I'll try to respond to a couple of the issues raised about the planters.

 

1.  There is no taxpayer money in these things, so they can relax.  All the money was privately raised or donated.

 

2.  The planters are privately maintained by DCA and Parkworks.

 

3.  There are gaps in the planters because of the logistical issues on the street.  There are many vaults underneath the sidewalk that would not allow the full weight of the planter to be placed there.

 

I hope that answers everything.

Thanks. :-)

An earlier post commented:

"All of that time and money to redo Public Square for the Euclid Corridor, how come there is a sinking manhole cover on Suprior and Ontario? More shotty workmanship I guess."

 

From where I sit, this is just another highly disappointing comment from someone who perhaps engages his keyboard without thinking.

 

Our engineers respond:

"Please remind the posters that the City had a massive waterline break in that intersection AFTER we (RTA) completed our work and re-opened Public Square. I've seen the spot you mentioned. The cover IS in the portion City Water reconstructed.  Overall the work was quite good. After that massive waterline blowout, there will be pockets of settlement for years."

Does anyone know what the bicycle policy is on the HealthLine? I've yet to see any bikes on board, but I believe there aren't the bike racks up front, either. Just wondering if it's okay to board with bike, if there are any restrictions on which stations bikes can come from and whether there are any rush hour prohibitions.

 

I've been back in Cleveland for about two weeks now and am riding the HealthLine twice a day on workdays. It's been a great ride, and I really must send my thanks to RTA for how it's improved the physical environment of Euclid Avenue. The pockets of neglect and vacancy on the street seem much more manageable now ... like a robust 10-year corridor-long development plan could really patch almost everything from Public Square to University Circle, at least cosmetically. The public art and the plantings are beautiful, and I love that the plantings vary from station to station. Coupled with the brick sidewalks and planters west of CSU into downtown, it really is extraordinary how much improvement has been made to Euclid since I moved to Cleveland in 2002. Thanks RTA!

 

My sole complaints with the line are the loud, omnipresent squeaking caused by the articulated part of the bus (although I think that's pretty unavoidable and minor) and the bunching that a number of forumers have previously mentioned. Inevitably, I end up seeing 2 or 3 buses passing as I approach Euclid Avenue, and then when I get to the station, I typically have to wait for 7-11 mins (once 14) for the next one. I do realize, however, that it can be equally frustrating when the buses slow to try to reduce the bunching; this morning my driver pulled over and stopped for 90 secs. or so, 20 feet before the station platform I wanted to get off at. Ugh.

 

Still, the travel time is not bad at all, and it's definitely helping me live car-free. And I'm sure the kinks will get worked out.

Does anyone know what the bicycle policy is on the HealthLine? I've yet to see any bikes on board, but I believe there aren't the bike racks up front, either. Just wondering if it's okay to board with bike, if there are any restrictions on which stations bikes can come from and whether there are any rush hour prohibitions.

 

Im under the impression that it is the same as the Rapid, if there is room inside then you can bring the bike on, if not they youll have to wait for the next one .

I was on the other day and saw an area saying "This Area for Bicycle and Stroller Storage". I *think* the idea is that you flip that section of seats up to make room for bike/stroller. That area was adjacent to the rear doors. As far as restrictions, I'll defer to JMasek.

I was on the other day and saw an area saying "This Area for Bicycle and Stroller Storage". I *think* the idea is that you flip that section of seats up to make room for bike/stroller. That area was adjacent to the rear doors. As far as restrictions, I'll defer to JMasek.

 

Those seats do flip up, I've seen several people put bikes there.  I *think* it is designed to hold two bikes.

I was on the other day and saw an area saying "This Area for Bicycle and Stroller Storage". I *think* the idea is that you flip that section of seats up to make room for bike/stroller. That area was adjacent to the rear doors. As far as restrictions, I'll defer to JMasek.

 

Those seats do flip up, I've seen several people put bikes there.  I *think* it is designed to hold two bikes.

