# Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (officially the GCRTA, but historically and locally referred to as the RTA) is the public transit agency for Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs of Cuyahoga County in Ohio, United States. RTA is the largest transit agency in Ohio, with a ridership of 24,875,000, or about 81,100 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2024.
RTA owns and operates the RTA Rapid Transit rail system (called "The Rapid" by area residents), which consists of one heavy rail line (the Red Line) and three light rail lines (Blue, Green, Waterfront). The bulk of RTA's service consists of buses, including regular routes, express or flyer buses, loop and paratransit buses. In December 2004, RTA adopted a revised master plan, Transit 2025, in which several rail extensions, bus line improvements and transit oriented developments are discussed.
RTA's major predecessor, the Cleveland Transit System, was the first transit system in the western hemisphere to provide direct rapid transit service from a city's downtown to its major airport.
In 2007, RTA was named the best public transit system in North America by the American Public Transportation Association, for "demonstrating achievement in efficiency and effectiveness."

## History

The GCRTA was established on December 30, 1974, and on September 5, 1975 assumed control of the Cleveland Transit System, which operated the heavy rail line from Windermere to Cleveland Hopkins Airport and the local bus systems, and Shaker Heights Rapid Transit (the descendant of a separate streetcar system formed by the Van Sweringen brothers to serve their Shaker Heights development), which operated the two interurban light rail lines from downtown to Shaker Heights. CTS had been formed in 1942, when the city of Cleveland took over the old Cleveland Railway Company. However, with Cleveland's dwindling population over the previous two decades, its revenue dwindled significantly. The problem really manifested itself with a 17-day strike in July 1970. City and county leaders concluded that a regional approach was the only way to save it.
A month after its formation, RTA assumed control over the suburban bus systems operated by Maple Heights, North Olmsted, Brecksville, Garfield Heights and Euclid.
The RTA had to undertake a number of renovations to the rail system, as the Shaker Heights lines (renamed the Blue and Green lines) had not been significantly renovated since their creation in 1920. They were largely rebuilt by 1981 and the downtown station at Cleveland Union Terminal, later renamed Tower City Center, was heavily rebuilt by 1987. In 1994, a walkway and skyway was added from the Tower City station to the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex and the Blue and Green lines were extended to the North Coast Harbor area by 1996.
Seventy-five Cleveland Transit System PCC streetcars were sold in 1952 to Toronto to be used by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The last of the Cleveland PCC models operated for 30 years in Toronto, until 1982. Cleveland Transit also sold eight Marmon-Herrington TC44 trolleybuses in 1963 to the TTC.
In 2005, RTA began building a bus rapid transit line along Euclid Avenue from Public Square to University Circle and then to East Cleveland. This was originally to be a subway line running under Euclid Avenue, but the high cost of such a project caused it to be reduced in scope, resulting in the current bus rapid transit project. Vehicles operate in an exclusive center median busway from Public Square to Stokes Blvd. and transition to curbside running through University Circle to the Windermere Rapid Transit Station in East Cleveland. The vehicles are low-floor, articulated 63 feet (19 m) buses.
Naming rights for the line were purchased by the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals for twenty-five years. The BRT route, originally named the "Silver Line", which serves the two major health industry employers in Cleveland, is named the HealthLine.
As sections were completed, they were opened to traffic; the entire stretch within the project area was open by October 24, 2008 as part of its grand opening October 24–26, 2008.
In January 2023, the GCRTA announced the acquisition of sixty Siemens S200 light rail vehicles to replace the system's entire existing rail fleet. Twenty-four such cars will replace the Tokyu heavy rail trains used on the Red Line, with an option to acquire 36 additional units to replace the Breda light rail vehicles used on the Blue, Green, and Waterfront lines. GCRTA's S200s will include steps at the front right door for boarding at street-level stations on the Blue, Green, and Waterfront. Once the acquisition is approved by the GCRTA's board, S200s are expected to begin service in Cleveland in 2026.

