JMasek

From what I have been told, RTA is not doing a traffic survey Public Square today. Many other groups, such as the City or Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) do such studies.

^ checking

^ In response to customer comments, RTA is trying to keep customers informed of their options, as some customers must have elevators or escalators. The operator did the right thing. If no other stations were announced, perhaps there were no other problems. We do not predict the future. When something is broken, "until further notice" covers it. No, we do not like it, but we certainly cannot say that something is operational, until it is.

^ That is correct. I believe things are still being tested, so it may be premature to "kick up your heels."

checking

I have 3 answers for you... 1. I am not sure where you got the 38,000 figure. That may include all their "properties"...like Lutheran Hospital on W. 25, where my wife works (35+yrs as an RN). The last time I checked, there were about 10,000 on the main campus. 2. RTA offers a Commuter Advantage package for any employer who wants to allow his or her employees to buy monthly transit passes with payroll deductions, using pre-tax dollars. I believe the Clinic is part of that program. 3. As you know, ALL students at CSU pay for transit through increased student fees, whether they use RTA or not. I am not sure that idea would be valid in a professional setting.

I am seeking someone on this list who uses the HealthLine daily to get to work and back. Please contact me off-list at [email protected]. Thanks.

1. In the beginning, there was the Brookpark station. 2. RTA was working toward a federal deadline to make it ADA-compliant, but it wanted to also build transit-oriented development. TOD was slow to come, so RTA built an interim station to both provide an elevator and to continue to search for TOD partners. 3. According to the legislative update linked to the press release mentioned above, RTA is seeking an earmark of $4.5 million to construct a new station at the site. The station will be built to accommodate TOD at a later date.

If you want all the details on RTA and the federal stimulus package, go to: http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1268

APTA has published a colorful hard-back coffeetable-type photo book called "Public Transportation -- Leading the Way." FYI, page 37 contains a color photo of a HealthLine vehcle, taken by yours truly.

^ I know that I have answered this before, but I cannot recall where I was at the time. http://www.riderta.com/majorprojects/e120.asp This page should answer some of your basic questions. For projects to be included in the federal stimulus package, they must be "shovel-ready" in 180 days. Only 10 percent of the design of this station is complete, so it is nowhere near being "shovel-ready." I am not always on Urban Ohio. Anytime you have a specific question, or you need an answer in a hurry, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thanks.

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1266 Calabrese wins PRSA award CLEVELAND – Joe Calabrese, CEO and General Manager of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), will receive the 2009 John Hill Award from the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The annual award is for outstanding communications and leadership by a Cleveland-area CEO. It will be presented at noon Thursday, March 26, at the Union Club, 1211 Euclid Ave. Two other persons will also receive major PRSA awards. * Cynthia Schultz of the Cleveland Foundation will receive the Lighthouse Award for career accomplishments and community service. * Nora Jacobs of Edward Howard will receive the Davis Young Award for Professional Mentors. Tickets are $45 for non-members. To register: · Go on-line at http://prsamarch26.eventbrite.com. Calabrese has more than 30 years experience in public transit. He joined RTA in February 2000.

RTA is evaluating social media outlets, twitter first...stay tuned.

For ticket info on various events during Rock Hall Induction Week, click here www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1265

www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1264 Feb. 20, 2009 RTA -- the best way to see college hoops CLEVELAND – Riding the Rapid is the best way to see top-notch basketball action, as the Mid-American Conference (MAC) basketball championships come to Quicken Loans Arena for the 10th straight year, March 10-15. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers free parking at many rail stations and direct Rapid Transit service to Tower City. From there, basketball fans can use the convenient walkway to reach the Q. Each of the 12 MAC colleges will send a men’s and women’s team to battle for the MAC Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The event is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Cleveland. Men’s Basketball Tuesday, March 10: Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13: Noon, 2:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 13: 7:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14: (finals) 7 p.m. Women's Basketball * Wednesday, March 11: Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. * Friday, March 13: 9 a.m., and three other games * Saturday, March 14: Noon and 2 p.m. * Sunday, March 15: (finals), 1 p.m. For ticket prices and other details, visit www.mac-sports.com.

