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Getting Around

Public Transport
Cleveland has a relatively developed public transit system consisting of four rapid transit lines and over 100 bus routes. These services are operated by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (tel: (216) 621 9500). Buses serve downtown and the suburbs; some routes operate 24 hours, others only during rush hour, and the rest throughout the day. A regular bus fare is US$1.25, while fares on express routes are US$1.50. Rapid transit lines operate 0400-2400. The red line is a heavy rail system running from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport through downtown to east Cleveland. Both the blue and green lines run from the eastern suburbs to downtown. And the Waterfront line runs, as its name suggests, along the waterfront from Tower City along the east bank of the Flats to the Muni Parking Lot. All the lines intersect underground at Tower City Center. A rapid transit fare costs US$1.50 and it is possible to transfer onto buses. A weekly transit pass costs US$11.25 and a daily pass costs US$4.

Taxis
As with all American cities, taxi service is cheap and efficient. Taxis can be hailed on the street at any time, or can be ordered from a dispatching company if none are available. Companies include: Ace Taxi (tel: (216) 361 4700), Americab (tel: (216) 881 1111) and Yellow Cab (tel: (216) 623 1550). There is a set charge of US$1.50 and rates are then charged according to distance travelled - US$2.70 for the first mile and US$1.80 for each additional mile. A tip of about 10% is not mandatory but appreciated.

Limousines

Limousine service can be a convenient way to get around Cleveland, especially if a variety of different locations must be visited in one day. Providers include American Limousine Service (tel: (216) 221 9330; US$50 per hour), CBS Transportation (tel: (216) 579 9270; US$42 per hour) and Red Sparrow Transportation (tel: (216) 695 7550; US$35 per hour).

Driving in the City
Cleveland's traffic is usually heaviest around rush hour (0800-0930), particularly on the highways leading into the city. Visitors should be aware that winter snowfalls can bring on dangerous road conditions, particularly on the highways and freeways. The city is laid out on a loose grid system, one that is by no means as uniform as those found in cities like New York, as some avenues traverse the city at odd angles. Roads running north-south are mostly named according to numerical convention, whereas those running east-west are avenues. Cleveland's most important streets are East Ninth Street and Euclid Avenue. Street parking is available in the downtown core at parking meters that cost 75 cents every hour. Garage parking is often more reliable with rates from US$6. An abundance of garage parking is available near Public Square, adjacent to the Tower City Shopping complex.

Car Hire
A number of different car hire companies operate within Cleveland including Avis, 18923 Maplewood Avenue (tel: (216) 265 3702), Enterprise, 19601 Maplewood Avenue (tel: (440) 345 3999), and Hertz, 19025 Maplewood Avenue (tel: (216) 267 8900). Hire charges generally start as low as US$20 per day.

Drivers must be at least 21 years, and some companies will only rent cars to drivers over 25 years. Drivers with non-American licences must have a national licence from their country of origin. It is recommended that individuals always check with the car hire firm first, in case an Internatinal Driving Permit is required. Insurance can be purchased from the car hire firm.

Bicycle Hire
Cycling around Cleveland is fairly unusual; however, bicycles can be hired from Garfield Bike Shop, 4521 Warner Road (tel: (216) 441 6430; US$20 per day).



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Water
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture
Special Events