RTA receives no revenue from jaywalking tickets. It is a safety issue, not a revenue issue.

 

 

I noticed RTA seemed to be doing timings of the HealthLine this morning on my way in to work, however my vehicle was delayed by requiring people to pay on board, so how valuable are the timings?  On a positive note, either the signal preemption is working correctly, or my bus got lucky with the lights.  My ride to work was very quick...

Yesterday I waited for the 32 that was expected to leave Tower City @ 4:40....  It got to my stop late and coming from the wrong direction.  I don't know the story, but when I got on the driver was in a spirited phone conversation wtih someone and said something about the route he had just taken.

I wasn't paying attention when we got onto Euclid, but when we got to the shelter around E. 21st the crowd got on and loudly exclaimed he was in the wrong lane - the AUTO lane!  Obviously, they had to cross over in front of the bus....

A minute later he started turning right down E. 22nd but, naturally, a bunch of riders shouted out he was to stay on Euclid....

What was the driver's response to all this?  He hadn't been at work the day before when the 32 had changed to Euclid....

Don't all drivers expected to go down Euclid get some training in advance as to how the current lanes work?  How could a driver get away with not knowing the exact correct route before he starts driving the bus (can't tell you how many times I or someone else has had to tell a driver which street or turn to take)?  Needless to say, this driver needed to ask exactly how far he has to stay on Euclid, too....

Assumably today this ride will be a bit smoother!

^I'm sure mistakes like that happen with any major project.  At least now the driver knows better.

 

It's also comforting to see that the passengers knew the new route so well.  Nothing worse than mindless drones

 

Yesterday I waited for the 32 that was expected to leave Tower City @ 4:40....  It got to my stop late and coming from the wrong direction.  I don't know the story, but when I got on the driver was in a spirited phone conversation wtih someone and said something about the route he had just taken.

I wasn't paying attention when we got onto Euclid, but when we got to the shelter around E. 21st the crowd got on and loudly exclaimed he was in the wrong lane - the AUTO lane!  Obviously, they had to cross over in front of the bus....

A minute later he started turning right down E. 22nd but, naturally, a bunch of riders shouted out he was to stay on Euclid....

What was the driver's response to all this?  He hadn't been at work the day before when the 32 had changed to Euclid....

Don't all drivers expected to go down Euclid get some training in advance as to how the current lanes work?  How could a driver get away with not knowing the exact correct route before he starts driving the bus (can't tell you how many times I or someone else has had to tell a driver which street or turn to take)?  Needless to say, this driver needed to ask exactly how far he has to stay on Euclid, too....

Assumably today this ride will be a bit smoother!

 

Did you get the drivers name or bus ID?  That way Jerry could report this.

Healthline Buses still running back-to-back....  Why don't the drivers keep their set schedules?  Whenever I used to take the bus back in high school, we would stop for a bit if ahead of schedule.  Why isn't this happening now?

Yesterday I waited for the 32 that was expected to leave Tower City @ 4:40....  It got to my stop late and coming from the wrong direction.  I don't know the story, but when I got on the driver was in a spirited phone conversation wtih someone and said something about the route he had just taken.

I wasn't paying attention when we got onto Euclid, but when we got to the shelter around E. 21st the crowd got on and loudly exclaimed he was in the wrong lane - the AUTO lane!  Obviously, they had to cross over in front of the bus....

A minute later he started turning right down E. 22nd but, naturally, a bunch of riders shouted out he was to stay on Euclid....

What was the driver's response to all this?  He hadn't been at work the day before when the 32 had changed to Euclid....

Don't all drivers expected to go down Euclid get some training in advance as to how the current lanes work?  How could a driver get away with not knowing the exact correct route before he starts driving the bus (can't tell you how many times I or someone else has had to tell a driver which street or turn to take)?  Needless to say, this driver needed to ask exactly how far he has to stay on Euclid, too....

Assumably today this ride will be a bit smoother!

 

I've forwarded the details as presented to the acting Transportation Manager for the district this route operates out of, since the regular Transportation Manager is away. I'll let you know what I find out.

Healthline Buses still running back-to-back....  Why don't the drivers keep their set schedules?  Whenever I used to take the bus back in high school, we would stop for a bit if ahead of schedule.  Why isn't this happening now?

 

Without being there, I can say that, most likely, the second driver is keeping to schedule, and the first driver was somehow delayed.

 

Generally speaking, if a driver is ahead of schedule on any route, they will pause at some point to get back on schedule, but we don't allow delays to cascade backward through the line.

