RTA budget crunch threatens major service cuts
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The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) says steep increases in employee health care costs could force cuts to bus and rail service in 2026.
Why it matters: Public transit is a lifeline in a city where more than 20% of households lack access to a car and rely on RTA to get to work, school and medical care.
The latest: RTA made no specific recommendations for service cuts at a budget presentation to its board of trustees Tuesday, but noted that health care and prescription costs have accounted for 14% of the agency's $342 million operating budget in 2025.
- These increases arrive as federal pandemic-era aid, which has stabilized the agency's balance sheet, runs dry.
Zoom in: RTA expects to transfer $44 million from its rainy day fund to cover increased costs, depleting reserves by the end of 2026.
By the numbers: Routes with the lowest ridership that could be on the chopping block include the #53/53A MetroHealth line on Broadview, the #71 Pearl-Tiedeman line and the #77 in Brecksville.
The big picture: Ridership has grown slowly in recent years, but has yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels.
- RTA's largest capital project — a $450 million railcar replacement program — remains $57 million over budget, NEOtrans reports.
The other side: The grassroots transit advocacy group Clevelanders for Public Transit blasted the proposal, calling service cuts "a life-threatening blow to a transit agency already struggling for relevance."
- The group said RTA should consider new funding sources, including a 0.5% county sales tax increase and redirecting money earmarked for Browns stadium maintenance.
What's next: RTA plans a second public hearing on the 2026 budget Dec. 2.
- The agency says it will "closely monitor revenues and expenses and adjust service levels as needed" to stay afloat.
- No fare increases are planned at this time.