JMasek

I just checked with the Transit Police dispatcher (216-566-5163, 24/7). Yes, the law is enforced. "re-rerapid back"...a new phrase?

ECTP is aware of the irritation. Fences and barricades have been removed by people as shortcuts. Today, ECTP directed several construction supervisors to personally review the situation and see what can be done to improve it. Feel free to let me know what changes you see and if they improve the situation.

I am reporting this right now. Thank you.

I am telling them now, thanks.

You are correct, I have not yet had a chance to browse this huge collection, and I should not have posted news from other cities on this thread. In the future, I will be more selective.

From THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Streetcar plan approved Cincinnati City Council voted 6-2 Wednesday for a plan to build streetcar lines linking downtown, Over-the-Rhine and Uptown (the area around the University of Cincinnati), putting council on record as wanting to build the system. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080424/NEWS01/804240355

From today's Columbus Dispatch COTA gets aboard streetcar planning Despite some doubts, agency will provide $50,000 to study line along High Street http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/04/24/COTABOARD.ART_ART_04-24-08_B1_K0A10MF.html?sid=101

The week of April 28, RTA crews will work with Maingate, a neighborhood Chamber of Commerce-type organization, to clean up the rail right-of-way between the East 55th Street railyards and the East 34th Street Station. Those tracks are used by both light-rail and heavy-rail, and are RTA's busiest.

I cannot answer, as I rarely fly, and only in the U.S. Perhaps others can respond.

KJP and others I was merely reciting RTA's policy and asking you to look at things a different way. The budget here is REALLY tight, but of course, you know that. An aggressive weekend of thorough graffiti cleaning can cost us thousands of dollars. Litter control is a different story, but over time, it can still be expensive, and both actions are illegal. STORY IDEA -- call around to various agencies, and add up how much tax dollars a year go into cleaning up illegal litter. There is a price to pay for being a pig, and I believe people need to know that. Case in point -- Several years ago, there was a place near Edgewater Park that was being littered a lot. Residents complained to City Hall and to a TV station. The residents got City Hall to agree to clean up the lot once a week. They hailed it as a victory, and the TV reporter said he would check the situation later to make sure it was being done. He missed the whole point! Sure, City Hall can pay someone to visit the site every week, but that is money being taken away from a better use, like police and fire protection (or in our case, paying for bus and rail operators). How much did the City spend to clean up that one lot all summer? I do not know. Our high-quality broadcast journalists never thought to look at that part of the story. :-( Some of the opinions expressed in this post are those of the poster, and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer.

Some of the court community service activities used to have convicted persons cleaning up trash along the Rapid lines, just as they do along highways. But I haven't seen them along the rail lines in a while. Do they still do that, Jerry? Because you are in a corridor with live trains, all workers (even volunteers) have to be closely supervised. I expect you will see more cleanup efforts now that good weather is here.

I'm a little confused and I need some clarity. Everyone's "experience" or "point of view" is different, but I wonder if you could give more detail or did you ask more questions. What was your response to this? Jerry, is the "airport signage" an AIRPORT issue or an RTA issue?? Many of us have commented on that "language" used in the terminals. It needs to be changed. How do we help RTA accomplish that? Other than the "language" how was were the directions unclear? :? I'd also like to understand what this person level of "safe" is. Is it safe as, "I really didn't know where I was going, so I better stay alert?" I normally drive, so I'm not accustomed to taking public transportation or I see people of all different races, ethnic background, etc and I'm uncomfortable? Lastly, how can a person on the train tell what the entire area (I'll use a five block radius) near the stations is like. The above ground stations are all surrounding by parking lots. Yes the trench the train runs in could be cleaned up and graffiti removed. However, the majority of systems across the country (BOS, NJ, Philly, NYC, Chi, etc.) are in a cut and have much worse graffiti and trash in between stations than Cleveland. (this is why I asked if the person took public transportation regularly) I'm not trying to be an Cleveland apologist, as the riders points should not be overlooked, but at the same time, is the riders expectation(s) realistic? Good questions...here is my response. First, I do not have time to monitor multiple threads. I monitor this one (I started it), and one for Euclid Corridor. So, if there is something on another thread that I should know about, I appreciate you calling it to my attention. RTA has a good relationship with the staff at Hopkins Airport. Our GM and our Marketing Director meet with them several times a year. We have the same goal -- make sure that airport customers know all their ground travel options, so they can make intelligent choices. There are RTA signs all over the Airport -- I know, because I had to take photos of them once several years ago. Of course, the situation could be improved. I think it is safe to say that those people who PREFER transit will always look for the transit option, and those people who have NEVER used transit will not think of using transit here. Transit forces you to think a bit, and it is much easier (especially when you are tired) to plop into the back seat of a taxi and recite the name of your hotel. As for cleaning up the rail right-of-way, how many financial resources do you think RTA should devote to clean the illegal acts of other people, when history shows the areas will return to their state in just a few days? Our policy is to remove graffiti that is sexually or racially offensive asap. The rest, we tolerate, and we prosecute to the max.

