Rider's Digest -- September 2017

Rider's Digest -- September 2017

Effective Sept. 25, Green Line service extends to midnight

Because of high demand and ridership, Green Line service will be extended from 9 p.m. to midnight, effective Monday evening, Sept. 25.

RTA may also provide late-night Green Line service for certain special events that take place before Sept. 25. For updates:

The Green Line extension comes in time to serve major sporting events in October – the Indians’ post-season playoffs, and the start of another Cavaliers basketball season. For extra-inning baseball games, rail service is guaranteed for 60 minutes after the game ends.

“As Clevelanders, we love our sports teams, “says RTA CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese, “and we love the experience of taking the Rapid to the game.”

Because of budget cuts a year ago, Green Line service was reduced.

“Our budget is still in a precarious position,” says Calabrese. “We are watching every penny. But we have had many, many customers tell us how much they depend on the Green Line in the evening, so we are extending the service. We need to find other sources to increase revenue or increase our efficiencies.”

Sept. 2-4: Air Show lands at Burke Lakefront Airport on Labor Day weekend

For the most efficient and affordable transportation to the Cleveland National Air Show, ride RTA’s Waterfront Line to Burke Lakefront Airport.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a jet demonstration team, performs three times each day. Gates open at 9 a.m. Flying shows begin at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Ride any Rapid line into the Tower City Station, board the Waterfront Line and exit at the North Coast Station, 1800 E. Ninth St. From there, it’s a short walk to the Air Show grounds. Use the gate just east of the USS Cod submarine.

During the Air Show, the Waterfront Line operates from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sept. 4, RTA closed for Labor Day holiday

RTA will operate a Sunday/holiday schedule on Monday, Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day. All offices are closed, including the Telephone Information Center and staff at the RTAnswerline.

If you need help:
• Use the on-line trip planner.
• Use the automated attendant on all the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500.

Sept. 8: It’s still summer at Flats East Bank

The calendar says “September,” but venues at Flats East Bank still offer summer fun.

To reach Flats East Bank before 7 p.m., ride the Waterfront Line to the Flats East Bank Station. For service until 11 p.m. seven days a week, ride the free C-Line trolley from Public Square.

From 6-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, Flats East Bank offers its monthly celebration, Flat Out Fridays, with the band, Disco Inferno. Info on all events,

Sept. 14-16: Tri-C holds first culinary festival

Celebrate the region’s food culture Sept. 14-16 during Cleveland Eats, a culinary festival organized by the Hospitality Management Center of Excellence at Cuyahoga Community College.

The festival will showcase the hospitality industry’s impact on Northeast Ohio and highlight Tri-C’s role in the restaurant renaissance.

RTA is the best way to get there. All events are within an easy walk of the Tower City Rapid Station, and several are near a trolley stop. Here are the events.

Thursday, Sept. 14

Friday, Sept. 15

  • 4-9 p.m., Free happy hour on Mall B, with Cleveland’s “best” food truck, local craft beer and live local music.

Saturday, Sept. 16

  • Noon-10 p.m., Mall B. $5 tickets. 30+ top local chefs prepare small plates. Local craft beer, live entertainment, culinary demonstrations, family-friendly events, a marketplace, and fireworks in the evening. $5 cash for adults, children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets on sale on-line.

All events are ADA-accessible. The event continues, rain or shine.

Sept. 16-17: Ride 81 route to Lincoln Park for Tremont event

Parking is always a concern for people attending the highly popular Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival – unless you ride RTA.

Buses on the 81 route can take you from Public Square, Ohio City, or the West 25th Street Rapid Station right to Lincoln Park. Just walk across the street and you are there.

Admission is free. Festival hours are:

  • 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
  • Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17

The event features music and dancing performances on two stages, and more than 130 artists and vendors in areas for children, non-profit, cultural and ethnic diversity.

Sept. 22-24: IngenuityFest combines art, music and technology

IngenuityFest – a festival of art, music and technology – is coming.

The colorful, creative event will be held in the former Osborne Industrial Complex, 5401 Hamilton Ave., in the St Clair-Superior neighborhood, just east of Downtown. Hours are:

  •  5 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22.
  •  Noon-1 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23.
  •  Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24.

RTA's 1 bus operates on nearby St. Clair Avenue, and serves the festival site 24/7. It is two blocks from the bus route to the Ingenuity site.

You can pay your RTA fare with mobile ticketing.

Quicken Loans Arena hosts three concerts

There’s no shortage of good music this month at Quicken Loans Arena. Here is the lineup.

  • Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m., Z107.9 Summer Jam
  • Sept. 9, 7 :30 p.m., Ed Sheeran, singer-songwriter
  • Sept. 21, 8 p.m., Roger Waters, Us + Them tour

For each event at the Q, park free at a Rapid station, buy a $5.50 All-Day Pass and ride any train into the Tower City Station. The Walkway between Tower City and Quicken Loans Arena open two hours before each event.

The Sept. 15 concert -- I love the 90s, the party continues -- has been moved to an outdoor stage at 1212 West Sixth St.

See transit apps on RTA Web site

You spoke, we listened. There are now multiple real-time transit apps available on the RTA Web site. Please check them out, and start using the one that best fits your needs.

The Web page features an app showcase, plus key information for developers of new Web applications. If you have general questions about that page, contact the RTA Webmaster. If support help is needed, contact the specific app developer.

For Your Safety -- School’s back in session

School is back in session. Many students ride the bus to and from school. Here are some tips to help keep the trips as safe as possible.

  • Walk with another student when possible, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and who’s listening to your conversations. For your own safety and security, topics such as parents’ work schedules, vacation plans, money, etc, should not be discussed in public.
  • Always take the bus or train route agreed upon with your parents or guardian. If changes are necessary, make sure your parents and/or school administrators are aware.
  • Always be respectful of others. Be mindful of your language and the volume of your conversations.
  • Always use headphones or earbuds while using your electronic devices. Only you should be able to hear what you’re listening to, but you should also be able to hear what’s going on around you.
  • Allow room for boarding, keep aisles and exits clear.
  • Take only one seat. Only sit in the aisle seat if the window seat is occupied.
  • Follow all posted safety and restriction signs.
  • Place trash in receptacles at stations, stops and on buses.
  • Exit through the rear door on buses.
  • Remember: Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you See Something, Say Something.

Get food with your farecard

RTA riders are usually people "on the go". Looking for a great deal on food? Use your RTA farecard for a rider reward at three local cafes:

See a complete list of 40 places that offer special deals for RTA customers.