www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1263 Feb. 20, 2009 RTA customers can get at $2 discount to International Film Festival, March 19-29 CLEVELAND – Officials at the Cleveland International Film Festival have doubled the discount offered in previous years to transit riders. RTA customers who show their Monthly Pass will now receive a $2 discount on all tickets purchased for the event, March 19-29, at Tower City Cinemas. Ticket prices are $10 for Film Festival members, students and seniors, and $12 for non-members. Use the code “RTA” when ordering tickets: Online: Use the code "RTA" when purchasing tickets at www.clevelandfilm.org (available 24 hours a day, beginning March 6 at 11 a.m.) Phone: Use the code "RTA" when calling the Cleveland International Festival Store at 877-304-3456. Store: Use the code "RTA" at the Cleveland International Film Festival Store in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas, 230 West Huron Road. This is the largest film event between New York and Chicago, and among the oldest and most well-respected film festivals in North America. “The Cleveland International Film Festival promotes artistically and culturally significant film arts through education and exhibition to enrich the life of the community,” says Patrick Shepherd, associate director. “In other words, we present the newest and best films from around the world, and we do everything in our power to make sure that our audience learns something along the way -- about other cultures, about the topic at hand, about the experience from the filmmakers themselves.” The festival has grown to annually attract more than 52,000 people for 11 days every March. More than 310 films from 63 countries are showcased, and more than $3.1 million of economic impact is generated for Cleveland hotels, restaurants and shops.

^ I have already seen three-car trains on some days. This will become more common as the year progresses, and you will see it a lot when the Innerbelt bridge repairs begin.

www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1262 Feb. 20, 2009 Ride safely on St. Patrick’s Day CLEVELAND – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will add extra rail service to meet the increased demand on Tuesday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. Riders are encouraged to purchase a $4.50 All-Day Pass. It is good for unlimited use from its first use until 3 a.m. the next day. No matter what pass or farecard you use, try to purchase it ahead of time. That will reduce the large number of people trying to purchase fare media that day. If you plan on paying cash to board the bus or train, bring exact change. Because of the large number of people using the Rapid, cyclists may want to consider another mode of transportation. Bicyclists will not be allowed on trains that carry full loads. RTA offers more than 8,000 free parking places, but do not try to “squeeze in” if a lot is full. Look for an alternative station. Obey all signs. Transit Police will ticket and tow cars that block normal operations. The parade will be on Superior Avenue, but crowds will be everywhere. Remember that new traffic patterns are in effect on Euclid Avenue. Use all crosswalks. Obey all signs. Buses will be detoured off parade routes to nearby streets. Normal operations will resume as soon as possible. Open beverage containers are not permitted on RTA vehicles or property. Transit Police will enforce regulations with uniformed and plainclothes officers. For more info, use the automated trip planner at rideRTA.com, or call the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500.

www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1261 Feb. 20, 2009 RTA service changes take effect on March 22 CLEVELAND – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will make minor schedule changes to some routes, effective Sunday, March 22. New timetables are needed for these routes: · # 2, # 5, # 14, # 19 · # 20A, # 22, # 45, # 51, # 52 · # 66 Red Line, # 67 Blue and Green Lines (rail) · # 70, # 75, # 76, # 77, # 83 · # 86, # 88, # 90F, # 94 · # 135, # 803, # 820. How to obtain a new timetable As soon as they are ready, they will be posted on “timetables, maps and schedules” page at rideRTA.com. As soon as they are printed, they will be available at RTA’s Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St., and at the Customer Service Center at Tower City. For more information, or to receive a new timetable by mail, call the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500.

www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1260 Feb. 20, 2009 Donate blood, save a life on March 4 CLEVELAND – You can help save a life by giving blood to the American Red Cross from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at the Main Office Building of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), 1240 W. Sixth St. The building is served by both trolley lines, so there is free transportation for anyone who works downtown. No appointments are necessary. For several years, RTA has coordinated a blood drive around Sept. 11. This year, RTA is adding a spring date, to underscore how critical the need is. “The Red Cross needs to collect 900 pints a day to keep up with the demand from 57 hospitals in 19 Northern Ohio counties,” says RTA General Manager Joe Calabrese. “In January, because of poor economic conditions and bad weather, the Red Cross was 600 pints short of their goal. We want to work with our loyal downtown customers to help close the gap on that shortfall.” Nationally, only 3 of every 10 eligible persons give blood, but every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. To donate, you must be at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds. You can donate blood once every 8 weeks (56 days). For more information on blood drives in your area, call 1-800-443-3543.

HealthLine vehicles have on-board passengers counters, and on-board video cameras. SMILE!

RTA HEALTHLINE RIDERSHIP Last Year Ridership Gain This Year Percent Increase Nov. 2007 217,222 + 61,778 279,000 + 28 percent Dec. 2007 194,620 + 89,536 284,156 + 46 percent Jan. 2008 204,017 + 93,193 297,200 + 43 percent 1ST QUARTER RIDERSHIP UP 39 PERCENT

Much of the automated announcement are for ADA purposes. That is a dynamic that will be tweaked as we progress. Regarding the U-Pass, do not worry, you ARE being counted.

These RTA projects are "shovel ready." Expanding the rail line involves long studies and land acquisition. It's a long-range project.

Puritas is on the list....there is a nice graphic that shows more details.