Jul 12, 2016
CLEVELAND – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will extend the hours and frequency of the Downtown Trolleys during the Republican National Convention, thanks to the generous donation of the Host Committee and Destination Cleveland.
“Trolleys will operate every 5 minutes instead of every 10 minutes, from 7 a.m.-1 a.m.,” said RTA CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese. “If visitors want to see Cleveland, this is the best way to go. And thanks to our Downtown business partners, the trolley is always free with a smile.”
“Offering extended hours for the Downtown Trolleys will help accommodate the schedules of the delegates and media in town for the Convention,” said David Gilbert, president and CEO, Cleveland 2016 Host Committee. “The increased frequency and extended hours will not only get them where they need to go quickly, but it will also enable them to explore more of Downtown while they are here.”
Because some key streets will be closed, RTA’s regular bus routes will be modified in the Downtown area. Two transit hubs will be set up on the east and west sides of Downtown. Buses can still enter Downtown, but must avoid the Security Zone. This Map will show where to drop off and pick up your bus at each of the hubs.
“”Plans may change from day-to-day, and the most up-to-date info will always be posted on-line at www.riderta.com/2016CLE,” Calabrese said. “Check it each morning when planning your day.”
Here are the details of how street closures will affect RTA service from 8 p.m. Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 24, with the most significant effects occurring July 18-21. Check www.rideRTA.com for updates.
Rapid Transit
Rail service will be normal on all days. Service will be available to handle additional passengers. Exception: the Waterfront Line will not operate on Sunday, July 17.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
HealthLine will operate on the regular schedule and route, 24/7, all days.
From July 18-21, the Cleveland State Line will follow a different downtown route and terminate at the Western Bus Terminal. See Service Alerts.
Trolley service
Before and after the Convention
- After 8 p.m. Friday, July 15, and all day Saturday, July 16, the C-Line will be on re-route. (See Service Alerts.).
- The C-Line trolley will not operate on Sunday, July 17. The B-Line and E-Line will operate from 11 a.m.-1 a.m. The B-Line will use its July 18-21 re-route. See Map.
- The 9/12 Trolley will use the July 18-22 re-route. See Map.
During the Convention, July 18-21
- B-Line Trolley will operate from 5 a.m.-1 a.m., at higher frequency, on a special re-route that connects the Eastern and Western Bus Terminals.
- E-Line Trolley will operate from 7 a.m.-1 a.m., at higher frequency, on its regular route.
- C-Line Trolley will not operate.
- 9/12 Trolley will operate its regular schedule on a slightly different route. See Map.
Bus service
Before and after the Convention
Some Downtown bus routes will be re-routed from 8 p.m. July 15 through Sunday, July 17, and again from start of service Friday July 22-Sunday July 24. Check Service Alerts at www.rideRTA.com for updates on these re-routes.
During the Convention July 18-21
From the East: Many buses coming into downtown from the East, and going outbound to the East, will end and begin at the Eastern Bus Terminal. Trolleys will connect the Eastern Bus Terminus with downtown destinations and the Western Bus Terminus. See Map for specific bus route listings. For bus departures between 1:15-5 a.m., go to www.rideRTA.com.
From the West: Many buses coming into Downtown from the West, and going outbound to the West, will end and begin at the Western Bus Terminal. Trolley service will connect the West Terminal with Downtown destinations and the Eastern Bus Terminal. See Map for specific bus route listings.
Customers are encouraged to take advantage of RTA's 6,000 free parking spaces at rail stations and use the Rapid to get to the Tower City Station in Downtown Cleveland, or to get across town.
RTA will be prepared to increase service levels on the Red, Blue and Green Line trains, and Park-N-Ride services.
For added convenience, RTA is offering a $20 special Convention weekly pass for unlimited rides, from July 17–23 ONLY.
Increased traffic on the roads and highways could cause delays on regular bus routes and on Paratransit services. RTA recommends that commuters allow extra travel time.
No RTA buses or Paratransit vehicles will be able to go into the established security zone surrounding Convention venues in Downtown Cleveland.
Media contact
216-566-5211
216-390-9605, cell