### Active Bus Fleet

| Year | Manufacturer | Model | Fleet Numbers | Engine | Transmission | Garage | Notes |
| 2003 | New Flyer | C30LF' | 18-23 | Cummins Westport C Gas Plus | ZF 6HP592C 22-23 Allison B300R | Hayden | |
| 2007 | New Flyer | C35LF' | 137-154 | Cummins Westport C Gas Plus | Allison B400R | Hayden | |
| 2004 | New Flyer | C30LF' | 250-265 | Cummins Westport C Gas Plus | ZF 6HP592C | Hayden | |
| 2005 | New Flyer | C30LF' | 266-267 | Cummins Westport C Gas Plus | ZF 6HP592C | Hayden | |
| 2006 | New Flyer | C30LF' | 268-271 | Cummins Westport C Gas Plus | ZF 6HP592C | Hayden | |
| 2010 | New Flyer | D30LF' | 272-279 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B300R | Hayden | |
| 2004 | NABI | 35 LFW | 280-300 | Detroit Diesel Series 50 EGR | Allison B400R-6 | Triskett | |
| 2002 | Orion | V CNG 35' | 301-325 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | Voith D864.3E | Hayden | Originally Had Detroit Diesel Series 50G Engines |
| 2013 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 401-433 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2005 | New Flyer | C40LF' | 501-510 | Cummins Westport C Gas Plus | Voith D864.3E | Hayden | |
| 2011 | Gillig | BRT CNG 35' | 511-520 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | Voith D864.5 | Hayden | |
| 2012 | Gillig | BRT CNG 29' | 601-620 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | Voith D864.5 | Hayden | |
| 2013 | Gillig | BRT CNG 35' | 701-705 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | Voith D864.5 | Hayden | |
| 2014 | Gillig | BRT CNG 35' | 706-724 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | Voith D864.5 | Hayden | |
| 2012 | Gillig | Low Floor HEV 40' | 725-736 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2017 | Gillig | BRT CNG 29' | 801-820 | Cummins Westport ISL-G NZ | Voith D864.6 | Hayden | |
| 2024 | Gillig | BRT CNG 29' | 901-920 | Cummins Westport L9N | Voith D867.8 NXT | Hayden | |
| 2001 | MCI | D4500 | 1001-1023 | Detroit Diesel Series 60 | Allison B500R | Triskett | Used for the 251 but sometimes seen on the 16, 53A, 55B, 55C & 77. |
| 2013 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 1024-1050 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2002 | MCI | D4500 | 1051-1053 | Detroit Diesel Series 60 | Allison B500R | Triskett | Used for the 251 but sometimes seen on the 16, 53A, 55B, 55C & 77. |
| 2011 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 1150-1159 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2011 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 40' | 1160-1173 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2012 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 40' | 1200-1209 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2010 | Gillig | Low Floor 40' | 1301-1315 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R | Triskett | |
| 2010 | New Flyer | XDE40 | 1316-1330 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison EP40 hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2011 | New Flyer | XDE40 | 1331-1345 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2012 | New Flyer | XDE40 | 1346-1355 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2013 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 1401-1440 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2013 | New Flyer | XDE40 | 1441-1458 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2013 | New Flyer | XDE40 | 1459-1473 | Cummins ISB6.7 | BAE Systems HDS200 hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2009 | NABI | 60 BRT | 1474-1480 | Cummins ISL | Allison B500R | Triskett | |
| 2014 | New Flyer | XDE40 | 1481-1493 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2006 | New Flyer | C40LF' | 1494-1540 | Cummins Westport C Gas Plus | Voith D864.3E | Hayden | |
| 2007 | New Flyer | C40LF' | 1601-1640 | Cummins Westport C Gas Plus | Allison B400R | Hayden | |
| 2008 | MCI | D4500 | 1701-1706 | Detroit Diesel Series 60 EGR | Allison B500R | Triskett | Used for the 251 but sometimes seen on the 16, 53A, 55B, 55C & 77. |
| 2008 | New Flyer | C40LF' | 1707-1712 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | ZF 6HP594C | Hayden | |
| 2003 | Gillig | Low Floor 35' | 1713-1724 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | Allison B400R | Triskett | Originally Had Detroit Diesel Series 50 EGR Engines |
| 2010 | MCI | D4500 | 1801-1806 | Detroit Diesel Series 60 EGR | Allison B500R | Triskett | Used for the 251 but sometimes seen on the 16, 53A, 55B, 55C & 77. |
