JMasek

RTA Board Committees meet April 7 CLEVELAND – Committees of the Board of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, at RTA's Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St. Finance Committee * Michael J. Schipper, Deputy General Manager, Engineering and Project Management, will update Board members on RTA’s progress in spending federal stimulus funds for major capital improvements. Committee of the Whole * Felicia Brooks-Williams, Manager of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) programs, will present RTA’s affirmative action goals for Fiscal Year (Calendar Year) 2009, for the Committee’s review and approval. * Jennifer Jackson, Associate Counsel, and Scott Ferraro, Director of Labor and Employee Relations, will update the Board on recent updates to RTA’s Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. The updates concern the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Planning and Development Committee * Michael J. Schipper, Deputy General Manager, Engineering and Project Management, and Frank Polivka, Director of Procurement, will present the Board with plans and proposed contractor awards for a new $9.6 million rail station at Puritas-West 150th. SPECIAL MEETING After the committee meetings, the Board will hold a special meeting to award a contract for a new Puritas rail station. FUTURE MEETINGS: April 21, May 12, May 26.

Extra rail service for Rock Hall Induction RTA will offer extended rail hours Saturday to accommodate music fans headed to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Public Hall. The sold-out induction ceremony at Public Hall will be simulcast at the Rock Hall, located near the Waterfront Line’s North Coast Station on East Ninth Street. It is estimated that the ceremony will last until around midnight. The last Waterfront Line train will leave the East Ninth Station at 1 a.m., to take passengers to Tower City. From there, customers will be able to continue on the Red, Blue and Green lines. Waterfront Line service begins at 9 a.m. Saturday with 15-minute frequency. All Blue and Green line trains will continue to the Waterfront Line.

^ Ridership increases on the HealthLine are in the 40 percent range. There are 3 local bus routes that also operate on Euclid Avenue.

Masek on a late lunch break... Once something is posted here, it is fodder for anyone who wants to use it. The fact that the PD quoted from this site is actually complimentary, as it shows they respect the posters and their intelligence levels -- something you cannot say about many Internet sites. I do not respond to all posts, but I do read all posts...even the ones that call me a liar.

^ I realize that many of you have your own opinions about our safety measures. I will not be drawn into a debate. JetDog has a major project and may not be on much this week. I also have a very full plate. My goal is to drop by, perhaps once in the evening, and cleanup any questions you may have left for me. Have a great evening.

As part of an on-going effort to ensure safety, RTA has equipped 283 of its 550 buses with a device that activates a beeping noise whenever the bus turns right or left. Many pedestrians heard the beeping noise for the first time today (Monday, March 30). The effort is a part of a multi-faceted pilot project that RTA staff has been working on for several months. RTA plans to equip the entire fleet. Bus operators have also been instructed to sound their horns as they turn at an intersection.

Everything written so far has already been considered, but thanks for the suggestions.

Sitting at home at 10pm on a Saturday, reading comments on Urban Ohio. Such is life... 1. I have no personal knowledge of what happened to your bus, but I will check. With GPS, there is a record of which bus is where at all times. I apologize. Please send me your direct e-mail off-line, and I will ask someone to contact you personally with an answer. 2. I ride the Red Line and the trolley, so I too, have heard the recordings. I believe this is a work in progress. I will check. 3. Trash on the tracks. There are several issues here. What exactly is RTA property? In many places, the eyesores you speak of are on land owned by other railroads, which share the right-of-way with us. Money is always an issue. The trash was placed there illegally. We could spend a gazillion dollars on a massive cleanup (robbing revenue from our service budget) and in a few weeks, you would never know we were there. Even if we have a sea of volunteers, there has to be significant RTA supervision, as you are dealing with live train tracks, and pedestrian safety is a must...ZERO room for errors. With all that said, RTA usually has a spring cleanup. Again, I will check. 4. I have no news on your other comments and questions, but I promise to add them to my list of things to check on, which I will handle as soon as reporters quit calling me. It has been a busy, busy week for Media Relations.

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1277 March 24, 2009 Calabrese receives PRSA award for communications and leadership CLEVELAND – Joseph A. Calabrese, CEO and General Manager of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), will receive the 2009 John Hill Award at noon Thursday, March 26, from the Cleveland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. The award is given annually to a Cleveland-area CEO for outstanding communications leadership and support. Calabrese will be presented by Brian Newbacher, Director of Public Affairs for the East Central office of the American Automobile Association (AAA). After accepting the award, Calabrese will speak for 10 minutes on the importance of strong communications in the transit industry. The luncheon will be held at the Union Club, 1211 Euclid Ave.