 

It can hold 2 bikes, and most drivers will put the seats up before they start their run.  However, almost immediately, passenegers put the seats down and sit in them, which can make for an uncomfortable situation when someone boards with a bike. 

 

I think a preferred solution here is to perhaps keep the single seat that folds (for someone with a stroller or bike) and remove the other 2 seats and replace with some sort of simple bike hook or other strap.  RTA has already made a series of interior modifications on healthline fasteners, grab bars, etc., so I think something could be tried here.

Does anyone know what the bicycle policy is on the HealthLine? I've yet to see any bikes on board, but I believe there aren't the bike racks up front, either. Just wondering if it's okay to board with bike, if there are any restrictions on which stations bikes can come from and whether there are any rush hour prohibitions.

 

I've been back in Cleveland for about two weeks now and am riding the HealthLine twice a day on workdays. It's been a great ride, and I really must send my thanks to RTA for how it's improved the physical environment of Euclid Avenue. The pockets of neglect and vacancy on the street seem much more manageable now ... like a robust 10-year corridor-long development plan could really patch almost everything from Public Square to University Circle, at least cosmetically. The public art and the plantings are beautiful, and I love that the plantings vary from station to station. Coupled with the brick sidewalks and planters west of CSU into downtown, it really is extraordinary how much improvement has been made to Euclid since I moved to Cleveland in 2002. Thanks RTA!

 

My sole complaints with the line are the loud, omnipresent squeaking caused by the articulated part of the bus (although I think that's pretty unavoidable and minor) and the bunching that a number of forumers have previously mentioned. Inevitably, I end up seeing 2 or 3 buses passing as I approach Euclid Avenue, and then when I get to the station, I typically have to wait for 7-11 mins (once 14) for the next one. I do realize, however, that it can be equally frustrating when the buses slow to try to reduce the bunching; this morning my driver pulled over and stopped for 90 secs. or so, 20 feet before the station platform I wanted to get off at. Ugh.

 

Still, the travel time is not bad at all, and it's definitely helping me live car-free. And I'm sure the kinks will get worked out.

 

The other problem I'm finding now that it's summer is that it is HOT in the healthline buses.  I mean, I'm sure the driver is comfortable.  But when you've been walking to catch the bus, and then you get on a bus with lots of people with windows that don't open (it's fine on regular buses where the windows do open!), it makes for a pretty miserable riding experience.  Please tell the drivers to wear a sweater and turn the AC on!!!!!  It would be so much more comfortable for everyone.

Does anyone know what the bicycle policy is on the HealthLine? I've yet to see any bikes on board, but I believe there aren't the bike racks up front, either. Just wondering if it's okay to board with bike, if there are any restrictions on which stations bikes can come from and whether there are any rush hour prohibitions.

 

I've been back in Cleveland for about two weeks now and am riding the HealthLine twice a day on workdays. It's been a great ride, and I really must send my thanks to RTA for how it's improved the physical environment of Euclid Avenue. The pockets of neglect and vacancy on the street seem much more manageable now ... like a robust 10-year corridor-long development plan could really patch almost everything from Public Square to University Circle, at least cosmetically. The public art and the plantings are beautiful, and I love that the plantings vary from station to station. Coupled with the brick sidewalks and planters west of CSU into downtown, it really is extraordinary how much improvement has been made to Euclid since I moved to Cleveland in 2002. Thanks RTA!

 

My sole complaints with the line are the loud, omnipresent squeaking caused by the articulated part of the bus (although I think that's pretty unavoidable and minor) and the bunching that a number of forumers have previously mentioned. Inevitably, I end up seeing 2 or 3 buses passing as I approach Euclid Avenue, and then when I get to the station, I typically have to wait for 7-11 mins (once 14) for the next one. I do realize, however, that it can be equally frustrating when the buses slow to try to reduce the bunching; this morning my driver pulled over and stopped for 90 secs. or so, 20 feet before the station platform I wanted to get off at. Ugh.

 

Still, the travel time is not bad at all, and it's definitely helping me live car-free. And I'm sure the kinks will get worked out.