Healthline Buses still running back-to-back....  Why don't the drivers keep their set schedules?  Whenever I used to take the bus back in high school, we would stop for a bit if ahead of schedule.  Why isn't this happening now?

 

Without being there, I can say that, most likely, the second driver is keeping to schedule, and the first driver was somehow delayed.

 

Generally speaking, if a driver is ahead of schedule on any route, they will pause at some point to get back on schedule, but we don't allow delays to cascade backward through the line.

 

I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens after payment is conducted off the bus....

I like that editorial. It was cautiously optimistic, as it should be.

Regarding my negative little tale from yesterday, I don't want to get the driver "into trouble."  He knows better today, and it won't happen again.  He was apologetic, sort of.  I wanted to point out there are GCRTA employees out there who are not making sure a driver understands his correct route (and, in this case, how a bus is now supposed to be veered on Euclid).  Driver and probably at least one supervisor at fault here.

Voted this morning, then went to the E30th healthline stop to go downtown.  We saw five (5) vehicles eastbound, plus a 9x, before one came westbound.  When we finally got one, it was of course two back-to-back followed immediately by a #9.  Waited almost 1/2 hour.  On the good side, the buses and stops were packed with people.  On the bad side, no one had anything good to say about the arrangement.  Except me, who told them the timing system wasn't being used until the payment machines are up.  I don't know that for a fact... all of the buses we saw had to stop and wait at 30th, so there had to be some explanation...

from my view out my office - it does appear there are some kinks to work.  By having the signal prioritization

on the busses, I took that as meening they would not be stopped at Red Lights.  As I look out my window

(E.14th/euclid) - i often see 2 or 3 BRT's bunched up all waiting at the red light...doesn't seem to be

too efficient right now.

Just to be fair....

I complained I had to wait about 25 minutes for a new BRT at Euclid and MLK last Saturday afternoon, and I see that they're supposed to come no more often than every 30 minutes at that time (approx. 4 p.m.).  I was thinking every ten or fifteen minutes.

4pm on a Saturday?  They should be coming every 15 minutes.

i tried it out last evening (westbound) on my way to spaces gallery.  seemed to take about 20-25 minutes to go from university circle to downtown.  it was clean, quiet, and seemed to be comparable to trips taken on the red line.  the bus came right away for me. 

 

honestly though, it felt like a long bus like the ones i've taken in nyc and europe. 

 

definately an upgrade though.

Okay, I see the timetable on GCRTA's website shows every 15 minutes, but I'm sure I saw another table that had the longer time - probably in one of the HealthLine shelters.  Could it have been changed since that one was created and be already out of date?

I'd hope no longer a wait than every 15 minutes!  I've got this wonderful image of tourists coming to town, as in other cities known for tourists (think New York, Toronto, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, etc.), and on a Saturday afternoon many wanting to go quickly between the big cultural area and the main downtown. Well, I enjoy thinking about it.... 8-)

Regarding my negative little tale from yesterday, I don't want to get the driver "into trouble."  He knows better today, and it won't happen again.  He was apologetic, sort of.  I wanted to point out there are GCRTA employees out there who are not making sure a driver understands his correct route (and, in this case, how a bus is now supposed to be veered on Euclid).  Driver and probably at least one supervisor at fault here.

 

Not to worry -- as a one-time occurrence, it's merely an opportunity for corrective, rather than punitive, action to be taken. We all appreciate knowing these things, as it allows everyone to do their jobs better and our customers to have amore enjoyable experience.

 

Now then, if it happens repeatedly, or involves behavior that could be construed as malicious, that's a different story, and is dealt with accordingly.

 

Your report will likely result in a simple conversation between management and operator to determine where the holes are and plug them. Please keep reports like this coming, for the HealthLine and for all of our services...

Thanks.

Okay, I see the timetable on GCRTA's Web site shows every 15 minutes, but I'm sure I saw another table that had the longer time - probably in one of the HealthLine shelters.  Could it have been changed since that one was created and be already out of date?

 

Here are our scheduled times:

M-F

5 minutes during rush hours

10 minutes during the day

15 minutes in the evening

30 minutes late night

S-S

15 minutes during the day

30 minutes late night

Nice little article here, though I would be concerned with Joe Calabrese's quote at the end since it isn't really true.

