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I believe the Tokyu cars on the Buffalo system have mechanical stairs that extend for street level/low platform boarding as well.  

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  • Siemens is top-notch. Think of them more as the BMW of light-rail cars. I hope that over the next 15 months as Cleveland's rail car design is finalized, GCRTA doesn't pizz them off or screw this up an

  • GCRTA Board just authorized staff to order another 18 railcars. This will re-equip the Blue and Green lines and allow service frequency to increase from every 30 minutes on the branches (every 15 mins

  • GCRTA wins $130m for new trains By Ken Prendergast / May 5, 2023   In 2021, as chair of the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over public

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On 4/14/2023 at 8:12 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

I'm hoping that RTA implements one of these two ideas to enable all door, level boarding at high platform stations. I think doing this solution at just the two doors planned for low level platforms (front and back) would be fine - most of the low platform stations are low capacity anyway. The middle sets of doors could remain as fixed high platform level boarding. (Especially considering that many low platforms already have the "mini-high platforms" for ADA compliance.)

 

 

 

Always getting stuck at the bottom of a thread page…

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

34 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

RTA board is voting on the new rail car contract with Siemens Mobility at the board meeting this morning. It starts at 9am. Livestream link here:
https://www.riderta.com/events/2023/4/18/board-meeting

Board resolution approved! Friends - we are getting new rail cars in Cleveland!

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

1 hour ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

RTA board is voting on the new rail car contract with Siemens Mobility at the board meeting this morning. It starts at 9am. Livestream link here:
https://www.riderta.com/events/2023/4/18/board-meeting

Oh awesome - I had a break between meetings during the call in period, so I called in and asked about all door level boarding at redline stations. Dr. Caver confirmed that they will have a mechanism to enable all door level boarding at redline stations. He did not clarify how but I was thrilled to learn that they will be doing this.

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

  • Author

GCRTA-railcar-presentation-040423-8.jpg

 

GCRTA gives final OK to new rail car purchase
By Ken Prendergast / April 18, 2023

 

After at least eight years of discussion and planning, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Board Members unanimously voted to approve the Rail Car Replacement Team’s recommendation of Siemens Mobility Incorporated as the preferred vendor to replace their aging rail fleet during today’s GCRTA Board meeting. This follows a detailed presentation and committee recommendation made on April 4.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/04/18/gcrta-gives-final-ok-to-new-rail-car-purchase/

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

Here’s a blog post from transit guru Reece on high floor LRT, like the Siemens S200 vehicles that RTA is buying for the rail replacement project.

 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

Any user reviews on the smartphone fare validation on RTA?

 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

26 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

Any user reviews on the smartphone fare validation on RTA?

 

Was this tweet deleted? I can't find the video or the tweet. Regardless, if the system is working it's the first time in months. I use EzFare, but I just have to show the gate operator my pass in Tower City and then he opens the handicap door. 

13 minutes ago, Ethan said:

Was this tweet deleted? I can't find the video or the tweet. Regardless, if the system is working it's the first time in months. I use EzFare, but I just have to show the gate operator my pass in Tower City and then he opens the handicap door. 

Yes, apparently it did get deleted, although it still shows up for me. Odd 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

GCRTA needs to get with the times and integrate their transit payment system with Apple and Google Pay. The smart card thing is old tech, and EZ Fare is not as convenient plus the app looks outdated (I wish they would have transitioned the RTA app UI into EZ fare.)

Apple and Google Pay integration allows people to easily add money to a transit card and pay with what they use the most, their phone. It’s time.


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On 4/18/2023 at 8:53 AM, Boomerang_Brian said:

RTA board is voting on the new rail car contract with Siemens Mobility at the board meeting this morning. It starts at 9am. Livestream link here:
https://www.riderta.com/events/2023/4/18/board-meeting

 

On 4/18/2023 at 10:08 AM, Boomerang_Brian said:

Oh awesome - I had a break between meetings during the call in period, so I called in and asked about all door level boarding at redline stations. Dr. Caver confirmed that they will have a mechanism to enable all door level boarding at redline stations. He did not clarify how but I was thrilled to learn that they will be doing this.

 

So I've been pestering RTA about how they would do all door level boarding, and their social media people answered. As I suspected, it sounds like it will be a fold-down plate that covers the steps. This should minimize maintenance challenges. (The moveable steps on the SF Muni S200 are rumored to be maintenance headaches.) I really like this simple solution! They said front doors, but I'm assuming it would be both front AND back doors.