 

The other problem I'm finding now that it's summer is that it is HOT in the healthline buses.  I mean, I'm sure the driver is comfortable.  But when you've been walking to catch the bus, and then you get on a bus with lots of people with windows that don't open (it's fine on regular buses where the windows do open!), it makes for a pretty miserable riding experience.  Please tell the drivers to wear a sweater and turn the AC on!!!!!  It would be so much more comfortable for everyone.

 

I'm not meaning to sound snarky or begin a debate on the topic, but I see nothing impertinent about a passenger walking up to the driver themself and asking for the climate control to be adjusted. I've done it many times. This doesn't mean yelling from the back of the vehicle, "hey, turn on the ^#*&$%! air conditioning!!!", as I've unfortunately sometimes heard. It also doesn't mean keeping a window open after the air conditioning has been turned on -- overwork of an A/C compressor is a sure way to kill it, and attempting to cool the entire outdoors is a sure way to overwork it.

 

You are correct in one point - the driver's seat environment isn't necessarily representative of the rest of the vehicle, and sometimes the driver may simply forget. A gentle, polite reminder is usually all that's needed. My personal experience on the RTVs is that they're usually kept at a reasonable temperature.

The other problem I'm finding now that it's summer is that it is HOT in the healthline buses. I mean, I'm sure the driver is comfortable. But when you've been walking to catch the bus, and then you get on a bus with lots of people with windows that don't open (it's fine on regular buses where the windows do open!), it makes for a pretty miserable riding experience. Please tell the drivers to wear a sweater and turn the AC on!!!!! It would be so much more comfortable for everyone.

 

I'm not meaning to sound snarky or begin a debate on the topic, but I see nothing impertinent about a passenger walking up to the driver themself and asking for the climate control to be adjusted. I've done it many times. This doesn't mean yelling from the back of the vehicle, "hey, turn on the ^#*&$%! air conditioning!!!", as I've unfortunately sometimes heard. It also doesn't mean keeping a window open after the air conditioning has been turned on -- overwork of an A/C compressor is a sure way to kill it, and attempting to cool the entire outdoors is a sure way to overwork it.

 

You are correct in one point - the driver's seat environment isn't necessarily representative of the rest of the vehicle, and sometimes the driver may simply forget. A gentle, polite reminder is usually all that's needed. My personal experience on the RTVs is that they're usually kept at a reasonable temperature.

 

I didn't mean to sound snarky either, it's just that the situation on the healthline is similar to the trains where the windows do not open.  It's always cold on the trans (which is way better than continuing to roast in your own sweat), but very few healthline buses I've been on have had the A/C turned on.  I just hate getting to work sweaty :(.  I have no problem requesting the driver to turn on the A/C, I just thought it would be standard policy or something to use the A/C during the summer when there is no other possible ventilation for the passengers.

The other problem I'm finding now that it's summer is that it is HOT in the healthline buses.  I mean, I'm sure the driver is comfortable.  But when you've been walking to catch the bus, and then you get on a bus with lots of people with windows that don't open (it's fine on regular buses where the windows do open!), it makes for a pretty miserable riding experience.  Please tell the drivers to wear a sweater and turn the AC on!!!!!  It would be so much more comfortable for everyone.

 

I'm not meaning to sound snarky or begin a debate on the topic, but I see nothing impertinent about a passenger walking up to the driver themself and asking for the climate control to be adjusted. I've done it many times. This doesn't mean yelling from the back of the vehicle, "hey, turn on the ^#*&$%! air conditioning!!!", as I've unfortunately sometimes heard. It also doesn't mean keeping a window open after the air conditioning has been turned on -- overwork of an A/C compressor is a sure way to kill it, and attempting to cool the entire outdoors is a sure way to overwork it.

 

You are correct in one point - the driver's seat environment isn't necessarily representative of the rest of the vehicle, and sometimes the driver may simply forget. A gentle, polite reminder is usually all that's needed. My personal experience on the RTVs is that they're usually kept at a reasonable temperature.