| 2008 | New Flyer | C40LFR' | 1807-1840 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | Allison B400R | Hayden | |
| 2020 | MCI | D4500CT | 1901-1909 | Cummins X12 | Allison B500-6 | Triskett | Used for the 251 but sometimes seen on the 16, 53A, 55B, 55C & 77. |
| 2009 | New Flyer | C40LF' | 1910-1940 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | Allison B400R | Hayden | |
| 2015 | New Flyer | XDE40 | 2001-2040 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2001 | Nova | LFS 40' | 2101-2149 | Cummins ISC | Allison B400R | Triskett | |
| 2011 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 2150-2159 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2011 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 40' | 2160-2173 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2002 | NABI | 40 LFW | 2201-2320 | Detroit Diesel Series 50 EGR | Allison B400R-6 | Triskett | |
| 2003 | NABI | 40 LFW | 2401-2505 | Detroit Diesel Series 50 EGR | Allison B400R-6 | Triskett | |
| 2004 | Freightliner | FB65 32' | 2506-2522 | Caterpillar C7 | Allison 2400 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2004 | New Flyer | C40LF' | 2523-2541 | Cummins Westport C Gas Plus | Voith D864.3E | Hayden | |
| 2004 | Freightliner | FB65 60' | 2542-2560 | Detroit Diesel Series 50 EGR | Allison B500R | Triskett | |
| 2005 | NABI | 40 LFW | 2601-2648 | Caterpillar C9 | Allison B400R-6 | Triskett | |
| 2006 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 32' | 2701-2720 | Caterpillar C9 | Allison EP40 hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2007 | NABI | 40 LFW | 2801-2845 | Caterpillar C9 | Allison B400R-6 | Triskett | |
| 2008 | New Flyer | DE60LFA | 2900-2920 | Caterpillar C9 | Allison EP50 hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2008 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 2921-2950 | Cummins ISB | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2008 | New Flyer | D60LFA | 2951-2953 | Cummins ISL | Allison B500R | Triskett | |
| 2009 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 2954-2960 | Cummins ISB | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2010 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 2961-3000 | Cummins ISB6.7 | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2010 | New Flyer | D60LFR | 3001-3017 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R | Triskett | |
| 2011 | NABI | 60 BRT HEV' | 3150-3159 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2011 | NABI | 40 LFW HEV' | 3160-3173 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2013 | New Flyer | XD60 | 3201-3216 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R | Triskett | 3201-3216 are use for the Cleveland State Line BRT 55/55B/55C |
| 2013 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 32' | 3217-3250 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2014 | New Flyer | XD60 | 3251-3257 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R | Triskett | 3251-3257 are use for the 22 |
| 2013 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 3258-3300 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2014-2015 | Gillig | BRT Plus CNG 40' | 3301-3390 | Cummins Westport ISL-G | Allison B400R-6 | Hayden & Triskett | 3301 is a 2014 Model. 3301-3366 belong to Hayden Garage & 3367-3390 belong to Triskett Garage. |
| 2016 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 3391-3400 | Cummins ISB6.7 | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2017 | Gillig | BRT Plus CNG 40' | 3401-3416 | Cummins Westport ISL-G NZ | Allison B400R-6 | Hayden | |
| 2017 | Gillig | BRT Plus Diesel 40' | 3501-3520 | Cummins L9 | Allison B400R-6 | Triskett | |
| 2017 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 3521-3550 | Cummins ISB6.7 | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2018 | Gillig | BRT Plus Diesel 40' | 3551-3559 | Cummins L9 | Allison B400R-6 | Triskett | |
| 2018 | Gillig | BRT Plus CNG 40' | 3601-3633 | Cummins Westport L9N | Allison B400R-6 | Hayden | |
| 2015 | Gillig | Low Floor Trolley Replica 40' | 3701-3703 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B400R-6 | Triskett | |
| 2016 | Gillig | Low Floor Trolley Replica 40' | 3704-3712 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B400R-6 | Triskett | |
| 2013 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 3713-3742 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2020 | Gillig | BRT Plus CNG 40' | 3801-3806 | Cummins Westport L9N | Allison B3400xFE | Hayden | |
