Study Measures the Economic Impact of Public Transit in the Cleveland Region

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority faces constant threats of budget cuts and service reductions, but its impact on the regional economic is vast.

1 minute read

April 10, 2019, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

Tupungato / Shutterstock

"The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's (RTA) overall economic impact to Cuyahoga County is $322 million annually," according to an article in Metro magazine that shares the findings of a recent report from the Cleveland State University Center for Economic Development.

"The number is comprised of RTA's direct spending in Cuyahoga County of $182 million, with $35 million added as a result of local businesses selling goods and services to RTA. An additional $104.6 million is a function of goods and services purchased by RTA and supplier employees residing in the county," according to the article.

The RTA is also responsible for another $485.8 million in impact on local employment. Another impact is the 3,000 Greater Clevelanders who rely on transit to access healthcare.

"Additionally, the study found that RTA's economic impact on Cuyahoga County property values is $2.2 billion in 2019 dollars, while the annual savings to passengers who choose to ride RTA rather than use their own transportation is $51.8 million," according to the article, which includes additional findings.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 in Metro Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

4 seconds ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

1 hour ago - Cities Today

View from inside car's driver seat while driving.

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians

Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.

2 hours ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA