Cleveland's intercity bus services, including Greyhound, Barons Bus Lines, and GoBus, have officially moved their main pickup and drop-off location. Starting February 4, all operations shifted from the historic downtown terminal to a new facility near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, located at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's (GCRTA) Brookpark Rapid Station, 17510 Brookpark Road.
This relocation marks a significant change for travelers, ending decades of downtown bus operations. The new terminal aims to provide enhanced connectivity with local public transit and improved amenities for passengers.
Key Takeaways
- Intercity bus services moved to Brookpark Rapid Station on February 4.
- The new terminal is located near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
- Curbside downtown service remains available on East 12th Street.
- The move follows the sale of the historic downtown Greyhound terminal.
- New facility offers modern amenities and improved transit connections.
New Hub Offers Enhanced Connectivity
The new Brookpark terminal is approximately 12 miles southwest of the former downtown Greyhound station. This location offers direct access to the GCRTA Red Line rapid transit, making it the last stop before Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Passengers can easily connect to downtown Cleveland, University Circle, and other key areas of Northeast Ohio.
According to India L. Birdsong Terry, General Manager and CEO for RTA, the relocation significantly enhances service. "It makes it easier for locals and visitors alike to connect with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s bus and rail services nearby," she stated. The proximity to the Red Line and several bus routes (54, 78, 86) provides multiple options for travelers.
Modern Amenities for Passengers
The new facility at Brookpark Rapid Station offers a range of modern amenities designed to improve the travel experience. The terminal features 108 indoor metal seats, with plans for additional outdoor seating during warmer months. Travelers will find vending machines, Wi-Fi access, and numerous charging outlets for electronic devices.
Terminal Features
- 108 indoor seats
- Vending machines
- Free Wi-Fi
- Multiple charging outlets
- Two accessible restrooms
- Ticket counter and office space
Two accessible restrooms are available, alongside a ticket counter and a small office space for bus line staff. Short-term parking is provided on the south side of the station for passenger drop-offs and pickups. Buses will load and depart from the secured north side of the terminal.
The Reason Behind the Relocation
The shift to Brookpark follows the 2024 sale of Cleveland's historic downtown Greyhound terminal to Playhouse Square. This landmark building, a hub for intercity bus travel since 1948, is expected to be converted into an entertainment venue. The relocation was initiated in 2021 when Greyhound began selling off its terminals nationwide, separating bus service from real estate holdings.
Historical Context
The downtown Greyhound terminal was built during the peak era of intercity bus travel. However, bus travel patterns have changed significantly over the decades. A recent study by the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development at Chicago’s DePaul University estimated approximately 50 million intercity bus travelers in 2024. This is a considerable decrease from about 140 million in 1960.
Cleveland leaders initially explored options to keep the terminal downtown. A proposal to move the station to the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center on E. 22nd Street was not approved by Cleveland State University, leading to the Brookpark decision.
"Like it or not, the days of privately run downtown stations are largely gone. Bus lines are doing their best with limited resources," said Joseph Schwieterman, director of the Chaddick Institute. He noted that most bus passengers today prefer point-to-point travel and do not require extensive waiting areas.
Curbside Downtown Service Remains
For those who still prefer a downtown option, all three bus lines – Greyhound, Barons Bus Lines, and GoBus – will offer curbside pickup and drop-off service. This service is available on East 12th Street, located between Rockwell and St. Clair avenues. This ensures a connection to the city center for passengers despite the main terminal's move.
Downtown Curbside Service
- Location: East 12th Street, between Rockwell and St. Clair avenues
- Available for: Greyhound, Barons Bus Lines, GoBus
- Purpose: Provides a convenient downtown option for travelers
John Goebel, Vice President of Barons Bus Lines, highlighted the advantages of the new Brookpark location. He pointed out its proximity to the airport and the ease of connecting to various parts of Northeast Ohio via train or bus. He added that passengers can leave their cars at home due to the excellent transit connections.
Barons Bus Lines Investment and Future
Barons Bus Lines, founded in 2012 by the Goebel family, has been actively investing in modern passenger facilities. The company operates direct service to 33 locations from Cleveland, with plans to expand to 42 destinations by March. Barons also manages popular GoBus routes, which are state-subsidized services connecting to numerous smaller cities across Ohio.
While the exact investment in the new terminal was not disclosed, Goebel stated, "We believe this terminal represents our commitment to providing first-class service to Northeast Ohio." He emphasized the goal of providing the same standard of excellence as their onboard bus experience.
Ohio has been effective in creating modern bus facilities, a trend praised by industry experts. Joseph Schwieterman of the Chaddick Institute commended Barons for investing in passenger amenities, noting that in many other states, riders are often left waiting outdoors.
Honoring Sue Bubel
The new terminal will be dedicated to Sue Bubel, a long-time Clevelander and former Greyhound employee who passed away last year. Goebel described Bubel as a "true visionary." She was the first woman elected board chair of the National Bus Traffic Association, an industry group focused on improving and expanding intercity bus service.
Passengers traveling in the coming weeks will receive notifications about the new location through booking websites, email, and text alerts. Barons' online booking system experienced a temporary delay in updating the address, but passengers are being informed through other channels. Greyhound will also have staff at the former downtown terminal temporarily to assist any unaware passengers.
