Federal Transit Administrator Rogoff Joins Cleveland Officials for New Transit Station Groundbreaking
9/19/2012
Contact: Angela Gates
202-366-3669
CLEVELAND – Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff today joined Cleveland officials to break ground for a new, fully accessible transit facility near Case Western Reserve University that will serve as one of Cleveland’s busiest bus transfer centers. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is providing more than $14 million for the project, including $10.5 million through DOT’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.
“This project is a huge win for Cleveland and demonstrates President Obama’s commitment to building strong, sustainable cities that encourage economic growth and development,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These station improvements will make it more convenient than ever for riders to take transit to work, school, medical care and elsewhere.”
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) aging Cedar University Station and bus terminal, built in 1956, will be razed to make way for the new station, which will improve pedestrian and bicycle access and be fully compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act, making it easier for people with disabilities to take transit. A portion of land surrounding the station will be converted into parkland. Construction is expected to be completed within two years.
“Cleveland deserves a modern, comfortable transit system that offers a desirable and reliable alternative to sitting in traffic or spending more money at the gas pump,” said Administrator Rogoff. “This project helps to ensure that University Circle remains a vibrant, attractive neighborhood offering good transportation choices to hard-working families, students, and other residents.”
Joining Rogoff at the event were Mayor Frank Jackson, Cleveland City Councilwoman Mamie Mitchell, RTA General Manager Joe Calabrese, and other local officials.
The total cost of the project is $18.5 million, with additional funds provided by local sources, including the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency and a group of local businesses led by the Cleveland Foundation, including University Circle Inc., Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic.
