Service At Aerozone Continues As RTA MicroTransit Stalls

RTA MicroTransit Stalls. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has been striving to enhance public transportation services, particularly through its innovative MicroTransit programs. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between RTA stations and employment hubs in outlying areas of Cuyahoga County. While some programs have faced challenges, others continue to make progress, particularly in the Aerozone surrounding Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This article delves into the current state of RTA’s MicroTransit services, their successes, and areas where improvement is still needed.

RTA MicroTransit Program: A Mixed Start

The RTA ConnectWorks-MicroTransit Program, a commuter service launched in partnership with SHARE Mobility, has been a focal point of the transit authority’s efforts to provide last-mile connectivity. The program was introduced in Solon in December 2022, facilitating transportation between Southgate Transit Center and various commerce parks, including prominent companies like Wrap Tite and Amazon.

However, despite the initial promise, the program has struggled to gain traction. Ridership has stagnated, and as a result, the Solon service is set to be discontinued on August 31, 2024. Riders currently utilizing this service are being redirected to the Northeast Ohio Area Coordinating Agency (NOACA) Vanpool program, which may better suit their commuting needs.

Success In Aerozone: A Glimmer Of Hope

In contrast to the challenges faced in Solon, another RTA MicroTransit program servicing the Aerozone area around Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has shown more encouraging results. This program, which began in October 2023, has steadily gained ridership over time. Major employers in the area, including Hopkins International Airport, NASA Glenn Research Center, and Sysco, have participated in the program, helping to drive its success.

According to RTA’s Director of Planning, Maribeth Feke, the Aerozone service’s gradual increase in ridership indicates that there is potential for the MicroTransit model to succeed in certain areas. Feke emphasized that her team is actively exploring ways to further improve and expand the program to better meet the needs of commuters in similar areas.

RTA Power & Way Team Commended For Storm Recovery

While the RTA grapples with the mixed results of its MicroTransit programs, it has also demonstrated resilience in other areas. On August 6, 2024, the city of Cleveland was hit by severe storms that disrupted power to rail lines on the city’s West Side. The RTA’s Power & Way team, led by three dedicated supervisors, took swift action to address the situation.

RTA Chief Operating Officer Floun’say Caver lauded the team for their “yeoman’s job” in restoring power. The team worked tirelessly, cutting down trees and rerouting electricity to ensure that the trains were back in operation by the following Saturday. Their efforts were met with applause from both the Board of Trustees and the audience members in attendance.

Revising Goals For Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs)

In compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s regulations, the RTA is required to periodically revise its goals for the inclusion of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in federally funded projects. These goals are recalculated every three years, taking into account factors such as the availability of DBEs in the region and the number and value of available contracts.

Carl Kirkland, RTA’s Director of the Office of Business Development, recently presented the revised DBE participation goals for 2025-2027 to the Board of Trustees committee. The new goal is set at 20.21%, a slight decrease from the previous target of 21.5%. This reduction reflects a decrease in the number of available contracts. The committee has approved the revised goal, which will be presented to the full board for final approval at a future meeting.

Conclusion

The RTA’s efforts to enhance public transportation through its MicroTransit programs illustrate both the potential and the challenges of innovative transit solutions. While the Solon program’s stall is a setback, the ongoing success of the Aerozone service offers a hopeful outlook. As the RTA continues to refine its strategies, it remains committed to providing reliable and efficient transit options for all. Moreover, the organization’s dedication to storm recovery and its focus on inclusivity in contracting further highlight its role as a vital community resource.