 

http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/aptapt/issues/2008-11-03/8.html

 

Greater Cleveland RTA Launches HealthLine BRT

 

 

“This exciting project is a role model for the rest of the nation.” With those words, Federal Transit Administration Chief Counsel E.S. Severn Miller joined other officials Oct. 24 to launch the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) new HealthLine—the first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in the nation to be funded with federal New Starts money.

 

“This BRT project is cost-effective and environmentally friendly,” said Miller. “It is a terrific way to move people.”

 

The weekend-long launch of HealthLine service began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and continued with free service, a community open house along Euclid Avenue, fireworks, and a family concert. The 21 new Rapid Transit Vehicles (RTV) operating on the line, 63-foot articulated vehicles powered with hybrid-electric engines, were packed much of the time.

 

GCRTA signed a $168.4 million Full Funding Grant Agreement for the project in October 2004. Development work for the BRT project has included the restoration of Euclid Avenue.

 

The HealthLine connects Cleveland’s two largest employment centers, downtown and University Circle, ending in neighboring East Cleveland. The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, both located on the route, purchased naming rights to the line for $6.25 million.

 

The line operates on 9.4 miles of transit-only lanes on Euclid Avenue and two downtown streets.

 

The 63-foot RTVs from New Flyer were designed specifically for use on the HealthLine, with doors on both sides, 11 interior and exterior cameras, and a signal prioritization system. The service operates with “rail-like” features such as level boarding, precision docking, and off-board fare collection.

 

“I am thrilled that this first-class service will significantly reduce travel time for our customers,” said GCRTA Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joe Calabrese. “It has already generated more than $4 billion in new and planned development.”

 

Over the weekend, TV-19 General Manager Bill Applegate aired a HealthLine editorial that included some negative comments. He invited viewer comments. Please view the editorial and offer your comments asap. We appreciate your on-going support and interest in the HealthLine.

 

To listen to the editorial, click here.

http://www.woio.com/Global/category.asp?C=83362&nav=menu68_8_4

 

To submit comments, send e-mail to:

[email protected]

 

If you would like to give an on-the-air response of 60 seconds or less, fill out this form. There is no guarantee you will be called, so please offer written comments as well, via e-mail.

http://www.woio.com/Global/category.asp?C=83362&nav=menu68_8_4

"...With that hope [for redevelopment] comes an abundance of doubt"

 

Would that kind of negative commentary happen in ANY other city besides Cleveland?  I mean, does this guy work for the Plain Dealer or something?

"...With that hope [for redevelopment] comes an abundance of doubt"

 

Would that kind of negative commentary happen in ANY other city besides Cleveland?  I mean, does this guy work for the Plain Dealer or something?

 

Plenty so don't start this.  There are idiots and Naysayers OF POWER AND INFLUENCE in every city.  I'm actually on the phone with one now and you can tell how important I think she is if I'm responding to posts on UO while shes talking about nothing.

Please post your response here, as well. 

 

Please write, his "editorial" was clearly biased.

11/4 Trip HealthLine Trip Report and Observations

 

I have ridden the HealthLine 16 times since its opening, and have noticed a number of issues.  In interest of fairness, I have given some time to see what can be worked out, as any big launch comes with various issues.  Today was the quickest trip I have had, so that is progress in the right direction, but it was still 29 minutes from Public Square to UC.

 

Trip

Depart NW corner of Public Square at 8:51am (after waiting 12 minutes for BRT to arrive, during the approximate 5 minute headways time)

Arrive Adelbert and Euclid in University Circle at 9:20am

Total Trip Time: 29 minutes

 

Observations

- Skipped (no stops requested and no riders to board) 6 stations.

- Traffic light wait times:

    Ontario: waited 1 minute after doors closed until bus signal.

    E6: waited 2.5 minutes for bus signal; car signal triggered before bus

    E36: waited 1.5 minutes for bus signal; light changed to stop as bus approached, and then car traffic given priority before bus

    E40: stopped at light for 45 seconds

    E55: stopped at light for 30 seconds

    E83: light triggered for cars first, then bus

    Stokes: turned red on bus approach, prioritized for cars after cycle.  stopped for 1 min.

Total delay at lights, over 7 minutes total.

 

- There was light ridership on the bus and there weren't any noticeable delays from passengers paying fares on board, as off bus fare machines still not operational

- Bus stops were not electronically announced or visible on the LED panel.  Driver manually identified about 1/2 of the stops - which has to be fixed ASAP, especially when stations are being skipped.