 

I didn't mean to sound snarky either, it's just that the situation on the healthline is similar to the trains where the windows do not open.  It's always cold on the trans (which is way better than continuing to roast in your own sweat), but very few healthline buses I've been on have had the A/C turned on.  I just hate getting to work sweaty :(.  I have no problem requesting the driver to turn on the A/C, I just thought it would be standard policy or something to use the A/C during the summer when there is no other possible ventilation for the passengers.

 

The buses should have the same policy as the trains in this regard and, imo, this is an example of one of the small things that makes riding a train more predictable.  If this BRT line is going to operate as a rail replacement, then these seemingly small details need attention - especially for people getting on the BRT in a suit.

 

Is there an RTA policy for the AC on the healthline or is it always operator discretion?

Concrete update: everything in and around the Cleveland Clinic part of the EC still looks like new; there are no signs of winter/salt damage that my untrained eye can spot.

 

Can anyone vouch for other sections?

 

Any official update on the concrete issue?

Holy crap the healthline just imploded, and I mean hard core imploded.

 

The scrolling LED signs that list the arrival times of the next couple of buses don't seem to be working AT ALL regardless of the station.  That was the least of commuters' worries today, though.

 

I work on Adelbert Rd., so I can see Euclid the entire time I'm walking from my building to the Euclid/Adelbert stop (which is about 10 minutes time).  No healthline buses passed during that time.  I then waited another 10 minutes to catch the #9 (cause it was running late), and when I boarded the #9 there STILL had been no healthline bus.  So, the poor #9 bus had to stop at every healthline stop and pick up all the healthline riders stranded there.  Now, as you can imagine, the capacity for the #9 severly lacks in comparison to the healthline - not only the seating capacity, but the standing capacity as well.  When you get the isle on a regular bus full of standing riders, it makes it darn near impossible for anyone else to get off the bus.  I'm not one to complain about standing (I actually prefer it sometimes on trains and the healthine), but regular buses just aren't built for standing passengers. 

 

So, because we had to pick up everyone and their mother (and then subsequently let off everyone and their mother), we ended up getting delayed an additional 15 minutes beyond the 5-10 minute delay the bus was already running on.  Finally, when we got to E. 19th, a healthline bus had caught up to us and so the #9 driver kindly directed all the people who had wanted to take the healthline in the first place to exit the bus to board the healthline.

 

Apparently the problem wasn't sequestered to the westbound buses, though.  Through our entire drive down Euclid I saw only three healthline buses traveling in the opposite direction.  They are supposed to run every 5 minutes.  In comparison I saw 4 #9 buses, which run every 12 minutes.  How the heck did I see more #9s than healthline buses!!!!

 

Seriously, I thought my head was gonna explode.  What the heck is going on, RTA?!?!?!

I wonder if it was caused by the repairs on the EB lane of Euclid at the intersection of E.18th.  It wouldn't allow EB traffic through. 

^The detour at Public Square for the orchestra concert started yesterday too, but I can't imagine that causing such huge delays in service.

To those people inconvenienced by the HealthLine issues, I sincerely apologize.

 

I have forwarded your post to those in charge of service. Thanks for sharing.

To those people inconvenienced by the HealthLine issues, I sincerely apologize.

 

I have forwarded your post to those in charge of service. Thanks for sharing.

 

Thanks, Jerry.  It was seriously just like all the buses had vanished - very strange.  Not sure why the scrolling signs weren't working, though.  The WB Adelbert one definitely wasn't working, and since we were stopped at so many stops for so long loading and unloading, I kept looking out the window to check the scrolling signs elsewhere too and never once saw a bus ETA.

I haven't seen the ETA readouts working properly for some time... none of them.  Occasionlly I see one working but it isn't accurate.  I think it's time to audit what's still not functional (signal timing?) and hammer some vendors.  I could have made RTA better fare machine faceplates in my basement in the time it's taken that vendor to fix their light dispersion issue. 