| 2020 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 3807-3850 | Cummins B6.7 | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2020 | Gillig | BRT Plus CNG 40' | 3851-3869 | Cummins Westport L9N | Allison B3400xFE | Hayden | |
| 2022 | Gillig | BRT Plus CNG 40' | 3901-3920 | Cummins Westport L9N | Allison B3400xFE | Triskett | |
| 2022 | Gillig | BRT Plus Diesel 40' | 4001-4020 | Cummins L9 | Allison B3400xFE | Triskett | Use for the Metro Health Line BRT 51/51A and 53/53A |
| 2023 | Gillig | BRT Plus CNG 40' | 4101-4120 | Cummins Westport L9N | Allison B3400xFE | Hayden | |
| 2013 | Freightliner | M2 60' | 4900-4906 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R | Triskett | |
| 2013 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 4907-4940 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2011 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 5001-5020 | Cummins ISB6.7 | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2011 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 32' | 5101-5120 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2012 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 32' | 5201-5220 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2019 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 32' | 5301-5320 | Cummins L9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2021 | New Flyer | XN60 | 6001-6016 | Cummins Westport L9N | Allison B500R | Hayden | Use for the Health Line BRT |
| 2022 | Gillig | BRT 35' | 6101-6120 | Cummins L9 | Allison B400R | Triskett | |
| 2023 | Gillig | BRT 35' | 6201-6220 | Cummins L9 | Allison B400R | Triskett | |
| 2024 | Gillig | Low Floor Plus 40' | 6301-6355 | Cummins L9 | Allison B500R | Triskett | |
| 2014 | New Flyer | XD40' | 6401-6420 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B400R | Triskett | |
| 2015 | New Flyer | XD40' | 6501-6520 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B400R | Triskett | |
| 2016 | New Flyer | XD40' | 6601-6620 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B400R | Triskett | |
| 2017 | New Flyer | XD40' | 6701-6720 | Cummins L9 | Allison B400R | Triskett | |
| 2018 | Chevrolet | G4500 27' | 6801-6820 | GM 6.0L Vortec V8 gasoline | GM 6L90 6 speed automatic | Triskett | |
| 2019 | Chevrolet | G4500 27' | 6901-6920 | GM 6.0L Vortec V8 gasoline | GM 6L90 6 speed automatic | Triskett | |
| 2020 | Chevrolet | G4500 Hybrid 27' | 7001-7020 | Cummins L9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | |
| 2021 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 32' | 7101-7120 | Cummins L9 | Allison H 40 EPTM hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2006 | MCI | D4500CL | 7121-7187 | Detroit Diesel Series 60 | Allison B500R | Triskett | Used for the 251 but sometimes seen on the 16, 53A, 55B, 55C & 77. |
| 2011 | Freightliner | M2 60' | 7188-7200 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R | Triskett | |
| 2022 | New Flyer | XD40' | 7201-7256 | Cummins L9 | Allison B400R | Triskett | |
| 2023 | New Flyer | XD40' | 7301-7320 | Cummins L9 | Allison B400R | Triskett | |
| 2014 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 7321-7368 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2024 | Nova | LFS 40' | 7401-7420 | Cummins L9 | ZF 6AP1420B | Triskett | |
| 2024 | Nova | LFS 35' | 7501-7520 | Cummins L9 | ZF 6AP1420B | Triskett | |
| 2025 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 32' | 7521-7540 | Cummins L9 | Allison eGen Flex H 40 hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2025 | Freightliner | M2 Redliner Hybrid 32' | 7601-7649 | Cummins L9R | Allison eGen Flex H 40 hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2012 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 60' | 7650-7659 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 50 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2012 | Freightliner | M2 Hybrid 35' | 7660-7673 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison H 40 EP hybrid system | Triskett | |
| 2024 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 7674-7685 | Cummins B6.7 eGen Flex | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2025 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 7686-7700 | Cummins B6.7 eGen Flex | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2026 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 7701-7708 | Cummins B6.7 eGen Flex | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2027 | Freightliner | M2 32' | 7709-7716 | Cummins B7.2 | Allison 2200 PTS | Triskett | |
| 2007 | NABI | 60 BRT | 7717-7719 | Cummins ISL | Allison B500R | Triskett | |