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1276 March 24, 2009 RTA Board officers re-elected CLEVELAND -- Two leaders of the Board of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) were re-elected to one-year terms at today's annual meeting. George F. Dixon III, an appointee of the City of Cleveland, continues as President. A Cleveland businessman, Dixon joined the RTA board on March 17, 1992, and has served as President since March 15, 1994, a record length. He is believed to be the longest-serving Board President of any transit agency in Ohio. Dixon is also a past Chair of the American Public Transit Association (APTA), and serves on the Ohio Turnpike Commission. In 2006, he received the prestigious Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member award from APTA. Edward J. Kelley, Mayor of Cleveland Heights, continues as vice president. An appointee of the Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association, he has served on the RTA Board since Dec. 20, 2000. A Cleveland Heights City Council member since Jan. 2, 1994, Kelley has served as Mayor and Council President – part-time positions -- since Jan. 5, 1998. After 25 years, Kelley retired as personnel director in the Domestic Relations Division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. He is now employed by the law firm of Kelley and Ferraro. Since 1991, he has also done consulting work for area non-profit agencies. He is active in numerous area community groups. Trustees usually meet at 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays, at RTA's Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St. All meetings are open to the public.

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1275 March 24, 2009 Patmon named to RTA Board CLEVELAND – Wiliam W. Patmon Jr. was sworn in today as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Regional Authority (RTA). An appointee of the Cuyahoga County Commissioners, he fills the unexpired term of former Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell. Since 2001, Patmon has served in two capacities. He is President of East Erie Enterprise LCC, where he consults in community and economic development, and municipal finance. He is also a political analyst at WKYC TV-3. Patmon is well-versed in local politics. From 1989-2001, he represented the Glenville neighborhood on Cleveland City Council. He also chaired three committees – Finance, Employment and Affirmative Action, Downtown and Lakefront Development. On the grass-roots level he worked on three presidential campaigns – Al Gore in 2000, and Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996. In 1988, he worked on the Northeast Ohio advance team for the campaign of Jesse Jackson for President. In 1996, he was a candidate for Cuyahoga County Commissioner. A former Board member for the local NAACP chapter, Patmon is a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 1998. In 1999, he graduated with a Professional Fellows Certificate from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Boston.

The work is being done in multiple places, and that may change from weekend to weekend. It is not like a bridge project, where all work is concentrated at one site. Some of the work is in the common territory used by both Blue and Green lines. That is about as specific as I can be. There was some confusion last week because of the limited notice. That is being corrected today. I was told Rider's Alerts were posted at all stations last week, and a new one will be posted again this week.

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1274 March 23, 2009 RTA releases updated work schedules for Blue and Green lines CLEVELAND – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) needs to complete $1.6 million of needed heavy maintenance work on its Blue and Green lines during weekend shutdowns. Care is being taken to schedule these shutdowns during weekends when they will impact the fewest number of customers. RTA officials today released a schedule of planned shutdowns for the Blue and Green lines. Each shutdown lasts from 8 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Monday. The Blue and Green line trains WILL operate on the weekends of March 27-29, April 3-5 and April 10-12, to serve customers attending the Rock Hall Induction Week, Indians Opening Day, Cavaliers games, the Cleveland International Film Festival at Tower City, and other events. Shuttle buses will replace Blue and Green line trains on April 17-19, April 24-26, May 1-3, May 8-10 and May 15-17. Shuttle buses — MCI commuter coaches -- will operate the entire length of the Blue and Green Rapid lines, between Tower City and Green Road and Warrensville-Van Aken. The buses will stop at all Rapid stations, and operate on a schedule approximately the same as light rail. Because shuttle buses operate on streets with signals and additional traffic, RTA officials urge riders to allow extra time to reach their destinations. At Public Square, shuttle buses will use the existing trolley stop in front of Tower City, at Euclid Avenue and Ontario Street. Waterfront Line trains will continue to provide service from Tower City to the South Harbor Station. Other Blue and Green line weekend shutdowns will be announced later. RTA regrets any inconvenience to its customers during this time.

^ Good idea, but...the whole purpose of the idea is to get more people downtown faster, and stopping and starting down Detroit will not accomplish that. Also, many of the vehicles along Clifton are already full by the time they reach the Shoreway.

To clarify the PD story...Clifton Blvd. service would continue on the Shoreway and end on Public Square, where riders could transfer to the HealthLine or the trolley service. The story is correct in that the project design will focus on Clifton Blvd., as no design changes are needed to the Shoreway or downtown.