 

Many aspects of the health line are looking unprofessionally managed.  I was afraid of that as soon as I saw this stuff being installed.  This garbage has to still be under warranty.  In the name of the people of this county, RTA should begin enforcing these warranties.  This project is supposed to make us proud, not make us apologize.

Holy crap the healthline just imploded, and I mean hard core imploded.

 

*snip*

 

Seriously, I thought my head was gonna explode.  What the heck is going on, RTA?!?!?!

 

Doc-

 

I've forwarded your comments on to the Service Quality Manager responsible for the HealthLine, but there is one key piece of information missing -- approximately what time did this take place?

I haven't seen the ETA readouts working properly for some time... none of them. Occasionlly I see one working but it isn't accurate. I think it's time to audit what's still not functional (signal timing?) and hammer some vendors. I could have made RTA better fare machine faceplates in my basement in the time it's taken that vendor to fix their light dispersion issue.

 

Many aspects of the health line are looking unprofessionally managed. I was afraid of that as soon as I saw this stuff being installed. This garbage has to still be under warranty. In the name of the people of this county, RTA should begin enforcing these warranties. This project is supposed to make us proud, not make us apologize.

 

I guess on that note, I keep having to teach people how to use the fareboxes.  I know they could figure it out for themselves if they stared at it for long enough (like I did the first time I tried to use it), but they tend to ask me if I'm standing there.

RTA, you're the government.  You can strongarm these people.  You don't have to accept getting ripped off.

Holy crap the healthline just imploded, and I mean hard core imploded.

 

*snip*

 

Seriously, I thought my head was gonna explode. What the heck is going on, RTA?!?!?!

 

Doc-

 

I've forwarded your comments on to the Service Quality Manager responsible for the HealthLine, but there is one key piece of information missing -- approximately what time did this take place?

 

5pm yesterday.

Seriously, just take a can of clear matte spray paint and coat the backs of those "Pay Fare Here" signs.  It'll help.  The next step is the software interface... ugh.  There has to be some computer guy who's out of work right now and can fix that.

Lafont, your comments and questions about the lighting, etc. around the Soldiers/Sailors monument were moved to:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,6560.msg407084.html#msg407084

I haven't been to Cleveland in decades, so this thread doesn't impact me in any way, but I ran across this youtube clip of a young man from Grand Rapids, MI checking out this service, showing those of us who are unfamiliar with it how it functions (my apologies if someone already posted this):

 

Oh, speaking of the healthline, as of yesterday, the scrolling ETA signs (at least at Adelbert) were working again.  Thanks guys!

^FYI - Grand Rapids did not approve the Silver Line Millage on the ballot.  It was defeated by a slim 52.3% to 47.7%.

I love that video! Really nicely shot.

 

I can't believe how few people were on the BRT vehicle .. he must've gone really early in the morning or something, because when I rode it, it was jam-packed.

^I would guess a weekend.

Hi Jerry/JeTDoG - another question.

 

Why was the operation of the Healthline station scrolling LED boards changed a couple weeks ago?  Now instead of displaying the actual arrival times of the buses (via some sort of GPS system I can only assume), the boards display the scheduled departure times of the buses like what is displayed at the rapid stops.  I don't understand why this was done, especially considering the buses don't run on the schedule!  Why would you make a negative change like that?  Plus, now the boards display the scheduled times for the next like 7 buses.  Seriously, not necessary.  3 at most is necessary.  Why do I care what time the Healthline is going to arrive an hour from the time I'm standing there?  At any rate, I'm just wondering why something that was working nicely (besides the occasional communication glitch) got yanked from operation.

Hi Jerry/JeTDoG - another question.

