Development of a comprehensive plan to improve transportation connecting the cities of cleveland fairview park and north olmsted with faster more efficient transit service

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) $700,000 under the Federal Transit Capital Investment Grants program (CFDA 20.500) on September 23, 2025, for comprehensive transit planning services. The award funds the development of a detailed feasibility plan for implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along the Lorain Avenue corridor in Cleveland, Ohio, connecting the cities of Cleveland, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted. This planning effort will evaluate the viability of establishing coordinated transit-oriented development (TOD) along GCRTA's existing Route #22 by examining land use patterns, zoning regulations, proposed bike infrastructure, pedestrian access improvements, and integration with existing heavy rail infrastructure.

The project is expected to produce a comprehensive, actionable BRT plan that addresses regulatory and infrastructure challenges while identifying opportunities to enhance employment and leisure connectivity along Cleveland's West Side. The planning activities will benefit residents, businesses, and workers in the Lorain Corridor by providing a roadmap for faster, more efficient transit service. The project is scheduled for completion by April 30, 2028. No subrecipient activities are identified for this award.

Activities

Development of a comprehensive plan to evaluate feasibility of bus rapid transit (BRT) along lorain avenue/road with existing heavy rail infrastructure proposed bike infrastructure pedestrian access and land use and zoning connecting to employment and leisure activities on clevelands west side.

Expected outcomes

Creating a feasible BRT plan for coordinated TOD along the lorain corridor on gcrtas existing route # 22.

Intended beneficiaries

Residents businesses and those employed in clevelands lorain corridor.