- Docking arms.  Seemed to be used about 1/2 time on my trips so far, and only used at 1 or 2 stops on this trip - leaving a pretty significant gap between station and bus which would require wheel chair ramp to deploy.  Certainly not a consistent train like gap-yet.

- The skipping of stations appears not to significantly speed up the trip.  I was passed by 2 buses in the last week while waiting at a station in the university circle area - in clear view.  I also think that perhaps the traffic prioritization expects the bus might stop and not blow through a stop, thereby throwing the timing system off.  not sure if that is the case though.  Also, I think this adds to the bunching of buses at certain times.  Depending on the timing and if buses are running every 5 minutes or so, a bus easily catches up to the previous bus in the same direction by skipping stops.

- Vehicles in the car lane traveling in same direction got down Euclid quicker than the bus (even with skipped stops, light ridership mid morning).  Traffic signals would consistently give a turn arrow and a car lane green before allowing bus to move - this seems backwards.

- There were a few sections that the lights appeared to work (or maybe it was luck):

  E14, E17, E65, E71, E75 lights all were go for bus or changed as we approached (although some still required the bus to slow down before then accelerating).  It would be nice to have a smooth ride-more train like-than a sudden stop at a light, wait 5 seconds, go through light, stop at station, etc.  Hopefully these small issues can be worked out in the coming weeks.

- There was some construction in the corridor that obstructed car lanes, but it didn't appear to impact this trip.

 

I realize that the traffic system on Euclid is a prioritization system and not an outright preemption as it might be for an EMS or fire vehicle.  I also realize that the City ultimately controls the traffic light timing, and there may be certain areas that have high cross traffic, etc.  But, it seems there has to be some significant retiming of the lights or the priority that is given to buses so that a green turn arrow isn't given to a car ahead of a bus waiting 1 minute to cross an intersection and then which stops at a station.  IMO, I shouldn't be able to travel in a car faster than the bus down Euclid. 

 

 

Not sure why, but the E6th traffic light seems to be a major problem for all modes of transport:  BRT, pedestrian, automobile, trolley, bicycle.

^I think that's due to the 668 Euclid rehab - with the one lane blocked, it's creating problems there. I could be wrong...

great report urbanlife... ultimately I think this project will be judged on two components:

 

1.  Streetscaping project that breathes life into (and hopefully encourages private investment and development) a formerly moribound Euclid Avenue.  In my opinion this is already a huge success.

 

2.  A more efficient transportation system that encourages ridership between the two hubs.  And I think it will absolutely fail miserably unless they can get the signal priortization and timing down to a fine science.  With it, it really is like a bus that rides like a train.  Without it, it really isn't much more than a bigger, fancier 6.  It's imperative they get that working...  And while I understand it takes some time, it's a little disapointing that it is SO off (particuarly given the 4 years or so we had to prepare for the opening).  I've ridden it several times, and constantly find my BRT waiting at stop lights...

I still haven't taken a ride.  When I can use my credit card to buy my ticket, then I will take a ride :-D.

great report urbanlife... ultimately I think this project will be judged on two components:

 

1. Streetscaping project that breathes life into (and hopefully encourages private investment and development) a formerly moribound Euclid Avenue. In my opinion this is already a huge success.

 

2. A more efficient transportation system that encourages ridership between the two hubs. And I think it will absolutely fail miserably unless they can get the signal priortization and timing down to a fine science. With it, it really is like a bus that rides like a train. Without it, it really isn't much more than a bigger, fancier 6. It's imperative they get that working... And while I understand it takes some time, it's a little disapointing that it is SO off (particuarly given the 4 years or so we had to prepare for the opening). I've ridden it several times, and constantly find my BRT waiting at stop lights...

 

I agree. If it really is as off as people are saying it is, then I'm hoping it gets tightened quickly. I don't really think there's any excuse for it, though. I understand that these things take a bit of time to get the kinks worked out, but if this is the consistent service the BRT will be providing, then I think it will really make RTA look bad.  People have been pissed off about the inconveniences related to the BRT construction already for quite some time now, and RTA has been making promises to deliver transport that is more efficient than cars and that, in the long run, after the dust and rubble settle, etc, it will be better for the city. If RTA can't deliver on its promises now that it's done, then it will only deepen the bitterness and resentment many may have for this project already. I'd hate to see that happen because I think a Dual Hub kind of project like this is hugely invaluable for the city.

 

Also, I'm not understanding why this new line isn't updated on the maps yet?? Do you mean to tell me that their "graphic artist" just got the info to update the maps right when the BRT opened?