 

Why was the operation of the Healthline station scrolling LED boards changed a couple weeks ago? Now instead of displaying the actual arrival times of the buses (via some sort of GPS system I can only assume), the boards display the scheduled departure times of the buses like what is displayed at the rapid stops. I don't understand why this was done, especially considering the buses don't run on the schedule! Why would you make a negative change like that? Plus, now the boards display the scheduled times for the next like 7 buses. Seriously, not necessary. 3 at most is necessary. Why do I care what time the Healthline is going to arrive an hour from the time I'm standing there? At any rate, I'm just wondering why something that was working nicely (besides the occasional communication glitch) got yanked from operation.

 

I was somewhat curious about this as well

Hi Jerry/JeTDoG - another question.

 

Why was the operation of the Healthline station scrolling LED boards changed a couple weeks ago? Now instead of displaying the actual arrival times of the buses (via some sort of GPS system I can only assume), the boards display the scheduled departure times of the buses like what is displayed at the rapid stops. I don't understand why this was done, especially considering the buses don't run on the schedule! Why would you make a negative change like that? Plus, now the boards display the scheduled times for the next like 7 buses. Seriously, not necessary. 3 at most is necessary. Why do I care what time the Healthline is going to arrive an hour from the time I'm standing there? At any rate, I'm just wondering why something that was working nicely (besides the occasional communication glitch) got yanked from operation.

 

I was somewhat curious about this as well

 

^ Bump. 

 

I also hate to resurrect this conversation, but will anything ever be changed with respect to the fareboxes?  Also, is the signal prioritization ever going to happen?  I was waiting for the Healthline at E. 14th this morning, and a family was helping a guy buy a pass out of the machine.  I was just kinda shaking my head in disdain for the machines, and he looked at me and said "I have never in my life seen anything like this!  I'm never coming to Cleveland again!" Turns out he was from Chicago.  I'm usually quick to defend the Healthline, but really, I'm finished defending these new fareboxes.  I was hoping that he would be impressed once he got on the bus, but then we got majorly stuck at every single solitary stoplight.  I had boarded at E. 14th at 7:30am and didn't get to Euclid and Adelbert until almost 8!  I was pretty embarrassed for RTA :(.

doc broc....im starting to think it you.  lol  :wink:  Maybe you should work from home.  lol

Hi Jerry/JeTDoG - another question.

 

Why was the operation of the Healthline station scrolling LED boards changed a couple weeks ago?  Now instead of displaying the actual arrival times of the buses (via some sort of GPS system I can only assume), the boards display the scheduled departure times of the buses like what is displayed at the rapid stops.  I don't understand why this was done, especially considering the buses don't run on the schedule!  Why would you make a negative change like that?  Plus, now the boards display the scheduled times for the next like 7 buses.  Seriously, not necessary.  3 at most is necessary.  Why do I care what time the Healthline is going to arrive an hour from the time I'm standing there?  At any rate, I'm just wondering why something that was working nicely (besides the occasional communication glitch) got yanked from operation.

 

I was somewhat curious about this as well

 

^ Bump. 

 

I also hate to resurrect this conversation, but will anything ever be changed with respect to the fareboxes?  Also, is the signal prioritization ever going to happen?  I was waiting for the Healthline at E. 14th this morning, and a family was helping a guy buy a pass out of the machine.  I was just kinda shaking my head in disdain for the machines, and he looked at me and said "I have never in my life seen anything like this!  I'm never coming to Cleveland again!" Turns out he was from Chicago.  I'm usually quick to defend the Healthline, but really, I'm finished defending these new fareboxes.  I was hoping that he would be impressed once he got on the bus, but then we got majorly stuck at every single solitary stoplight.  I had boarded at E. 14th at 7:30am and didn't get to Euclid and Adelbert until almost 8!  I was pretty embarrassed for RTA :(.

 

there is activity on both fronts, but not sure how quick the resolution will be.

 

1) fare machines.  rta is working with the vendor to change the layout of the screens, improve language, and remove steps so that common transactions can happen quickly.  they have some improved flows, and i think they have reached out to other transit agencies to review their screen flows as well.  font sizes will be bigger, increment and decrement will go away, etc.  there is also some talk of improving the messaging on the front of the machines - where to start, where to pay, perhaps introducing a 1,2,3 system to guide new users.  not sure when any of this will go live, but it is being worked on.

