Cleveland’s Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates one of Ohio’s most comprehensive public transportation networks, serving the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area with reliable bus and rail services. Whether you’re a visitor exploring the city or a resident looking for affordable transportation options, understanding Cleveland’s metro transit system can help you navigate the region efficiently.
RTA Rapid Transit Lines
The RTA Rapid Transit system forms the backbone of Cleveland’s rail network, featuring 47 stations across multiple lines. The system includes:
Red Line: The flagship heavy rail service runs between Louis Stokes Station at Windermere and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, via Downtown Cleveland. This line provides crucial airport connectivity and serves major downtown destinations through Tower City Center.
Blue and Green Lines: These light rail lines extend eastward from downtown Cleveland, serving suburban communities and providing connections to Tower City Center to the Flats, Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Burke Lakefront Airport via the Waterfront line.
Comprehensive Bus Network
In 2024, the GCRTA bus system had a ridership of 20,257,600, or about 63,800 per weekday, making it a vital transportation resource for thousands of daily commuters. The bus network includes:
Regular Bus Routes: Extensive local bus service connecting neighborhoods throughout Cuyahoga County and extending into surrounding areas. Popular routes include the 40, 78, 8, and 54 lines, which serve high-traffic corridors.
HealthLine BRT: The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system provides enhanced service with dedicated lanes and frequent stops, connecting downtown Cleveland to major medical and educational institutions.
Future Expansion: The BRT will span the four-mile corridor from West 25th St. to Superior Avenue and Detroit Avenue, approximately 1.6 miles from downtown Cleveland, with shared bus and bike lanes to promote multimodal transportation.
Fares and Accessibility
Cleveland RTA maintains affordable transit options with bus journey costs at $2.25, or $5.50 for an all-day pass. Rapid transit and light rail lines cost $2.25, or $5.50 for an all-day pass. The system accommodates various payment methods and offers discounted fares for seniors, students, and disabled passengers.
For routes extending beyond Cuyahoga County, riders using the out-of-county portion must pay a $1 surcharge, though this affects only a small number of passengers.
System Modernization
RTA continues investing in infrastructure improvements. Plans are moving forward at Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority to replace its aging fleet of rail cars with 60 high-tech cars that are both easier to maintain and safer for riders. The current fleet of 69 cars, some over 40 years old, will be gradually replaced to enhance reliability and passenger comfort.
Planning Your Trip
RTA provides multiple resources for trip planning, including interactive system maps, printable PDFs, and mobile-friendly tools. The system connects major Cleveland attractions, business districts, educational institutions, and residential areas, making it an excellent option for both daily commuting and recreational travel throughout the Greater Cleveland region.