## List of bus routes

In 2024, the GCRTA bus system had a ridership of 20,257,600, or about 67,300 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2024.
= 15-minute midday frequency  = 30-minute midday frequency  = 45-minute midday frequency  = 60-minute or less midday frequency Other colors denote special routes
| Route Name | Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | via | Length | notes |
| 1 St. Clair | Downtown Superior Avenue and West 6th Street | South Collinwood East 153rd Street Loop | Saint Clair Avenue | 7.7 miles (12.4 km) | 24-hour service |
| 2 East 79 | Glenville Maud Loop | Tremont Steelyard Commons | Harvard Avenue, East 79th Street | 12.2 miles (19.6 km) | Weekdays only |
| 3 Superior | Downtown Superior Avenue & West 6th Street | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Superior Avenue (US-6) | 7.2 miles (11.6 km) | 24-hour service |
| HealthLine | Downtown South Roadway and Ontario Street | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Euclid Avenue (US-20) | 6.7 miles (10.8 km) | 24-hour service |
| 7 Monticello | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Richmond Heights Richmond Park Drive North | Monticello Boulevard | 7.4 miles (11.9 km) | |
| 7A Monticello | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Mayfield Heights SOM Center Road and Mayfield Road | Monticello Boulevard/Wilson Mills Road | 10.0 miles (16.1 km) | Weekdays only |
| 8 Cedar-Buckeye | Downtown East 6th Street and Lakeside Avenue | Buckeye-Shaker Shaker Square | Cedar Avenue, Buckeye Road | 8.1 miles (13.0 km) | |
| 9 Mayfield-Hough | Downtown West Prospect Avenue and West 3rd Street | Mayfield Heights SOM Center Road and Mayfield Road | Payne Avenue, Hough Avenue, Mayfield Road, Severance Town Center | 16.0 miles (25.7 km) | |
| 10 East 105-Lakeshore | South Broadway Turney-Ella Loop | Willowick Shoregate Town Center | East 93rd Street, East 105th Street, Lake Shore Boulevard | 18.3 miles (29.5 km) | |
| 10 East 105-Lakeshore | South Broadway Turney-Ella Loop | Euclid Euclid Hospital (East 189th Street) | East 93rd Street, East 105th Street, Lake Shore Boulevard | 13.5 miles (21.7 km) | Overnight and alternate weekday trips |
| 11 Quincy-Cedar | Downtown West Prospect Avenue and West 3rd Street | Beachwood Montifiore Hospital | Community College Avenue (Quincy Avenue), Cedar Road | 13.1 miles (21.1 km) | |
| 14 Kinsman | Downtown West 6th Street and West Prospect Avenue | Pepper Pike Lander Circle | Chagrin Boulevard/Kinsman Road | 17.3 miles (27.8 km) | |
| 14 Kinsman | Downtown West 6th Street and West Prospect Avenue | Shaker Heights Warrensville-Van Aken station | Chagrin Boulevard/Kinsman Road | 10.7 miles (17.2 km) | Overnight trips |
| 14A Kinsman | Downtown West 6th Street and West Prospect Avenue | Warrensville Heights Country Lane | Emery Road, Chagrin Boulevard/Kinsman Road | 15.7 miles (25.3 km) | |
| 15 Union-Harvard | Downtown West 6th Street and West Prospect Avenue | Highland Hills Tri-C Eastern Campus | Broadway, Union Avenue, Harvard Avenue | 14.4 miles (23.2 km) | |
| 16 East 55 | Tremont Steelyard Commons | Saint Clair-Superior Horizon Science Academy Cleveland | East 55th Street | 10.9 miles (17.5 km) | Weekdays only |
| 18 West 98-Garfield | Edgewater West Boulevard-Cudell station | Garfield Heights Marymount Hospital | Garfield Boulevard, Harvard Avenue, West 98th Street | 17.0 miles (27.4 km) | |
| 19 Broadway | Downtown East 6th Street and Lakeside Avenue | Highland Hills Tri-C Eastern Campus | All trips: Broadway Avenue, then: 19, 19B: Miles Road 19A: Turney Road | 15.7 miles (25.3 km) | |
| 19 Broadway | Downtown East 6th Street and Lakeside Avenue | Corlett Caine-East 131st Loop | All trips: Broadway Avenue, then: 19, 19B: Miles Road 19A: Turney Road | 7.8 miles (12.6 km) | Overnight trips |
| 19A Broadway | Downtown East 6th Street and Lakeside Avenue | Maple Heights Southgate Transit Center (19A) | All trips: Broadway Avenue, then: 19, 19B: Miles Road 19A: Turney Road | 15.4 miles (24.8 km) | |
