Why Ride the RTA? (03.03.09)

RTA Shaker station, credit: Jeff Greenberg

Every year 60 million Clevelanders use the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to commute around the city. So, it might be surprising that I am now just discovering this incredible amenity.
Preparing for my new job at Tower City, I did the research and learned that most downtown parking lots (at least those that don’t require you to walk a mile uphill in downward wind) run anywhere from $5 – $8 a day.

Seeing my annoyance with the thought of buying a pricey monthly parking pass, my husband made a good suggestion – the RTA Rapid Transit System.

On my first day, I hopped on the red line train at the W. 117th Street station, and within 10 short minutes, I was exiting into the innards of Tower City.  Really – I simply stepped off the Rapid at the Tower City stop, jumped onto the escalator and within a one-minute walk through Tower City, I was standing at the entrance to my office.

Total daily trip expense using the RTA – $4. My trip time was also cut down by at least 20 minutes, considering that I wasn’t fighting traffic or searching desperately for parking. And, of course, this was not to mention the convenience of being delivered right to my work destination without braving the cold.

I can’t lie. While I was fully aware that RTA had been named the Best Public Transportation System in 2007, I ignorantly bought into those negative stigmas associated with public transportation. Thus, I never allowed myself the RTA experience. Needless to say, I feel a little silly now.

That said, here are some great things to know about riding the Rapid:

1. Public transportation is not scary. In fact, I felt very safe in my cozy seat headed downtown. Like me, all the passengers appeared to be headed to work. But if you’re still hesitant, just know that the GCRTA police are on duty 24-hours a day at various stops and on trains and buses.
2. If you’re traveling east past the West 25th Street stop, make sure to take a glance out your window. I assure you a really beautiful skyline view of the city (not viewable from a car) on your right side, and a unique view of the Flats on the left side.
3. Using the RTA provides a great opportunity to catch up on a few pages twice a day during your commute. If you’re anything like me, there never seems to be enough time to devote to that novel you opened two months ago.
4. Rapid and bus schedules aren’t difficult to read. And, if you get nervous, just ask the friendly operators at the stations. And, trust me, they really are friendly and helpful.  
5. Still a little nervous that you’ll screw up your trip? RTA provides a nifty online Trip Planner to prevent such things from happening. Simply enter the origin and destination for your trip, and the Trip Planner will provide the RTA routes to get you there. 
6. You can take the Rapid to and from the airport . After learning this, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “Where have I been all these years?!” Begging for rides to the airport and saving cash to park in long-term parking lots are things of the past.
7. RTA passes and farecards are available online or at Giant Eagle locations. Buy a pass and you’ll never have to worry about frantically searching for change before boarding. 
8. Save gas and do something nice for our environment. Public transportation is good for everyone.

Moral of the story: If you’re looking for an economical, fast, safe and environmentally-friendly commute to work, take the RTA.  –LRH