RTA Opens Second Segment for Median Station Bus Operations RTA will begin operating its Route #6 buses along the new median stations from East 55th Street to East 86th Street on April 27. This is the second segment to open up along Euclid Avenue. Median bus operations will now operate from East 17th to East 86th streets. Safely walk at the designated crosswalks to reach the platforms, as traffic patterns have changed. Jaywalking fines will be enforced. For more information, call 216-771-4144. :clap: 8-) :wave:

When people make their living from public transit, they ride transit whenever possible. Riding the Red Line in from Hopkins is a given.

The 63-foot long articulated Rapid Transit Vehicles (RTVs) will be used on Euclid Avenue after the Oct. 25 grand opening. Their capacity is slightly more than 100 persons, sitting and standing. The service will be every five minutes (except evenings and overnight). :clap: If you find that any service becomes too crowded, let us know. We will examine the route and add extra vehicles if the load warrants it.

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) will hold a two-day Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) workshop in Cleveland July 21-22. To find out more about the TRB and the BRT, click here. http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=8868ba00-fba1-431f-b086-00e5ccf8a1c6

Inside RTA is a four-page publication for community leaders and elected officials. The April issue has been posted. Enjoy. :clap: www.riderta.com/PDF/InsideRTA/Insider_4-08.pdf

Some earthy news for Earth Day. The new Rapid Transit Vehicle (RTV) for the HealthLine on Euclid Avenue will be on display at Earth Fest, Sunday, April 20, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., at the Metroparks Zoo. It will be parked in the main lot just east of the Rain Forest. It's 63 feet long, so it should be easy to find. You can take photos, kick the tires, and walk through the interior. RTA staff will be there to answer your questions, AND JetDog will be there in person from noon-2 p.m. From APTA, here is Earth Day news from other transit sytems, along with some environmental tidbits that may surprise you. Make Earth Day Your Public Transportation Day Question: What is the connection between public transportation and climate change? Answer: Public transportation is part of the solution to helping reduce greenhouse gases. In fact, thanks to public transportation our country’s carbon footprint is reduced by 37 million metric tons – the equivalent of 4.9 million households using electricity in a year. Public transportation is a green industry and transit agencies are working to make it greener. For example, this year St. Cloud Metro Bus (St. Cloud, MN) has unveiled a bus powered by recycled deep fryer vegetable oil and Metro Transit (Minneapolis, MN) will power its Hiawatha rail line with wind energy. “Riding public transportation is one of the most powerful weapons Americans have in combating global climate change,” said APTA President William W. Millar. “We encourage everyone to make a statement this Earth Day, April 22, and take public transportation.” An individual switching to public transit can reduce his or her daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds; that’s more than 4,800 pounds in a year, a figure that is more than the combined carbon emissions reduction that comes from weathering your home and using energy efficient appliances and environmentally-friendly light bulbs. If just one commuter of a household switches from driving to using public transportation, the household’s carbon footprint will be reduced by 10 percent. If a household gives up its second car altogether, a household can reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent. Public transportation agencies across the country are joining in the celebration of Earth Day on April 22 with a variety of green initiatives and activities aimed at raising awareness and improving the environment. For example, in honor of Earth Day, a bus powered by recycled vegetable oil, a light rail powered by wind, a carbon calculator, and an Earth Week Challenge will showcase public transportation at its “greenest.” · St. Cloud Metro Bus (St. Cloud, MN) unveiled a 40-foot bus that is powered by a mixture of 80 percent recycled vegetable oil and 20 percent diesel fuel. It is believed that this is the first transit bus system in the nation to use waste vegetable oil to power a public transit bus. · Metro Transit (Minneapolis, MN) will power the entire Hiawatha light rail system by wind on Earth Day. · Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (Cincinnati, OH) is introducing a new carbon calculator on their website www.go-metro.com . · Centre Area Transportation Authority (State College, PA) along with Penn State University is challenging students, faculty, and staff to reduce their fuel consumption by 20 percent the week of April 20-26 as part of the first-ever Earth Week Challenge. Hybrid buses, natural gas buses, and biodiesel fueled vehicles have gained in popularity in recent years with more than 1,500 hybrid buses and buses using alternative fuels in service nationwide. · Sun Metro (El Paso, TX) will promote natural gas powered vehicles and will announce that their fixed route fleet will be 100 percent natural gas powered in early 2009. · Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston, TX) will showcase its new hybrid bus, along with demonstrating new hybrid features at the Houston Green EXPO, Sustainable Energy and Green Building Consumer Event. · Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (Toledo, OH) will fuel all their buses with B20 biodiesel for Earth Day. · Metro (St. Louis, MO) will display a biodiesel bus at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival. Special announcements and environmentally friendly products were timed to coincide with Earth Day celebrations. · Metropolitan Transit Authority (New York, NY) announced several new sustainability initiatives earlier this week and will debut limited edition “green” MetroCards on Earth Day. · Metrolink (Los Angeles, CA) will unveil their new “greener” locomotives on Earth Day. · Metro (Los Angeles, CA) is sponsoring a free Earth Day rock concert at Union Station where information on reducing your carbon footprint will be provided by various organizations. Some public transportation systems are offering free rides to highlight their services, while other transit systems are sponsoring give-aways and drawings to thank riders. · Muncie Indiana Transit System (Muncie, IN) is offering free rides on all of their buses on Earth Day. From 6-9 a.m. WLBC Radio will host its morning show from a bus route, featuring a variety of special guests including the Muncie mayor. · City of Colorado Springs Transit Services Division/Mountain Metropolitan Transit (Colorado Springs, CO) will offer free Earth Day rides on both their Mountain Metro fixed-route and FrontRange Express (FREX) commuter bus service · Gold Coast Transit (Oxnard, CA) is distributing free passes for the new express service from Ojai and will display a CNG bus at local events. · Lane Transit District (Eugene, OR) will offer free shuttle service from Eugene Transit Station to a community Earth Day event. A bus tour of green roof applications will be available and “green” shopping bags will be given away by LTD. · Capital District Transit Authority (Albany, NY) is passing out 5000 recycled paper flower seed packets which serve as a free pass for the bus, the seeds can then be planted. CDTA partnered with local businesses to help distribute the flower packets. · Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (Bridgeport, CT) will give away 3,000 free all-day bus passes printed on paper infused with flower seeds. GBTA worked with partners in the community to distribute the passes. · Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (Providence, RI) partnered with Roger Williams University to celebrate the entire month of April as the university offered all students, faculty, and staff complimentary RIPTA monthly passes. · Bay Area Rapid Transit, BART, (Oakland, CA) will be giving away $500,000 worth of coffee to morning commuters. · Transit Authority of River City (Louisville, KY) will have a drawing for prizes for University of Louisville students and staff who ride transit. · Capital Metro (Austin, TX) is partnering with Keep Austin Beautiful and their “Austin’s got a Brand New Bag” campaign. Transit riders who turn in five or more plastic shopping bags at selected bus stops will receive a free reusable Capital Metro “i-Ride” shopping bag. · Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (Washington, DC) is rewarding people for saving 20 pounds of carbon emissions by riding public transportation on Earth Day, by giving chocolate bars to riders outside two stations. Finally, numerous transit agencies are either sponsors of local Earth Day events or participating in an Earth Day event by offering information about transit and its benefits to the environment. Some additional transit agencies participating in Earth Day events include: · Central Ohio Transit Authority (Columbus, OH) · Charlotte Area Transit System (Charlotte, NC) · Clemson Area Transit (Clemson, SC) · GO Transit (Toronto, ON) · Interurban Transit Partnership, “The Rapid” (Grand Rapids, MI) · Port Authority (Pittsburgh, PA) · The T (Fort Worth, TX) · The Big Blue Bus (Santa Monica, CA)