| 19B Broadway | Downtown East 6th Street and Lakeside Avenue | Bedford Heights Fargo Avenue (19B) | All trips: Broadway Avenue, then: 19, 19B: Miles Road 19A: Turney Road | 14.8 miles (23.8 km) | Rush hour trips |
| 22 Lorain | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Fairview Park Westgate Transit Center | Lorain Avenue | 11.8 miles (19.0 km) | 24-hour service Alternate weekend trips run east of West Park station |
| 25 Madison-Clark | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Fairview Park Westgate Transit Center | Clark Avenue, Madison Avenue | 16.6 miles (26.7 km) | Serves Lakeview Terrace weekday daytime |
| 25 Madison-Clark | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Edgewater West 117th-Madison station | Clark Avenue, Madison Avenue | 11.1 miles (17.9 km) | Overnight trips |
| 26 Detroit | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Fairview Park Westgate Transit Center | Detroit Avenue | 10.1 miles (16.3 km) | Overnight trips |
| 26 Detroit | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Westlake Crocker Park | Detroit Avenue, Center Ridge Road | 17.2 miles (27.7 km) | Weekend and other weekday trips |
| 26 Detroit | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Westlake Tri-C Westshore Campus | Detroit Avenue, Center Ridge Road | 19.4 miles (31.2 km) | Every 3rd weekday trip |
| 26A Detroit | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Westlake Tri-C Westshore Campus | Detroit Avenue, Detroit Road | 19.1 miles (30.7 km) | Weekday trips |
| 26A Detroit | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Westlake Crocker Park | Detroit Avenue, Detroit Road | 17.1 mi (27.5 km) | Weekend and late weekday evening trips |
| 28 Euclid | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Euclid Tungsten | Euclid Avenue | 7.1 miles (11.4 km) | 24-hour service |
| 28A Euclid | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Euclid Shore Center Plaza | Euclid Avenue, East 222nd Street | 7.5 miles (12.1 km) | |
| 31 St. Clair-Babbitt | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Euclid Shore Center Plaza | Hayden Avenue, Saint Clair Avenue, Babbitt Road | 9.2 miles (14.8 km) | Limited trips serve Euclid Amazon Center |
| 34 East 200-Green | Euclid Shore Center Plaza | Highland Hills Tri-C Eastern Campus | East 200th Street, Green Road, Richmond Road | 14.2 miles (22.9 km) | Weekdays only |
| 35 Lee Blvd-East 123 | East Cleveland East 129th Street Loop | Cleveland Heights Severance Town Center | East 123rd Street, Euclid Avenue, Lee Boulevard, Mayfield Road | 6.2 miles (10.0 km) | Weekdays only |
| 37 Hayden-East 185 | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Euclid Shore Center Plaza | Hayden Avenue, East 152nd Street, East 185th Street, Lake Shore Boulevard | 8.4 miles (13.5 km) | |
| 39 Lakeshore | Downtown West Prospect Avenue and West 3rd Street | Willowick Shoregate Town Center | Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Lake Shore Boulevard | 16.8 miles (27.0 km) | Rush hour trips |
| 40 Lakeview-Lee | Forest Hills Taft Avenue and Eddy Road | Maple Heights Southgate Transit Center | Lakeview Road, Superior Road, Lee Road | 14.0 miles (22.5 km) | |
| 41 Warrensville | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Maple Heights Southgate Transit Center | Noble Road/Warrensville Center Road | 11.3 miles (18.2 km) | Overnight and select or alternate trips |
| 41 Warrensville | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Glenwillow Diamond Parkway | Noble Road/Warrensville Center Road, Columbus Road, Aurora Road, Cochran Road | 23.2 miles (37.3 km) | |
| 41F Warrensville | East Cleveland Stokes-Windermere Station | Glenwillow Diamond Parkway | Noble Road/Warrensville Center Road, Harvard Road, US-422, Cochran Road | 19.3 miles (31.1 km) | Reverse rush hour peak direction trips |
| 45 Ridge-Fulton | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Parma Parma Transit Center | Fulton Road, Ridge Road | 10.7 miles (17.2 km) | |
| 48 East 131 | University Circle East 93rd Street and Chester Avenue | Garfield Heights Marymount Hospital | East 131st Street | 9.3 miles (15.0 km) | 24-hour service |
