Polis

I just re-discovered this forum and I have to toss out there that I love Cleveland, it's hometown, but I'm stuck in C-bus! Not that C-bus is bad but Cleveland is where my heart is. My sister, a few peers and myself are in the very beginning stages of forming a non-profit and a private enterprise to help fund the non-profit. If we can't find jobs, we'll create jobs. I'm big into more "urban living" and think the affordability of Cleveland and its surrounding neighborhoods is a major attractor. For many in my generation that is an important asset when looking for a job. I wish I could see a decade in the future to see what Cleveland will become!

That is the bus model that Cleveland is using. They stopped at COTA's building to show us. It is likely not the exact model COTA would be using. Most likely there will be no left hand doors and it might sit higher. I believe this was the low floor BRT model; while COTA would go for a standard height since low floor is unnecessary and costs more.

I wrote the project details and summary for this grant. Unfortunately I do not suspect COTA will receive much funding, but one can hope :) The implementation of the artics would be a great benefit to the overcrowded local lines. Did you know Columbus has a ban on buses over 48 ft long? COTA had to request support to change this law from a member of city council who, unfortunately, did not come through with a letter.

Thank goodness too because we had to switch back to pure diesel :(

Specifically I was talking about articulated hybrid buses. Mainly would you like to see them on the streets of Columbus? Do you think it's feasible to do so? What problems could arise? What benefits? I know the benefits as far as ridership, service quality, air quality, and maintenance savings are concerned but what about aesthetics, customer POV and the non-rider's POV? I ask because COTA is looking into purchasing articulated hybrid buses but there are many unknown factors floating around we would like to nail down.

Anyone have any opinions are implementing artic hybrids in Columbus?

You know I think businesses need to step up and help fund some cheaper forms of transportation. If they want people to spend their money in a time of shrinking spending cash then they need to make sure people don't spend so much on other goods. Suburbs and their businesses need to step up to the plate and fund cheap transportation and better zoning/building codes to encourage less spending on transportation and city services (e.g. the less curbs in a housing development the less money the city has to spend on upkeep). It really pisses me off that most citizens, local governments, and businesses sit around slackjawed and constantly complain as if they were not a major cause of the problem. (of course I am aiming this at suburbs). If Columbus wants a healtheir economy it needs better transportation options.

I was just simply stunned by Bob Weiler's comments about COTA. He seems so clueless about how the system works and about public transit in general. I think his money glasses are blinding his view of reality. His comment of the highway being the mass transit system literally made me want to leap through my computer screen, travel back in time, and hit him in the head. He railed against the street car using a mediocre argument about COTA's service and our current highway system. He apparently is oblivious to the impact that the gas prices and inflation are having on individual and household incomes. I guess he doesn't like people to have extra spending money to pump into the local economy, he'd rather have us pour money into gas and watch it trail out overseas and into other states. I work for COTA and am embarassed due to Bob Weiler's comments.

What's at Neil and Norwich? Isn't a bunch of houses? David: How intelligent are these people you wish to find? If they are too intelligent they might be socially awkward and hide in their rooms all day, so you need to find one and chase it down when it ventures outside :) I think Batelle hires pretty smart people, you can go loiter in front of their building talking to their employees. Most of the intelligent or at least interesting conversations I have with people I don't know take place in coffee shops or slower bars.

I have a similar problem as the OP but usually I am just frustrated that all the bars around campus are all the same with the exception of a select few. I like to go to Ravari room, sort of a metal'ish bar north of Campus. I meet girls here and there but I want a more laid back place to hang out, sometimes I go to Kafe Kerouac or Buckeye Donuts (which, as mentioned, is a great place to meet all sorts of people). If you are looking for the intellectual sorts you might have to check places during the day (as many of them are in the same situation and have no place to go at night but hang out with each other at houses) or check out random places like a hookah bar. Hang out in places where you would hang out :) Logically you should meet people that are like you. Also, as mentioned by atlas, do not generalize areas too much. German Village has a large variety of bars both older and younger. Try different places and do not be afraid to walk up to someone you think is interesting and start a conversation. If you want some activity to engage in conversation look for discussion groups in coffee shops and what not.

Was not sure where to post this since its policy but it is all about transportation. Thought this study was interested and since it is from Brookings might be tossed around in the political arena. The Brookings Institute recently released a study calling for transportation policy reform and a change in the way Americans view and plan for transportation. The whole study can be found on their website and is titled "A Bridge to Somewhere: Rethinking American Transportation for the 21st Century". http://www.brookings.edu/reports/2008/06_transportation_puentes.aspx While much of the presented information seems obvious to most transportation enthusiasts perhaps those that do not have as much knowledge will be swayed by this study (Congress, for example).

Well I think that the support for the Street Car from the public has been fairly quiet. I am not saying the support isn't there it's just that it does not seem organized. I know there is a street car support group (http://columbus-streetcars.com/) but I am unaware if they have called for any public "outcry". I wonder if an organized writing letter effort would have any effect?

Five days with no activity on this thread, should we start collecting donations to fund the engineering project? :D

A rough breakdown of Revenue sources from 2006: Sales Tax Rev 59.4%, Passenger Fares 16.7%, Federal Assistance 13.7%, Federal Capital Grants 4.1%, State Capital Grants 2.0%, State Assistance 1.5%, Other and Interest Income 2.5%. The 2007 breakdown has not been released yet but should be soon'ish.

You do not want to know (psst. the number is around 4 mpg). Unfortunately the COTA contract for cheap diesel is ending and the economy is slowing, shrinking the projected budget. Airport service will be improved eventually but the airport is changing the alignment of one of its major roads and that is causing some delay. I actually work for COTA as a service planner (anything I put up here about COTA is unofficial) and if anyone has questions I can try to answer. Also if you ever want service to change just call up COTA's info line and talk to one of our rep's. Recommendations actually do make it back to the correct departments and they even appear on our service change lists from time to time. (On the downlow we are trying to purchase hybrid-electric diesel articulated buses!)