 

2) light timing.  my understanding is that rta is aware of these issues - from both riders and drivers.  the system just isn't tuned as it should be, and at the end of the day it is up to the city's traffic engineer to program and maintain the system.  i don't know if they can't accept bus/pedestrian priority or just don't understand how the new system works.  i would suggest calling the city, talking to council, etc., b/c to date not much movement has happened in getting the lights working properly.  it seems to be an example of "it's good enough" mentality.

Really, he's "never coming to Cleveland again!" because of our RTA fairbox machines?  What a drama queen.  You told him that, right?

That struck me, too. If a farebox is what keeps someone out of a city, I'm surprised this guy ever leaves his house.

farebox complaints and synchronized lights issues are bugs that were bound to happen, but summer's about over and they should have been worked out by now. "it's good enough," now there's a mantra for ya, geesh.

Thanks for the updates, urbanlife.  I'm glad our comments haven't been ignored.  I'll see what I can do about getting on the city's back about light timing :).

 

And yes, that dude was a drama queen with his comment, but we should be impressing out-of-towners in every way we possibly can!  And, as we all know, there's definitely room for improvement with those fareboxes.  I'm sure he wasn't actually serious, but it was probably a rather frustrating way for him to start his day!

The fareboxes are definitely frustrating.  And built for midgets as well(Alright, I know it's for the wheelchair bound, but what about the rest of us)  About a half dozen screens, several options each, always starting on the least likely option, doesn't want to take any money I try to give it, and then it sets my ears a' ringin' with a 110 db shriek, I mean beep, to let me know the transaction is complete.  All while bent over at a 45 degree angle.  I'm not that tall.

First ride on the Healthline today.  You'll recall some months back I asked peeps where I should exit if I am going to my doc at CCF in the Walker Building - now that I'm back to work and on public trans again, I thought I'd try it out for my latest appt with that doc.

 

I won't say it was a complete fail, as I got to and from where I needed to be, but I will not be doing it again.  I can drive from downtown to Walker in usually 10 mins.  It took 30 minutes each way and I had to wait a minimum of 10 minutes for a vehicle both ways.  I didn't get to work until after 11am and my doc appt was at 8:45!  I also arrivedlate to the appointment (15 minutes) and then was extremely late to work and greeted by the usual snark ("Gee, we were going to send out a search party for you," which is boss- speak for why the F were you gone so long?)

 

Eastbound, there were 3 people at 3 stops who told the driver they didn't understand the machines and couldn't get a pass. The first, a young female, whined and tried to get the driver to come out and show her how to operate it (driver - Stan).  He told her he was already over 10 minutes behind schedule and said she could get on, and "risk" an encounter with the transit police or get off and try to figure out the machines herself. They debated about this for seriously almost 5 minutes, with the girl saying the transit police should be at the stops to help people figure out the machines and him saying that they were, sometimes, etc.  She finally decided to 'chance' it and ride with no pass.  The next two who had the same complaint at the door at subsequent stops were male and he turned them away and told them to just figure it out and to "press the silver buttons."  He didn't specifically say they couldn't get on without paying, but he also didn't say anything about taking a chance with the transit police.  There were no transit police on the vehicle either way or at any stop between public square and E 105 either way.  We left downtown at 8:31 and didn't get to Walker/E 105 until 8:57 - is this really supposed to be "faster" than the old bus?  Because it's not.  And with the 10 minute wait to board both ways, that's a 40 minute trip that takes 10 by car.  Not good.

 

On the way home, there was an older, married couple who complained they couldn't figure out the machine and they were turned away and told to just keep trying it.  I heard several people complaining about the boxes on both trips and on the way back, the conversation turned to people who "just don't bother" buying a pass anymore and it sounded like there were a lot of them.  I was never required to show my pass to anyone so I could see how easy this would be and I wager there are a lot of free riders using the healthline.

