Rider's Digest -- November 2017

Rider's Digest -- November 2017

Several slow zones eliminated in major Red Line track work

Several slow zones between West 98th and West 25th Street will be eliminated, after RTA completes a $6.8 million track upgrade this month. Speed restrictions in this area will be removed and track speeds will be increased.

From Sunday, Nov. 5, through Saturday, Dec. 2, buses will replace Red Line trains between the West 117th and Tower City stations. The 66R buses will operate via a direct, special alignment and serve only the West 117th, West Boulevard and Tower City stations. The 66R buses will also stop at the intersection of Detroit Avenue and West 25th Street, to facilitate connections with buses that serve the West 25th Street Station.

The Tower City stop will be on West Prospect Avenue at West 3rd Street. Stops for the West Boulevard Station will be on Detroit Avenue, not inside the station bus loop. These adjustments will help move riders to and from Downtown as quickly as possible.

How it works

Eastbound passengers who board the Red Line west of the West 117th Street Staiton will transfer from the Red Line train to a 66R bus at the West 117th Street Station, and head Downtown.

Westbound passengers who board the Red Line east of Tower City will transer to a 66R bus on West Prospect Avenue at West 3rd Street. At the West 117th Station, they will transfer to the Red Line.

Fare collection:

  • To speed the boarding process, fares will not be collected on replacement buses. All doors will be used for boarding and alighting.
  • On the Red Line, normal fare collection procedures will be used.
  • If you ride both segments of the Red Line, keep your proof-of-payment handy throughout your entire Red Line trip.

Key points:

Your RTA guide to Thanksgiving holiday weekend

Thursday, Nov. 23

  • RTA operates Sunday/holiday service. All offices are closed.

Friday, Nov. 24

Saturday, Nov. 25

Sunday, Nov. 26

12 new RTA timetables take effect Dec. 3, 2017

Some RTA bus and Rapid routes will see minor changes, effective Sunday, Dec. 3.

Riders can pick up new timetables for these routes: Red Line, 14, 22, 26, 53F, 55-55A-55B-55C Cleveland State Line, 76, 246, 251 and 263.

A few changes deserve special mention.

  • All routes in the 51 family will carry the name, MetroHealth Line, now that MetroHealth has agreed to purchase naming rights.
  • The Red Line timetable reflects new running times after several “slow zones” are eliminated in the 28-day shutdown scheduled to end Dec. 2. It may be several days before the trains use higher speeds.

Where to obtain new timetables

  • As soon as they are ready, new timetables will be posted on the Schedules page of the RTA Web site.
  • Copies will be available at RTA’s Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St., and at the Tower City Customer Service Center.
  • Before Dec. 3, data on RTA’s trip planner will be updated.
  • To order a timetable by mail, call the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500.

Real-time information for the new timetables will be available as soon as it is effective.

SPORTS: Browns, Cavaliers, Monsters in area spotlight

RTA can take you to many sports events this month.

  • Cavaliers, 6 home games.
  • Monsters, 5 home games.
  • Browns, 1 home game.

At Quicken Loans Arena

To reach a game, just park for free at a Rapid station, buy a $5.50 All-Day Pass, and ride in comfort.

A 1,000-foot Walkway connects the Q to the Tower City Station, so riding any Red Line, Blue Line or Green Line is always the best way to go. You’ll never experience inclement weather or Downtown traffic congestion. The Walkway opens 2 hours before each event, and at 3 p.m. when there is a Cavs home game.

All trains run until midnight or later.

At FirstEnergy Stadium

At 1 p.m. on Nov. 19, the Browns host the Jacksonville Jaguars at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Stadium is right across the street from West 3rd Street Station of the Waterfront Line.

RTA staff will sell $5 round-trip tickets to cash customers at major rail stations for a few hours before the game. Extra trains will be added if needed.

If you use a Monthly Pass or a 7-Day Flex Pass, your trip is already paid for.

Heading for Hopkins Airport? Ride the Red Line

In 1968, RTA’s Red Line became the first Rapid Transit to serve an international airport in North America.

It was a good deal then, and it’s an even better deal today. If you plan to fly out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport this holiday season, consider riding the Red Line.

  • It’s quick. It takes less than 30 minutes to ride to or from Downtown Cleveland’s Tower City Station.
  • It’s convenient. RTA's Airport Station is on the lower level of the terminal complex. Take the elevators or escalators near the center of the Ticketing and Baggage Claim levels.
  • It’s dependable. The Red Line operates 7 days a week, from approximately 4 a.m.-12:30 a.m. For specific times, see the Red Line schedule on the RTA Web site.
  • It’s affordable. Riding the Rapid costs $2.25 each way, and parking is free at rail stations. If you transfer to another rail line or bus to complete your trip, buy a 5-Trip farecard, which includes transfers. If you need to transfer from another rail line or bus to complete your trip, transfers are included in Monthly Passes, 5-Trip cards and 7-Day Passes. For unlimited rides until 3 a.m. the next day, buy an All-Day Pass for $5.50. More fare details.

Passes can be purchased from the Ticket Vending Machines at the Airport Station, or at any rail or HealthLine station. Exact fare is required. Credit cards and debit cards can be used.

Better yet, buy your tickets on your phone, using RTA’s mobile ticketing app.

The Red Line uses a Proof-of-Payment system. Keep activated passes, farecards or your phone handy, in case Transit Police asks to see your purchased fare.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: If you see something, say something

What started out as a simple phrase in New York City after the 9-11 attacks has spread into a national safety campaign. All transit systems in the country, including RTA, encourage customers to do a simple thing.

“If you see something, say something.”

Transit Police need your vigilance to maintain safety on buses, trains and facilities.

  • Be alert to unattended packages.
  • Be wary of suspicious behavior.
  • Take note of people in bulky or inappropriate clothing.
  • Report exposed wiring or other irregularities.
  • Report anyone tampering with surveillance cameras or entering unauthorized areas.
  • Learn the basics of safe train evacuation. On RTA trains, that information is on posters, with directions above the doors.

Describe suspicious behavior:

  • WHO did you observe?
  • WHAT did you see? Be specific.
  • WHERE did you see it?
  • WHEN did you see it?
  • WHY is it suspicious?

Who should you say something to?

  • Alert Transit Police, the rail or bus operator, any RTA staffer in the area, or call Transit Police, 216-566-5163. That line is answered 24/7 by a dispatcher.
  • Use CloseWatch RTA, a free app that allows you to communicate with Transit Police anonymously, and send text, videos or photos. The app is available on iPhone and Android. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Remember to vote on Nov. 7, OR you can vote early

You are encouraged to vote in the Nov. 7 General Election. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Have a question about your voting site? Call 216-443-VOTE (8683), or go here.

Early voting continues at the Board of Elections, 2925 Euclid Ave., during these hours:

  • 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 1-3.
  • 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 4.
  • 1-5 p.m. Nov. 5.
  • 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 6.