 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

Red Line from Puritas to the airport closed May 28- June 10  66R bus shuttle replacement will run. And I’m realizing this is not an accurate description of where the ground transporting center is at the airport. It’s actually off the north end of the building between the terminals and the Red and blue covered lots, not the smart garage  

 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

CWRU take on the shutdown of the redline (also some perspective on work being done): 

 

RTA Red Line closed for the month of April, impacts CWRU students and staff

https://observer.case.edu/rta-red-line-closed-for-the-month-of-april-impacts-cwru-students-and-staff/

 

  • Kinsman Hill: Replacement of switch ties and rail
  • Between East 79th to E. 105th: Removal of brush, weeds, tree limbs and trash
  • Between Cedar to Superior: Resurfacing and tamping of the rail
  • Between Little Italy to Superior: Tie replacement
  • Between Superior to Windermere: Removal of brush, weeds, tree limbs and trash
  • Holyoke to Windermere: Replacement of switch ties and rail
  • All switch locations (Kinsman, Cedar, Holyoke, Windemere): Welding performed at switches/frogs
  • 89th Street Bridge: Replacement of GRS Communications Cable
  • Between E. 79th to E. 105th: Signal Power Cable—minor repairs
  • 79th and Cedar: U.S. Utilities Fiber Optic Project

Edited by GISguy

2 hours ago, GISguy said:

CWRU take on the shutdown of the redline (also some perspective on work being done): 

 

RTA Red Line closed for the month of April, impacts CWRU students and staff

https://observer.case.edu/rta-red-line-closed-for-the-month-of-april-impacts-cwru-students-and-staff/

 

Like the article said, it would’ve sucked if the red line was the only option to get downtown, but that’s far from the case (no pun intended).

 

From Euclid & Stokes, weekday headways for the Healthline are 15 mins, and 30 mins for both the 11 and 9 which also go to Public Square, connecting additional points downtown as a bonus. And that’s just from a single intersection…

 

Combine that with the 3 (Superior), which shockingly runs every 15 mins during the day, barely a 10 minute walk from the northern edge of campus and even shorter for many of the off-campus students in the “Circle North” area. Additionally, the 8 (Cedar) comes every hour less than a 10 min walk from the HEC. All of that and I haven’t even mentioned the 66R with its mere 30-minute frequency. Heck, with a little paint for some dedicated bus lanes, UC to Downtown transit would be top-notch.

 

Edit: Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe this means that transit leaves Greater UC for downtown an average of every 4 minutes as it stands now. With the Red Line running at normal frequencies this “average” would be closer to 3.5 mins. Of course this only applies to weekdays, and totally depends where in UC you get on, but it’s fun to think about nonetheless.

Edited by sonisharri

53 minutes ago, sonisharri said:

From Euclid & Stokes, weekday headways for the Healthline are 15 mins, and 30 mins for both the 11 and 9 which also go to Public Square, connecting additional points downtown as a bonus. And that’s just from a single intersection…

Amazingly the 9 is only 1 minute slower than the bus "rapid" transit option. The 11 is also about the same speed provided you start in the right spot. (screenshot from Mayfield and Euclid to PS). 

 

Screenshot_20230428-144229-189.thumb.png.d096814f9b5f071bf5a32f2900e7297f.png

8 minutes ago, Ethan said:

Amazingly the 9 is only 1 minute slower than the bus "rapid" transit option.

 

I took the 9 yesterday after I missed the Healthline and it's honestly a pretty viable alternative. Depending where you're going downtown, it might even be more convenient.

16 minutes ago, sonisharri said:

 

I took the 9 yesterday after I missed the Healthline and it's honestly a pretty viable alternative. Depending where you're going downtown, it might even be more convenient.

 

A lot of people don't seem to realize the Red Line stops are at the extreme southern tip of the campus and a decent distance east of that end.

10 minutes ago, E Rocc said:

 

A lot of people don't seem to realize the Red Line stops are at the extreme southern tip of the campus and a decent distance east of that end.

True, but it generally works out to about the same amount of time if you don't mind walking. 

  • Author
2 hours ago, E Rocc said:

 

A lot of people don't seem to realize the Red Line stops are at the extreme southern tip of the campus and a decent distance east of that end.

 

It's between the classroom part of the campus and the residential part of the campus. And there's tons of students in those big apartment buildings on the south side of Cedar and in Little Italy as well.

 

And one of these days, some developer is going to realize that zoning for the parking lot between the Little Italy station and that huge UH parking garage allows for a 250-foot-tall building (the same height as The Artisan).

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

CWRU take on the shutdown of the redline (also some perspective on work being done): 
 
RTA Red Line closed for the month of April, impacts CWRU students and staff
https://observer.case.edu/rta-red-line-closed-for-the-month-of-april-impacts-cwru-students-and-staff/
 
  • Kinsman Hill: Replacement of switch ties and rail
  • Between East 79th to E. 105th: Removal of brush, weeds, tree limbs and trash
  • Between Cedar to Superior: Resurfacing and tamping of the rail
  • Between Little Italy to Superior: Tie replacement
  • Between Superior to Windermere: Removal of brush, weeds, tree limbs and trash
  • Holyoke to Windermere: Replacement of switch ties and rail
  • All switch locations (Kinsman, Cedar, Holyoke, Windemere): Welding performed at switches/frogs
  • 89th Street Bridge: Replacement of GRS Communications Cable
  • Between E. 79th to E. 105th: Signal Power Cable—minor repairs
  • 79th and Cedar: U.S. Utilities Fiber Optic Project
Could this all be prep work for the new trains so they'll be ready from Day 1?