| 50 East 116 | University Circle East 93rd Street and Chester Avenue | Lee-Miles East 177th Street and South Miles Road | East 116th Street | 10.5 miles (16.9 km) | |
| 51 MetroHealth Line-West 25th | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Parma Parma Transit Center | West 25th Street, Pearl Road | 16.2 miles (26.1 km) | Weekday daytime trips serve Tri-C Western Campus |
| 51A MetroHealth Line-West 25th | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Parma Parma Transit Center | West 25th Street, State Road | 12.7 miles (20.4 km) | |
| 51A MetroHealth Line-West 25th | Downtown Rockwell Avenue and East 3rd Street | Old Brooklyn West 33rd Loop | West 25th Street, State Road | 6.5 miles (10.5 km) | Overnight trips |
| 53 MetroHealth Line-Broadview | Downtown West Roadway and Superior Avenue | Brecksville Brecksville MetroHealth Center | I-90/71 , Broadview Road, Royalton Road | 16.0 miles (25.7 km) | |
| 53A MetroHealth Line-Broadview | Downtown West Roadway and Superior Avenue | North Royalton North Royalton Loop | I-90/71 , Broadview Road, Royalton Road | 17.8 miles (28.6 km) | Weekday rush hour trips |
| 54 Brookpark-Rockside | Garfield Heights Garfield Commons | Brook Park Brookpark Station | Rockside Road, Brookpark Road | 13.3 miles (21.4 km) | |
| 55 Cleveland State Line | Downtown Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center | North Olmsted Industrial Parkway Loop | All trips: Clifton Boulevard, Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, then: 55: Lorain Road 55B: Lake Road 55C: Detroit Road | 22.6 miles (36.4 km) | Weekday trips bypass Edgewater Park |
| 55B Cleveland State Line | Downtown Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center | Bay Village Cahoon Park | All trips: Clifton Boulevard, Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, then: 55: Lorain Road 55B: Lake Road 55C: Detroit Road | 21.6 miles (34.8 km) | Weekday rush hour peak direction trips |
| 55C Cleveland State Line | Downtown Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center | Westlake Crocker Park | All trips: Clifton Boulevard, Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, then: 55: Lorain Road 55B: Lake Road 55C: Detroit Road | 18.4 miles (29.6 km) | Weekday rush hour peak direction trips |
| 71 Pearl-Tiedeman | Downtown East 3rd Street and Rockwell Avenue | Strongsville Howe Road and Drake Road | West 65th Street, Tiedeman Road, Pearl Road | 20.9 miles (33.6 km) | |
| 77 Brecksville | Downtown West 3rd Street and Frankfort Avenue | Brecksville Katherine Boulevard | Willow Freeway (I-77), Brecksville Road | 19.7 miles (31.7 km) | |
| 78 West 117-Puritas | Gold Coast Winton Place | Brook Park Brookpark Station | Grayton Road, Puritas Avenue (Bellaire Road), West 117th Street | 11.3 miles (18.2 km) | |
| 83 Warren-West 130 | Lakewood Lakewood Park | Parma Parma Transit Center | Warren Road, West 140th Street, West 130th Street | 16.0 miles (25.7 km) | |
| 86 Rocky River Dr-Bagley | Jefferson West Park station | Parma Tri-C Western Campus | Lorain Avenue, Rocky River Drive, Bagley Road | 15.7 miles (25.3 km) | |
| 90 Broadway-Libby | Downtown West 3rd Street and Frankfort Avenue | Oakwood Summit County Line Loop | Willow Freeway (I-77), Granger Road (Libby Road), Northfield Road, Broadway Avenue | 21.3 miles (34.3 km) | Alternate reverse rush hour peak direction trips run via Alexander Road |
| 94 East 260-Richmond | Euclid Shore Center Plaza | Highland Hills Tri-C Eastern Campus | East 260th Street, Green Road, Richmond Road | 17.2 miles (27.7 km) | |
| 251 Strongsville Park-n-Ride | Downtown Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center | Strongsville Strongsville Park-n-Ride | Medina Freeway (I-71), Pearl Road | 18.7 miles (30.1 km) | Weekday rush hour peak direction trips |
| 251 Strongsville Park-n-Ride | Downtown Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center | Brunswick Laurel Square Shopping Center | Medina Freeway (I-71), Pearl Road | 27.0 miles (43.5 km) | Select weekday rush hour peak direction trips |
| • 66R Red Line (during Red Line train shutdowns) • 67R Blue/Green Line (during Blue and Green Line train shutdowns) |

