Cleveland RTA Adjusts Service to Close Budget Gap

Cleveland RTA proposes eliminating B-Line trolley, cutting routes to close $78M budget gap

Lead

Cleveland's RTA plans to cut the B-Line trolley and scale back the Waterfront Line to events-only service as part of broader service reductions aimed at closing a $78 million budget gap. Transit officials said the changes would save $2.5 million annually while reducing overall service by 3%, with a final decision expected May 7. The cuts also include reducing frequency on four bus routes and discontinuing the 19B Broadway Fargo branch, with changes taking effect August 16 if approved.

Budget Crisis Context

The proposed cuts address rapidly escalating employee medical insurance costs that jumped from $34 million in 2024 to $56 million in 2026, RTA officials said. The agency faces a $78 million budget shortfall driven primarily by these healthcare expenses. Transit officials said the service reductions represent a targeted approach to closing the gap while minimizing impact on riders. Cuyahoga County's 1% sales tax for RTA hasn't increased since the agency was founded in 1975, limiting the system's ability to generate additional revenue without voter approval.

Service Changes Details

The B-Line downtown trolley, which averages just 3.3 riders per trip, would be eliminated entirely under the proposal. The Waterfront Line would shift to special events only after averaging less than one rider per direction per day on non-event days. Route 78 would run every 30 minutes instead of every 15 minutes on weekdays, while Route 86 would shift from 30-minute to 60-minute weekday frequency. Routes 3 and 10 would see weekend service reduced from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes, and Route 77 would be realigned.

Timeline and Process

RTA held three public hearings on April 13, 15, and 16 at the agency's main office at 1240 West 6th Street in Cleveland. Public comment was accepted until April 27, with transit officials reviewing feedback before the May 7 board decision. If approved, the service changes would take effect August 16, giving riders roughly three months to adjust travel plans. RTA officials said they don't anticipate layoffs from the service reductions.

Rider Impact and Advocacy

Transit advocates, including Clevelanders for Public Transit, organized rallies drawing 25-40 people to protest the cuts and call for a levy increase instead. The group argues voters should decide whether to raise the sales tax rather than cutting service that connects residents to jobs and essential services. RTA officials confirmed discussions about placing a levy on the ballot are ongoing, though no decision has been made. Riders can track real-time service updates and plan alternative routes using Moovit as the changes approach.