Cleveland, October 21, 2025
The RTA is advancing its West 25th Street bus rapid transit line with significant infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing public transportation in Cleveland. These updates are designed to alleviate congestion and improve accessibility for commuters along this vital corridor, ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly transit experience. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to modernize the city’s transport system, making it easier for residents to navigate Cleveland’s diverse neighborhoods.
Cleveland, Ohio – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is making strides in its MetroHealth Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project aimed at improving public transportation along West 25th Street. Currently in the design phase, the project is expected to finalize designs by late 2025 and begin construction in 2027. This initiative includes the creation of fully-enclosed, customizable bus shelters along a four-mile stretch from Detroit Avenue in Ohio City to Pearl and State roads in Brooklyn, enhancing accessibility and aiming to mitigate congestion for commuters.
Project Details
The MetroHealth Line BRT is a significant investment of $50.5 million, employing bus lanes dedicated to transit use, improved bus stations, and signal prioritization at traffic lights. This project seeks to deliver a transit experience that functions similarly to rail service, with an aim to complete its design phase by late 2025 and commence construction in 2027.
Community Engagement
RTA has been proactive in involving the community by hosting events to gather public input on the project. An open house was held in August 2025 at the Urban Community School on Lorain Avenue to discuss the 25Connects public transport initiative, which has been in development since 2021 and includes various streetscape improvements in neighborhoods such as Ohio City and Brooklyn Centre.
Impact on Local Businesses
Local business owners have raised concerns regarding the creation of dedicated bus lanes, particularly about the potential loss of approximately 70 parking spaces in the Market Square area. These business leaders argue that the current parking serves as a crucial traffic-calming measure. However, transit advocates highlight that the introduction of dedicated bus lanes will ultimately provide faster and more reliable transit services, suggesting that alternative parking options could mitigate concerns.
Background Context
The MetroHealth Line BRT is part of a larger strategy by RTA to enhance transportation infrastructure within Cleveland. This project is designed to improve service frequency, accessibility, and pedestrian safety, while reducing congestion along the corridor. Moreover, the initiative aims to coordinate with existing bicycle and pedestrian pathways, fostering a comprehensive transportation network for the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the MetroHealth Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project?
The MetroHealth Line BRT is a $50.5 million project that spans approximately four miles along West 25th Street, from Detroit Avenue in Ohio City to the intersection of State and Pearl roads in Brooklyn Centre. The project aims to provide a transit experience closer to rail service by incorporating dedicated bus lanes, enhanced curbside stations, and priority at traffic signals along the route. The design phase is expected to be completed by late 2025, with construction slated to begin in 2027.
What are the key features of the project?
The project includes the installation of fully-enclosed, customizable bus shelters along West 25th Street, extending from Detroit Avenue in Ohio City to Pearl and State roads in Brooklyn. These improvements are part of a broader effort to revitalize the West 25th Street corridor and provide a more efficient transit experience for riders.
How is the community involved in the project?
RTA has been actively engaging with the community to gather input on the project. In August 2025, the agency hosted an open house at the Urban Community School on Lorain Avenue to discuss the 25Connects public transport project. The meeting aimed to inform residents and gather feedback on the proposed changes to West 25th Street.
What are the concerns of local business owners?
The proposed dedicated bus lanes have sparked discussions among local business owners. Some express concerns about the potential loss of parking spaces, which they consider vital to the economic vitality of the neighborhood. They argue that these parking spots act as traffic-calming measures on the busy street. Conversely, transit advocates emphasize the importance of dedicated bus lanes to ensure efficient and reliable service, suggesting that the removal of approximately 70 parking spaces in the Market Square area could be offset by the availability of other parking options nearby.
What is the expected timeline for the project?
The design phase of the project is expected to be completed by late 2025, with construction slated to begin in 2027. The initiative is part of RTA’s broader plan to enhance public transportation infrastructure in Cleveland.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dedicated Bus Lanes | Implementation of dedicated bus lanes along West 25th Street to improve transit speed and reliability. |
| Enhanced Bus Shelters | Installation of fully-enclosed, customizable bus shelters along the route to provide better waiting environments for passengers. |
| Community Engagement | Active involvement of local residents and business owners through open houses and public meetings to gather feedback and address concerns. |
| Timeline | Design phase completion by late 2025, with construction set to begin in 2027. |
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