Everyone in Cuyahoga County benefits from public transportation—it impacts economic development, ensures sustainable lifestyles, and enhances quality of life. It’s also critical infrastructure that millions of residents rely on for their trips every year.

Bike, train, bus, or scooter—no matter how you travel, we’re celebrating “Ohio Loves Transit Week” to highlight the people and systems that keep us moving, with the goal to make improvements and enhancements that foster equitable transportation across our county and region.

Ohio Loves Transit Week kicked off with Transit Equity Day, which is on Rosa Parks’ birthday. A trailblazer in a time of deep racial segregation across the country, Parks helped initiate the civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955.

In the spirit of Rosa Parks’ legacy, February 4^th is also recognized as Transit Equity Day. While the movement to desegregate public transit in the U.S. was ultimately won, there is much more work to be done for equitable access—everyone deserves access to safe, convenient travel.

This week residents are encouraged to make an effort to use public transportation whenever possible, or even to try public transit for the first time. Those new to RTA can get much of what they need right at https://www.riderta.com/.

Cuyahoga County supports a variety of programs that help residents travel more easily across the region.

Older adults or those with special needs who are currently in the Division of Senior and Adult Services’ (DSAS) Community Social Services Program or the Options Program can take advantage of Senior Transportation Connection (STC). STC provides transportation to medical appointments, senior centers, grocery stores, and other destinations. It can be a critical resource for residents looking for a little extra assistance but who also want to maintain their independence.

The County also supports the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s Baby on Board Program, which provides bus passes to pre- and post-natal families in Cuyahoga County. The program, which is County-wide, is aimed at reducing barriers to public transit to provide for a healthy baby and family.

So—get riding! Ohio Loves Transit Week is a great excuse to either try public transit for the first time, or even push yourself to use public transit for getting around more than you might usually.

Together, we can create and enhance a safe, convenient public transit system that benefits all County residents.