The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is on the cusp of a major transformation with its multi-year, half-billion-dollar Rail Replacement Program.

However, this initiative, which is more than 93% funded, could be about a lot more than just replacing old trains. All Aboard Ohio guest speaker Noah Belli's "Reboot the Rapid" concept could lead to a complete overhaul of the system's routing and service. It would make the most of the new Siemens S200 railcars to improve service frequency, enhance connectivity, and create a more effective transit network for Clevelanders and visitors alike.

A New Fleet for a New Era

The core of the "Reboot the Rapid" concept comes from a new fleet of Siemens S200 railcars. These modern trains will replace the RTA's aging vehicles, providing a significant upgrade in rider experience. The new cars feature improved interiors and are designed to operate seamlessly on both the heavy-rail Red Line and the light-rail Blue and Green Lines. This unification of the fleet is a crucial step, as it unlocks the potential for a more flexible and efficient network.

Right now, the RTA rail system operates as three separate lines: the Red, Blue, and Green. But with a unified fleet, RTA can consider re-routing trains to create more direct connections between the system's five terminal stations: the Muni Lot, Cleveland Hopkins Airport, Stokes-Windermere, Green Road, and Van Aken-Warrensville.

Unlocking New Routes and Connections

By using the new unified fleet, the RTA can create new direct service patterns without the need for complex, and often avoided, reverse operations. Reboot the Rapid's leading proposal: a new four-line system that strives for the best experience possible for riders:

• A Red Line that connects East Cleveland (Windermere) to the Airport.

• A Blue Line that connects Van Aken to the Airport.

• A Green Line that connects Green Road to the Muni Lot.

• An Orange Line that connects East Cleveland (Windermere) to the Muni Lot.

This proposed system creates 160 new station-to-station route combinations. Imagine a rider from Shaker Square being able to take a single train directly to the airport, or someone in Ohio City getting to Shaker Square without a transfer. Currently, these trips require a transfer at Tower City. With the new routing, many of these trips would become a single, direct ride, significantly reducing travel time and hassle.

More Frequent Service

One of the biggest benefits of this reboot is the potential for increased service frequency. Currently, the Red Line runs every 15 minutes, while the Blue and Green Lines operate every 30 minutes, which are long wait times for a rapid transit system.

A "Reboot the Rapid" plan could increase service frequency by 50% system-wide. This would mean trains arriving every 20 minutes on each line, with six trains per hour traveling on the main trunk of the system (East 34th, East 55th, Tower City). At Tower City, a train would arrive every five minutes in each direction, offering a near-constant flow of service. This is a game-changer for riders, as it drastically reduces wait times and makes the entire system more reliable and convenient.

The RTA has already seen the positive impact of increased frequency on its bus routes, with ridership increases of over 50% on some lines after service was improved from 60-minute to 30-minute frequencies. It’s reasonable to expect a similar, if not greater, surge in ridership on the rail system with this significant service increase.

Improved User Experience and Station Upgrades

In addition to new trains and more frequent service, the RTA is also investing in key infrastructure improvements. The new S200 railcars come equipped with modern displays that will communicate real-time route information, and upgrades are being made to station platform signage making the system more "legible" to riders.

Additionally, the new cars are configured with two high-platform doors in the center and two low-platform doors at each end, allowing them to serve all stations regardless of platform height. This is a practice successfully used in other cities like Pittsburgh and San Francisco, and it will be a major step toward achieving full ADA accessibility across the entire rail network. Many stations are also receiving major facelifts, including the airport station, Tower City, and the lakefront station. The lakefront station, in particular, is a crucial component of this plan, as it will serve as a hub connecting RTA’s light rail to intercity Amtrak service, a key benefit for passenger rail advocacy in Ohio. The new station will be fully accessible and directly connect to the surrounding and growing public and private development.

Story Cover Photo Courtesy of Methodicle