I have just caught up with all that I have missed. JetDog's answers have pretty much covered all I would have said if I had not been away visiting family. KJP's comments were very explanatory, as well. It's is RTA desire to finish $1.6 million in needed track work on a number of weekends BEFORE Memorial Day. After that, Tribe games and summer festivals and events will prevent any free weekends until late fall, when weather may be an issue. RTA officials looked at other options and did find any that worked. This is similar to the problem presented to those who own cars, and find themselves facing needed maintenance. They consult the calendars and select the day when they will miss their car the least. If you drive your car daily, then no date is perfect; but you pick the best date and live with it. That's what RTA is doing now. Again, thanks. I deeply appreciate the keen interest shown by members of this forum.

I'm back...gee...did I miss anything?

^ Yes, the PD will run it. WTAM and WCPN and the TV stations are also either posting it or broadcasting it. I have already been interviewed by ClearChannel. I have just learned that MCI coaches will be used to give people a "nicer" ride, as they head for the CIFF and other locations.

To those who would like some background on art and artist, I have some background as PDF e-mail attachments only. Send e-mail to [email protected] and I will be happy to forward. When I get word that everything is done, it will all be attached to an on-line press release

Blue and Green Lines shut down for two weekends CLEVELAND – Because of necessary track maintenance, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will not operate trains on the Blue and Green lines on the weekends of March 20-22 and March 27-29. During each weekend, shuttle buses will replace light rail trains from 8 p.m. Friday until the end of service Sunday. Regular light rail service will resume with the start of service each Monday, March 23 and March 30. Shuttle buses will operate the entire length of the lines, between Tower City and Green Road and Warrensville-Van Aken. Shuttle buses will stop at all Rapid stations, and operate on a schedule approximately equal to light rail. At Public Square, shuttle buses will use the existing trolley stop by Tower City, at Euclid Avenue and Ontario Street. Because shuttle buses will operate on streets with signals and additional traffic, RTA officials urge riders to allow extra time to reach their destinations. The Waterfront Line will operate its regular weekend schedule between Tower City and South Harbor. Other light rail weekend shutdowns will be announced later, as track work continues. RTA regrets any inconvenience to its customers during this time.

Transit Police host canine training CLEVELAND – Transit Police from the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) canine unit is hosting training for teams with other bomb-sniffing dogs today through Friday. Dr. Kirk Yeager of the FBI Laboratory’s Explosives Unit is providing classroom training and practical exercises designed to enhance and expand the detection capabilities of canine units. Teams will also be undergoing annual certification by the North American Police Work Dog Association. More than 30 units from local, state and federal agency canine and bomb squad representatives from around the country, and a canine team from Canada, are expected to participate in the training, which is being held at RTA facilities and other sites in Greater Cleveland. “We are taking a very pro-active stance in the area of protecting mass transit agencies from terrorists,” says RTA Transit Police John Joyce. “Last year, we hosted the first area training specifically intended to introduce local bomb squads with explosive detection canine units and problems responding to incidents in a mass transit environment. The Federal Air Marshal’s Service of the Transit Security Administration (TSA) provided that training.”

RTA Board meets March 24 RTA Trustees will meet on March 24 at RTA's Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St. 9 a.m. Board of Trustees Annual Meeting * William Patmon will be sworn in. He was appointed by Cuyahoga County Commissioners to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Jane Campbell. * Board members will elect a President and a Vice-President, discuss committee assignments, and the time and date of future meetings. Finance Committee meeting * Michael J. Schipper, Deputy General Manager, Engineering and Project Management, will update Board members on RTA’s progress in spending federal stimulus funds for major capital improvements. *Gale Fisk, Executive Director, Office of Management and Budget, will update Board members on 2010 fuel purchases, part of RTA’s Energy Risk Management Program. During the regular meeting, the Board will consider a number of resolutions. An executive session to discuss real estate activities may be held. THE FUTURE: The next Board meetings are April 7 and 21, and May 12 and 26.

I believe I said earlier this was being done by DCA. I sent them an email but feel free to call them directly.

I will pass along your suggestion to announce it at every stop. However, as you can see from comments here and elsewhere, there are many riders who believe we already make too many announcements. When you have 200,000 customers a day, pleasing everyone is difficult.

From Mike York, RTA's Deputy General Manager, Operations: When an elevator is down at a rail station, the operator is to notify any wheelchair customer at the time of boarding, so they can make alternative arrangements. For example, a customer in a wheelchair person boards the Red Line at Tower City and their destination is Triskett. The Triskett escalator is down, so the operator informs the customer. The customer in turn can now take a bus to Triskett.