Cleveland RTA Adjusts Network Amid Budget Pressure

Cleveland RTA proposes eliminating B-Line trolley to address $78 million budget shortfall

Cleveland RTA Eyes B-Line Trolley Elimination

Cleveland's last downtown trolley could disappear as the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority considers eliminating the B-Line to help close a $78 million budget gap. The agency's also weighing scaling back the Waterfront Line to special-events-only service as part of proposed cuts affecting eight transit lines, officials said. The B-Line currently provides free rides to elderly residents and others traveling to banks, libraries, and medical offices downtown.

Budget Crisis Drives Service Reductions

The proposed cuts stem from declining ridership and debt from new train car purchases that created the massive shortfall, according to the transit agency. Downtown Cleveland's trolley network has shrunk dramatically over the past decade—three routes combined for more than one million rides in 2015, but the E-Line and C-Line were discontinued by 2020. The B-Line remains the sole downtown trolley service. RTA's service management director said geography and availability of alternative routes are key factors in deciding which lines to cut.

Eight Lines Face Frequency Cuts

Beyond potential trolley elimination, the agency's proposing to reduce frequency on several bus routes from 15-minute to 30-minute intervals, officials said. The cuts would affect eight transit lines total, though specific route numbers for all affected services weren't detailed in available information. The Waterfront Line would shift to operating only during special events rather than regular scheduled service. Transit advocates warn the reductions will create worse experiences for commuters and residents who depend on public transportation for daily needs.

Public Hearings Set for Mid-April

RTA scheduled three public hearings for April 13, 15, and 16, 2026, to gather rider input on the proposed service changes. Residents can also submit comments online before the agency's board makes final decisions on May 7, 2026. The hearings will cover all proposed reductions across the eight affected transit lines.

Riders Face Service Uncertainty

Current B-Line riders, including elderly residents who use the free service to reach essential downtown destinations, face uncertainty about how they'll travel if the trolley's eliminated. Downtown Cleveland's growing population creates a paradox as the area potentially loses dedicated transit lines, advocates noted. Riders can track real-time service updates and plan alternative routes using Moovit as the agency moves toward final decisions in May.