I still haven't taken a ride. When I can use my credit card to buy my ticket, then I will take a ride :-D.

 

You can use a credit card to buy fare media at Tower City anytime. The smart card option on the fareboxes may be available next spring.

^I think that's due to the 668 Euclid rehab - with the one lane blocked, it's creating problems there. I could be wrong...

You are correct.

Urbanlife, thanks for your observations. We also have people monitoring the changes daily. I have forwarded your text to them.

I agree. If it really is as off as people are saying it is, then I'm hoping it gets tightened quickly. I don't really think there's any excuse for it, though. I understand that these things take a bit of time to get the kinks worked out, but if this is the consistent service the BRT will be providing, then I think it will really make RTA look bad.  People have been pissed off about the inconveniences related to the BRT construction already for quite some time now, and RTA has been making promises to deliver transport that is more efficient than cars and that, in the long run, after the dust and rubble settle, etc, it will be better for the city. If RTA can't deliver on its promises now that it's done, then it will only deepen the bitterness and resentment many may have for this project already. I'd hate to see that happen because I think a Dual Hub kind of project like this is hugely invaluable for the city.

 

Also, I'm not understanding why this new line isn't updated on the maps yet?? Do you mean to tell me that their "graphic artist" just got the info to update the maps right when the BRT opened?

 

Your condescending tone and baseless assertions are unnecessary and unappreciated, and belie a lack of understanding of the efforts already put forth, and still in process. However, I will attempt to address your questions as best I can.

 

First off, while the project is substantially complete, and the HealthLine service is running, the project is acknowledged as not yet "done". Signal prioritization is still being worked on, and the ticket vending machines are being brought on line. Don't assume for one second that a project of this magnitude and scope, which most of us are witnessing (or participating in) for the first time in our lives, goes off without hiccups, but also don't assume that those hiccups will be deemed satisfactory by anyone, inside or outside the Authority.

 

Second, as far as the maps, if we had a dedicated map artist in our organization, it is more likely that the maps would have been updated in the time frame you suggested. However, staff reductions and additional responsibilities being what they are, it simply was not possible. The system maps, both online and at all RTA facilities, will be updated in as timely a fashion as possible.

 

Please remember that there is a human element at the other end of any comments you make.

JetDoG, when you say that the project is acknowledged as not yet done, I don't think that's generally known.  We here on UO love transit, defend it at every turn, and we're as confused as anyone.  It does not make sense to ceremoniously debut a product or service that is not at all ready for prime time.  With all due respect, I think that was a huge mistake.  It would help, at least from my perspective, to know that certain vendors are in hot water right now.  It is not unreasonable for RTA or the people of this county to expect full functionality, on deadline.

 

I think this soft rollout has done significant damage to the system's image. Why fly the mission accomplished banner without having the core functions up and running?  It seems like there was plenty of opportunity for testing and adjustment before people were invited to experience BRT for the first time.  Now the first impression is cemented, and everyday riders view BRT as regular old BT without the R.  The promise of speed is what justified having stations in the middle of the road, which anecdotally have not been well recieved.  Their design did not sufficiently address local wind conditions-- and that's about the nicest thing I've heard. 

 

Riders also seem universally mystified at the vehicles' interior layout.  Seats appear almost randomly placed, and there is a sense of having less space for moving, sitting, standing, storing carry-ons, etc than there is on a regular bus or train.  Also, today's Americans do not need smaller bus seats... several riders have noted this.  Since the system's speed advantages have yet to be realized, people have been more focused on these sorts of issues.

 

My suggestion would be for RTA to make a public statement that the bus-rapid-transit system is NOT up and running at this time, nor has it ever been.  The vehicles are in use but not the system itself.  That way the concept of BRT would not be discredited. 

"Also, today's Americans do not need smaller bus seats... several riders have noted this."

 

I don't think RTA should be punished for the average Americans' gluttony. 

 

But signal prioritization is something that really should have been taken care of earlier, as it really is the crux of this whole project.  Stil, I'm sure it'll be working properly soon enough.

"Also, today's Americans do not need smaller bus seats... several riders have noted this."

 

I don't think RTA should be punished for the average Americans' gluttony.

 

 

Ummmmm... these seat-width comments have been coming from skinny people.  Fat people don't make such comments because they already know what the follow-up will be... something about gluttony, no matter what their individual situation...

"Also, today's Americans do not need smaller bus seats... several riders have noted this."