To address some past questions....each HealthLine station has a kiosk for public information. Right now, that kiosk contains a BEST poster. Later, that kiosk will contain a system map. Yes, it is back-lit. No, it does not contain electrical equipment.

At this time, all energies are being put into finishing the construction and planning the grand opening on the weekend of Oct. 25 I am sure maps will be updated, but I have no timeframe.

Check this out Washington-area transportation officials are pushing a plan to run buses on the shoulders of the region's highways and other major roads, allowing the vehicles to drive around congestion and go to the head of the line at traffic signals. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/16/AR2008041603674.html

APTA NEWS RELEASE Senator McCain’s Gas Tax Holiday Would Hurt The Economy, Don’t Cut Transportation Funds Now is the time for leadership on transportation issues, not pandering to voters with an alleged “quick fix” to the economy through the suspension of federal gas taxes through the summer months. With gas prices at an all time high, it is an easy thing to suggest the removal of the gas tax. However, stating that the suspension of gas taxes from Memorial Day to Labor Day ostensibly to help our economy hides the real truth -- that America’s transportation is intertwined with our high standard of living and prosperity. To cut back transportation infrastructure investment endangers, not boosts, our economy, our jobs and our way of life. The truth is that gas prices are high because the cost of oil is high; they’re not high because of the federal gas tax. The truth is that we need the federal gas tax to pay for the much-needed highway and public transportation infrastructure. Do we really want our bridges to fall down? No. Do we want to see bus routes and train lines cut? No. Americans are used to their independence and want their transportation systems to not only be maintained, but improved and expanded. While we need new ideas for economic growth and prosperity, the three-month gas tax elimination proposal is simply a short-sighted band-aid that would have little impact on the average American, who, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), would only save $28, an amount that doesn’t even begin to cover one gas fill-up for many Americans. With the summer construction season nearly upon us, now is certainly not the time to suspend the federal funding that pays for the construction and maintenance of our country’s highways and public transportation. To suspend the federal gas tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day would result in only making our economic situation worse, causing more Americans to lose their jobs. Additionally, this proposal by Senator McCain also runs counter to the public demand for more public transportation. Last year, 10.3 billion trips were taken on public transportation – the largest ridership number in 50 years. At a time when more and more Americans are using public transportation to beat the high cost of gas, the federal government needs to increase its investment in public transportation. If instead, the gas tax was suspended for the summer, it would eliminate $1.4 billion of federal funding for public transportation and severely restrict the industry’s ability to add and improve transit services for a growing number of Americans. The Congressional Budget Office projects that the Highway Trust Fund, which finances the highway and public transit infrastructure, could become insolvent as early as next year. Senator McCain’s proposal will even further negatively impact the Highway Trust Fund, causing it to become insolvent even faster. The federal gas tax has not been raised since Oct. 1, 1993, but the demands on our roads and public transportation systems have continued to grow. Maintaining and expanding our transportation systems that meet the needs of our growing population is essential. The presidential candidates should be voicing their solutions for meeting the transportation needs of the future and dismissing any proposals, such as the “gas tax holiday” proposed by Senator McCain, that might be popular in the short-term but disruptive in the long term.

I will try to check on this today.

Greetings. I may not be able to monitor this thread as much as I would like to in the next few weeks, so if anyone has an RTA-related question, please send it to me at [email protected], and I will respond as soon as possible.

The Rapid Transit Vehicles have doors on both sides. Everything in the project is designed for speed -- separate platforms, signal preemption, off-board fare purchases, and platform curbs even with the front doors, so wheelchairs can roll right on.