 

 

So they are starting to "force" people to use the Healthline fareboxes.....  That's a welcome change at least.  The #9 drivers self-patrol their buses on Euclid, but I know that's pretty much impossible with the larger buses.  I cannot tell you how many times people try to sneak in the back door of the #9 at the stops on Euclid, and they always get called out by the driver to furnish proof of payment or pay up.

I had trouble with the fare machines on this and the rta trains, and I've ridden a lot of transit systems. I can't figure out why transit systems can't figure out how to simplify these things...oh wait, they have in Portland:

 

 

You want a single button for each of the functions, and that button does nothing else.  Also, you don't want extra buttons for future uses. 

Plus you want the button to be directly next to the option, not slightly above or below it like on these machines we have.

Plus you want the button to be directly next to the option, not slightly above or below it like on these machines we have.

 

I've seen many people trying to touch the screen as opposed to the ATM-like buttons next to it.

I tried to touch the screen the first time I used it, then I saw the buttons.  But they're not lined up properly next to the item you want to pick, like at an ATM.  ANNOYING.  And to have senior citizen pass as the default is just DUMB.

I've been riding the Healthline 10 times a week since moving back in June, and generally, I've been pretty happy with travel time. Out of over 100 rides, I would say that I've only had two or so that were significantly delayed (delayed by more than 10 mins. of the estimated travel time). I would take these buses, and the streetscape improvements they brought (LOVING the bike lanes ... best ride in town!) - 1,000 times more often than the 6 ... which along with the 326 was one of the most uncomfortably overpacked, frequently stopping lines I've seen in the Cleve. My sole complaint on travel time is the frequent bunching, which leads to some rides being 15 minutes and some being 30 for me. The bunching seems particularly problematic eastbound during rush hour ... there have been times when I've stood for 20 mins. only to see 3 coming in a row.

 

The machines ... well, I still hate those. I think most of the kinks can be worked out, so I wouldn't call it a "fail" per se. I applaud RTA's efforts with BRT and with proof-of-payment riding. But even as an avid fan, I can say that it's a frustrating and confusing system ... all the more frustrating if you get to a stop just as 2 or 3 of the buses are pulling up and you know that you'll likely be stranded there for a while.

 

One very strange and very frustrating issue I've faced ... A couple of times at the E. 24th stop, the display reads "Welcome to Stokes Windermere Station" or something to that effect, and then it seemingly gives the train times rather than the BRT times. Not sure what is causing this glitch, but I've seen it twice at this station now.

I am also a frequent rider (2-3 days per week) and have very few complaints about the timing/efficiency of the vehicle and route.  Having validated quite a few 5-ride cards, I know what buttons to press and can do it quickly.  However, for a new, single-ride fare, I concur that it is a cumbersome (dumb) set of steps and I am still ticked about the "exact change" thing, which isn't going to change.

 

My other complaint is that bike/stroller accommodations on the vehicles are not sufficient.  If you board anywhere but the northwest quadrant of Public Square, you have to ask someone to get out of their seat to store your bike where it's supposed to be.  I like that the new articulated buses (3,22,26) have the front loader bike racks.

Can someone please give better training to the driver of Coach 2918 who, at about 9:30 a.m. today, routinely stopped at the wrong locations at each station. She kept stopping about 10 feet too far forward, with the front doors opening over the short concrete pylons and with the plexiglass station divider pointing at you as you exit. I'm pretty nimble and it is damn near impossible to walk on those pylons! I can't imagine an older person doing it.

 

She did this at EVERY station. At least she was consistent!

Can someone please give better training to the driver of Coach 2718 who, at about 9:30 a.m. today, routinely stopped at the wrong locations at each station. She kept stopping about 10 feet too far forward, with the front doors opening over the short concrete pylons and with the plexiglass station divider pointing at you as you exit. I'm pretty nimble and it is damn near impossible to walk on those pylons! I can't imagine an older person doing it.

 

She did this at EVERY station. At least she was consistent!

 

I think you mean 2918 :).  Several drivers have issues stopping in the right place.....