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Ridership Gains Slow And Steady For Cleveland RTA

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4 months ago

September 11, 2024

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Ridership Gains Slow And Steady For Cleveland RTA. Public transit ridership in Cleveland is making a gradual comeback, now reaching about two-thirds of its pre-pandemic levels. While there’s still a long way to go, the steady increase is a positive sign for the city’s public transportation network, which is essential for its growth and sustainability.

According to data presented to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Board of Trustees, transit ridership is slowly climbing, reflecting the broader trend across the country. But why is this important? Let’s dive into the numbers, the reasons behind the slow rise, and what it means for Cleveland’s future.

Why It Matters: Public Transit Powers Cleveland Growth

Public transit is more than just a convenience—it’s a lifeline for many Clevelanders and a cornerstone of the city’s economy, environment, and overall vibrancy. Around 25% of Cleveland’s residents don’t own a personal vehicle, meaning buses, trains, and paratransit vehicles provide essential mobility. Public transportation doesn’t just connect people to jobs, education, and services; it also supports the city’s health by reducing pollution and traffic congestion.

With fewer cars on the road, parking lots and road spaces can be repurposed for parks, housing, or other community benefits. This makes public transit a key factor in building a cleaner, greener, and more equitable Cleveland.

Ridership by the Numbers: Signs of Growth

The RTA recorded 21.9 million rides in 2023, a 16.5% increase from the 18.8 million rides in 2022. While this growth is promising, it’s still far from the 32.1 million rides seen in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic hit. Nevertheless, the steady rise in ridership is a positive indicator of recovery.

Cleveland’s transit recovery aligns with the broader national trends. Data from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) shows that only a few metros have returned to or exceeded their pre-pandemic ridership levels. In September 2023, nine metro areas with populations of over 500,000 had achieved this, with Poughkeepsie, New York (150.3%), Worcester, Massachusetts (141%), and Youngstown, Ohio (130%) leading the way.

Cleveland may not yet be part of this group, but the steady uptick in ridership is a clear signal that the RTA’s efforts to restore public confidence and adapt to changing travel patterns are paying off.

Ohio Loves Transit Week: Celebrating Public Transit Impact

This week, Ohio celebrates “Ohio Loves Transit Week,” an event organized by the Ohio Public Transit Association to highlight the significance of public transit statewide. RTA is commemorating the occasion with a photo contest, encouraging riders to share their transit experiences and spotlight the importance of public transportation in their daily lives.

Such campaigns not only foster a sense of community but also help raise awareness about the crucial role transit plays in keeping cities like Cleveland connected and moving forward.

The Big Picture: Challenges Facing Public Transit Recovery

Despite the gains, Cleveland’s transit system—like many across the nation—faces significant challenges. The ongoing recovery in ridership is partially driven by a return to in-person work, as more employers require their staff to return to offices. However, this shift is happening at a slower pace in Cleveland compared to other cities, which could explain why the ridership gains have been modest.

On a national scale, large public transit systems are experimenting with different strategies to lure riders back after ridership levels plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include free or reduced-fare rides, expanded routes, and enhanced service frequency.

For Cleveland, ensuring the long-term sustainability of its public transit system will require continued innovation. Expanding service, introducing new fare incentives, and improving the overall rider experience will be key to sustaining and growing ridership.

What Next: Strategies to Boost Ridership

As Cleveland RTA works to increase ridership, several strategies can help accelerate the recovery:

Fare Incentives

Offering free rides, discounted passes, or special promotions during off-peak hours can help attract more riders. These initiatives can be particularly effective in bringing back casual riders and encouraging new users to explore public transit options.

Enhanced Routes

The pandemic shifted travel patterns, and transit agencies need to adapt. RTA could explore expanding or adjusting routes to better serve residential areas that have experienced population growth or changing commuter behaviors.

Community Engagement

RTA’s current photo contest during Ohio Loves Transit Week is an example of community engagement that can foster loyalty among riders. Expanding similar efforts, such as hosting transit-themed events or offering community input sessions, can help create a stronger connection between residents and their transit system.

Improved Infrastructure

Upgrading transit stops, adding real-time tracking apps, and improving accessibility for paratransit riders can all make Cleveland’s public transit more reliable and appealing. Investments in infrastructure not only improve the rider experience but also make the system more attractive for potential riders.

Collaboration with Employers

Encouraging local businesses to provide transit benefits for their employees could be another way to boost ridership. With more workers commuting again, partnerships between the RTA and local businesses could incentivize greater public transit use.

Conclusion

The road to fully restoring Cleveland RTA’s ridership to pre-pandemic levels may be long, but the steady progress seen in recent years is an encouraging sign. Public transit remains a vital part of Cleveland’s identity and infrastructure, providing accessible transportation for its residents and promoting a cleaner, more connected city.