 

I don't think RTA should be punished for the average Americans' gluttony.

 

 

Ummmmm... these seat-width comments have been coming from skinny people. Fat people don't make such comments because they already know what the follow-up will be... something about gluttony, no matter what their individual situation...

 

I agree.  I haven't been on the health line, but I don't fit in the normal bus/train seats unless I utilize the aisle or sit across the seats with my back against the wall.  Width is not my problem; I need the leg room.

 

Like life expectency, the average persons size is going up - obesity aside - as we learn more abour nutrition and health.

Width is not my problem; I need the leg room.

 

Since I can't sit with my legs in the aisle, I just stand.  It is what it is.  No seat on any public transportation vehicle is going to be ideal for 100% of its users.

I didn't read jpop's post as condescending or unecessary. I think the comments were fair, honest and completely relevant. The biggest complaint I've heard from (non-UO) people is exasperation that several aspects of the system are not complete despite several years to plan the rollout (e.g. signal prioritization and ticket purchases). Rather than becoming defensive about it I think it would serve RTA well to provide more information than "we're working on it".

 

Also, I saw everyone's favorite reporter Carl Monday filming something at the corner of everyone's favorite traffic intersection (E6th & Euclid).

 

First off, while the project is substantially complete, and the HealthLine service is running, the project is acknowledged as not yet "done".

Just to second the last few comments, I was not aware that the project was not yet done other than the vending machines not working yet. I wrongly, aparently, thought that the big ceremony and concert indicated that the project was done. Thank you for clarifying.

I agree with Grumpy.  I thought the ceremony and concert indicated the project is done, at least as it relates to the buses - obviously development along Euclid has yet to happen and isn't necessarily related to the bus part of it. 

 

I'm sure people are trying to work out kinks but you know, I agree - the first day or two, yeah, but to have this continuing for a couple of weeks, that's enough to sour people on the system who are sitting for no reason, seeing the buses stack up against each other and watching the cars go by faster than they can go.  I also agree if the plan wasn't ready, perhaps the ribbon cutting could have been postponed, or they could have just had ONE bus running as a "sample" on the big splashy day as to how it would be, until the kinks were worked out.

I think the public would be shocked to know that this project is not yet complete. It sure seemed like it was supposed to be during that whole bash the RTA had a few days ago.

 

I apologize, though, if my tone came across as condescending. It wasn't my intention, really. If there are circumstances beyond your control, then that happens. Rarely do things of this magnitude go completely smoothly.

 

I was simply stating how the RTA probably looks in the eyes of many people who were promised wonderful BRT service in exchange for being inconvenienced for several months, and, at worst, some of them having to lose their jobs because their stores/establishments had to close. Again, I haven't ridden the BRT myself; I'm sticking up for the comments that have come through so far.

 

The excuses the RTA has come up with probably won't do much to quell those gripes, though. Many people have already set their opinion of the project long before it was complete. Things like this are only adding fuel to their fire. And to an extent, I think it's justifiable.

 

Morale in Cleveland on the whole is low at the moment. Low morale fuels skepticism and cynicism. Cynicism is not what the RTA needs right now.

Width is not my problem; I need the leg room.

 

Since I can't sit with my legs in the aisle, I just stand.  It is what it is.  No seat on any public transportation vehicle is going to be ideal for 100% of its users.

 

I don't disagree nor do I mind standing.  But people are complaining (from what I see here) about the smaller seat sizes and I don't see any logic behind reducing the size of the seats.  And to say "well people should lose some weight if they have a problem", IMO, doesn't address the point.

Could RTA maybe forgo charging people on the Healthline until it's fully operational?  One advantage is that it would reduce boarding time to what was initially planned, which would in turn alleviate the bottlenecks and give the signal timing a chance to work.  Right?  Also, it would be a nice way of acknowledging that riders aren't yet getting what they paid for. 

I think RTA could have saved themselves some trouble if they had announced the ribbon cutting as the beginning of limited service and the healthline wouldn't be at full service for a few weeks.

Just wanted to comment that between public square and east 40th this morning, we had to stop for a fairly significant amount of time at almost every light.  However, the same ride yesterday had almost no time spent at lights (I could see many of them change as we approached) and was a much quicker ride.

I think the ribbon-cutting ceremony on time was fine.  Almost everything that most people are interested in, most of the time, was ready.

Fifteen minutes ago I saw a BRT heading north down E. 13th.  What the....? :?