### Cleveland State Line

In December 2014, RTA opened a second bus rapid transit to serve the western suburbs of Cleveland as well as a larger portion of downtown, including Cleveland State University. Cleveland State purchased naming rights to the route. The line carries a "55" designation, the same bus route number used by the BRT's predecessor.
All passengers must pay or swipe/dip their farecards on board the bus.
Only a portion of the line along Clifton Boulevard–from the western terminus of Cleveland Memorial Shoreway to Webb Road in Lakewood– includes a dedicated bus-only lane. However, the bus-only designation only applies during rush hours: with the eastbound bus-only lane active during the morning rush, and with the westbound bus-only lane active during the evening rush.
All outbound trips originate from the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center near Cleveland State and travel through downtown to Public Square before entering the west shoreway. Shortly after reaching the Lakewood border, the line divides into three sub-routes:
* 55: Travels down Clifton and continues to follow U.S. Route 20 to Detroit Road until reaching Wagar Road where it travels south to Lorain Rd in Fairview Park, continues to North Olmsted via Great Northern Mall before terminating near the Lorain County line. Rush hour trips travel into the North Olmsted park-n-ride.
* 55B: Travels down Clifton and continues to follow Lake Road into Bay Village where it follows Wolf, West Oviatt, and Osborn Roads west to Bradley Road before returning to Lake Road to travel east to its terminus at Wolf and Cahoon Roads.
* 55C: Travels down Clifton and continues to follow U.S. Route 20 to Detroit Road until reaching Crocker Road in Westlake where it terminates at Crocker Park.
The 55 base route runs 7 days a week from early A.M. though the evening. The 55B and 55C routes run Monday through Friday during the morning and evening rush hours only. B and C also travel to the Westlake Park-n-Ride.

### MetroHealth Line

On September 21, 2017, RTA announced a partnership with MetroHealth to sponsor routes 51, 51A, 53 and 53A under the brand MetroHealth Line. On December 3, 2017, the rebranded MetroHealth Line began service with 20 new vehicles, fully branded with the MetroHealth logo. More than 400 bus-stop signs and 37 shelters also display the new logo along the routes. Unlike the other named lines, it features no BRT features.

## Bicycles

RTA has equipped all of its mainline buses with bicycle carriers. Each bus can carry two to three bicycles. Bicycles are also allowed on rapid transit trains (with a maximum limit of two per car) at all times, although operators have discretion to refuse bicycles if a train is overcrowded. Bicycles are not allowed access to/from the Public Square/Tower City Station through the shopping areas of Tower City Center. However, an elevator connection is permitted between the station lobby and street level, at Prospect Avenue via the south-side doors. Bicycles are also allowed to transfer between trains at Tower City Station. There is no additional charge for taking bicycles on RTA.

## Funding

When RTA was formed, Cuyahoga County voters approved a 1% county-wide sales tax, which constitutes about 70% of its operating revenue. This funding source has helped RTA maintain a higher level of service than other transit agencies in comparable cities and it also helps RTA retain some degree of political autonomy. However, it also makes RTA unusually susceptible to economic downturns.
In recent years, RTA has undertaken great efforts to improve efficiency and eliminate unnecessary costs. These efforts have included mergers with the two remaining autonomous transit agencies in Cuyahoga County, the North Olmsted Municipal Bus Line and Maple Heights Transit, and the redesigning of its routes in the suburban areas southeast, west, and south of Cuyahoga County.

## CTS fleet

* 1946 Pullman PCC A11 (50) and 1946 St. Louis Car Company A12 (25) – all sold to Toronto in 1952 and all retired by TTC.
* Marmon-Herrington TC48-T5 and TC44-T7 trolleybus – ordered 49 in 1951 and 1952 and retired in 1960s (sold to Mexico City's Servicio de Transportes Eléctricos and since retired)