the community to take advantage of the limitless possibilities offered on the NEXT GEN RTA website, allowing riders to virtually explore and investigate their trip options,” said RTA CEO and General Manager, India Birdsong.
Greater frequency options allow riders to enjoy shorter wait times throughout the week. When the bus comes more often, riders don't need to wait as long. Many NEXT GEN RTA routes will also offer seven day a week service, she said.
Alternately, greater connectivity options can be explored on NEXT GEN RTA, so riders can access better connections between neighborhoods, more one-seat trips, and the addition of cross-town routes.
“This is the next critical step toward the final design of the new bus system network. RTA is inviting the community to view the proposed system redesign and give us your feedback, by either completing a comment form or posting comments during a Facebook Live event,” said Birdsong.
On-line participants do not have to wait for a scheduled, Facebook live meeting in order to provide feedback, and anyone may provide comments as many times as they like, said RTA Director of Service Management, Joel Freilich, who is spearheading the system redesign effort.
“The myriad of options available to customers to explore and offer feedback on the 24-7 website allows RTA to gather input from as wide of an audience as possible,” Freilich said.
“This opens up opportunities for greater feedback from riders and non-riders alike, across the Northeast Ohio community,” he said.
Those without access to the internet will still be able to learn about options and provide comment by calling the RTAnswerline at 216-621-9500. They may request a fact sheet to be mailed to their home or to leave comments, which will be forwarded to service management for consideration.
At the conclusion of this public engagement process, RTA staff will revise redesign proposals in response to public comment and will present recommendations to the board at its December 1 committee meeting. RTA hopes to implement the newly redesigned bus system by June of 2021.
Media Contact:
Linda Krecic
216-390-9605 (cell)