The bus rapid transit route known as the HealthLine has been in operation in Cleveland for ten years, with a measurably positive impact on the city, measured in development investment.
"Ten years ago, while the economy plummeted, a national first called the HealthLine began in October to take riders up and down Euclid Avenue," writes Grant Segall.
"Today, the Regional Transit Authority estimates that the $200 million invested in its HealthLine has spurred about $9.5 billion in development along the resurging Euclid Corridor, a remarkable return of $190 per dollar," explains Segall.
Local officials celebrated the 10th anniversary of the HealthLine's launch yesterday, on November 7, 2018.
"Fast, frequent and 24/7, the HealthLine runs from a revamped Public Square past converted condominiums, a swanky Nine complex, a chandelier-topped Playhouse Square, a Cleveland State Campus transformed from fortress to welcome mat, a renovated mansion newly hosting the Children’s Museum, a new University Hospitals Rainbow clinic, an ever-expanding Cleveland Clinic, a mushrooming University Circle and other spiffed-up sites before reaching Stokes/Windermere," writes Segall.
Planetizen has also noted the positive impact on the city, as well as the national significance of the HealthLine's model, on several occasions over the years. Here's what we found from our archives on those subjects:
FULL STORY: RTA says HealthLine had 10-year payback of $9.5 billion, ‘woke up’ Euclid Corridor
10 Years of Bus Rapid Transit in the United States
The first examples of bus rapid transit built int he United States, all within the last ten years, are improving speeds and outperforming ridership projections, according to analysis by Streetsblog USA.
HealthLine Pumps Life into Cleveland
Cleveland's bus rapid transit system, called the HealthLine, only opened in 2008, but it has already shown signs of "stimulating economic growth significantly" along Euclid Avenue.
BRT Boom in U.S.
A new study says that Los Angeles, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Eugene and Pittsburgh are leading the surge with the best bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in the nation.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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