Program Directory

 
City Club of Cleveland - Public Transit: On a Roll
City Club of Cleveland
 
 
 
Joe Calabrese, who has led the Greater Cleveland RTA since 2000, will speak about the many challenges facing the public transit industry during a climate of increased ridership, both locally and nationally.

Calabrese has made many changes at RTA. With a motto of "back to the basics," he has led an aggressive bus replacement program, rail system renovation program, and increased emphasis on image, financial management and enhanced customer service. The focus on customer service has resulted in a quarterly report card relating to RTA's performance in key areas, a TEAM employee incentive program, and an unconditional customer guarantee, Ride Happy or Ride Free. For the first time since the 1970s, RTA has now experienced five consecutive years of ridership growth.

In 2007, RTA was named the "Best Public Transit System" in North America.

Calabrese has nearly 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. In an industry study, he was named as one of the most innovative and creative general managers in the nation.

Calabrese received his MBA from the University of Buffalo and completed post-graduate fellowships at Northeastern, University of Chicago, and the Wharton School.

A past president of state transit associations in both New York and Ohio, Calabrese is active in the American Public Transportation Association, and chairs a national task force on Bus Rapid Transit. He also plays a key role in a statewide task force looking at the future of transportation in Ohio.
August 29, 2008