RTA Changes Not Expected to Affect Lakewood Routes

After receiving word about funding cuts from the federal and state governments, RTA announced that it will consider modifying routes and/or increasing rider fares.

While RTA deliberates changes to nearly 20 routes, service in Lakewood is expected to remain unchanged.

“Our goal is to develop a plan that negatively impacts the least number of our customers,” RTA said in a letter to Mayor Michael Summers. “Routes with low ridership, and those routes or route segments in close proximity with other routes have carefully been studied and evaluated.”

RTA is also considering changing its fares — the first increase in seven years. An adjustment of fares from the current base of $2.25 to $2.50 would represent an 11 percent increase since 2009.

“While we understand the financial pressures that RTA is facing, we know that having a vibrant public transportation system is a major element to quality-of-life for nearly 10 percent of our residents,” said Mayor Michael Summers.

The city is served by six bus lines (RTA routes 25, 26, 43, 55, 78 and 83), as well as two rapid rail stations (W. 117th and Triskett). In 2009, RTA eliminated circulator buses in several Cuyahoga County communities, including Lakewood.

A series of 14 public meetings has been scheduled throughout Cuyahoga County to discuss RTA’s proposed options. Those unable to attend the meetings, can reach an RTA representative at public-comment@gcrta.org.

Click here to see the list of proposed service changes, as well as the public meeting schedule.