About this Project
Nov. 15, 2016, Project Update
Aug. 1, 2016, Project Update
Although the original plan was to resume RTA bus service on Superior Avenue through Public Square on Aug. 1, the City of Cleveland and RTA are in discussions regarding when and if the buses will be allowed to use the designed, exclusive transit lanes.
June 30, 2016, Project Update
The new Public Square was formally dedicated today.
Buses operated by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will start using the new exclusive transit lanes on Superior Avenue that traverse Public Square on Aug. 1.
"Even though Public Square is being dedicated today (June 30), RTA has made the decision to not use the eight shelters located on Superior Avenue until Aug. 1, because of activities related to the Republican National Convention,” said Joe Calabrese, CEO and General Manager
Feb. 3, 2015, Project Update
The Group Plan Commission today told the RTA Board of Trustees that construction work would start "no earlier than Feb. 23." RTA released a map showing new bus stop locations that would be used during construction. More information to educate customers will begin when a firm construction date is established.
Jan. 16, 2015, Project Update
RTA continues to work with officials from the City of Cleveland, and consultants finalizing the plan for the Public Square re-design.
On Feb. 3, the RTA Board will hear an update on the project.
In early February, RTA will hold 1-on-1 customer information sessions in the Rotunda of the Tower City Station, with specific information on new bus stop locations and bus routing details.
February 2015 - May 2016 -- During construction, Ontario Street and Superior Avenue will be closed as through streets. Superior Avenue will likely re-open in spring 2016.
RTA's goal: To work with consultants to minimize customer inconvenience during construction and have a public transit-friendly environment upon the unveiling of the new Public Square configuration
Sept. 29, 2014, Statement by Joe Calabrese
Public Square is Cleveland’s historic transportation hub. It is vital to our customers, businesses and educational establishments, whose employees and students use public transit to commute to and from work and school.
- 62 percent of all RTA trips are work-related.
- 23 percent of all RTA trips are education-related.
Every weekday, more than 30,000 customers are served by RTA’s rail hub in Tower City, and 40,000 customers are served by RTA’s bus hub on Public Square. As many as 50 percent of these customers transfer between modes, so it is critical to maintain that interconnectivity.
Plans are now being discussed to re-design Public Square.
RTA is significantly involved in those discussions. We are working closely with Mayor Jackson’s Administration, the Group Plan Commission, the Design team and the Engineering team on the proposals.
We have a seat at the table to represent the needs of our customers.
Our goal is that a new design not only maintains, but enhances, the convenience and attractiveness of public transit in and around downtown.
Recently, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said he understands RTA's vital role on Public Square and wants the redesigned Public Square to preserve that role.
We appreciate Mayor Jackson's efforts to move downtown forward, while maintaining or enhancing connectivity on Public Square.
Studies on the project continue. As soon as plans take shape with respect to the re-location of RTA bus stops, we hope to meet with our customers to share this information.
As downtown Cleveland continues to experience unprecedented growth, parking becomes more expensive and less available. Convenient public transit and a transit-friendly Public Square will be more important than ever.
We remain optimistic about this great opportunity to make Public Square look better, and work better, for all Clevelanders.
-- Joe Calabrese is RTA's CEO and General Manager.
Team and Partners