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57 minutes ago, MyPhoneDead said:

Could this all be prep work for the new trains so they'll be ready from Day 1?

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None of it seems all that serious.  For the life of me--does RTA not trust their train operators in single-track situations?   Or just shut down a couple hours early for overnight maintenance.   

  • Author
4 hours ago, Cleburger said:

None of it seems all that serious.  For the life of me--does RTA not trust their train operators in single-track situations?   Or just shut down a couple hours early for overnight maintenance.   

 

No, they absolutely do not and haven't for a long time. If they did, we might have already had the Blue Line extension to Harvard/I-271 as a single-track line. That was a cost-effective option. The double-track option wasn't. 

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

It’s odd that single tracking is ok for this, but not the other recent closures. At least the east side red line is running again.

 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

  • Author

Blue-Green-Line-reconstruction-GCRTA-Jul

 

$208m Shaker Rapid rebuild down the line

By Ken Prendergast / May 1, 2023

 

Starting next year and continuing until 2028, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) plans to completely rebuild its two rail rapid transit lines in Shaker Heights, east of Cleveland’s Shaker Square. Called the Blue and Green lines, this would be their first major infrastructure rebuilding since 1980. But not everyone is on board with this $208.2 million initiative that is included in GCRTA’s proposed capital budget, scheduled to get a public hearing May 2.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/05/01/208m-shaker-rapid-rebuild-down-the-line/

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

14 minutes ago, KJP said:

Blue-Green-Line-reconstruction-GCRTA-Jul

 

$208m Shaker Rapid rebuild down the line

By Ken Prendergast / May 1, 2023

 

Starting next year and continuing until 2028, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) plans to completely rebuild its two rail rapid transit lines in Shaker Heights, east of Cleveland’s Shaker Square. Called the Blue and Green lines, this would be their first major infrastructure rebuilding since 1980. But not everyone is on board with this $208.2 million initiative that is included in GCRTA’s proposed capital budget, scheduled to get a public hearing May 2.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/05/01/208m-shaker-rapid-rebuild-down-the-line/

I don't see anything about anticipated closures. Is GCRTA likely to need to stop service entirely to be able handle these repairs? 

 

Also, increased speed and frequency! 🥳

  • Author
28 minutes ago, Ethan said:

I don't see anything about anticipated closures. Is GCRTA likely to need to stop service entirely to be able handle these repairs? 

 

Also, increased speed and frequency! 🥳

 

There will be closures if the capital budget is passed, if they finalize the documentation on the funding (assuming Congress doesn't cut it and RTA can fill in the remaining funding gaps), if they hire a contractor for the price they like, then they will announce closures -- in one to five years from now.

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

The argument of "why should we spend so much money on rail lines where ridership has plummeted" is a conundrum, because one of the large reasons ridership has fallen is that people are tired of the unreliability and constant closers. A rebuilt system with new trains that is fast, efficient, and gets people to more places would completely change people's view of the rapid. 

  • Author
11 minutes ago, mrclifton88 said:

The argument of "why should we spend so much money on rail lines where ridership has plummeted" is a conundrum, because one of the large reasons ridership has fallen is that people are tired of the unreliability and constant closers. A rebuilt system with new trains that is fast, efficient, and gets people to more places would completely change people's view of the rapid. 

 

Yes, very true. But another part is that more people from the eastern suburbs commute to University Circle and the office parks along the I-271 corridor than they do to downtown. The Shaker Rapid serves neither.

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

10 minutes ago, KJP said:

 

Yes, very true. But another part is that more people from the eastern suburbs commute to University Circle and the office parks along the I-271 corridor than they do to downtown. The Shaker Rapid serves neither.

Agreed, but even in your dual-hup proposal in Cleveland Transit Ideas for the Future thread, all of this railway is still maintained and used, so doesn't it need to be updated/repaired anyway, regardless of what we may do in the future? 

 GCRTA is failing to recognize the obvious and come up with a real plan to adapt:  that employment centers in the County have changed in addition to the pandemic changing commuting habits.  GCRTA needs to stop embracing the status quo, get off its rear end, and come up with a vision for a transit system that will serve Cuyahoga County residents better. Part of this vision process should be a listening tour around Cleveland and Cuy. County. Then, take the vision to County and municipal eaders.  Having vision is not rocket science.  It just takes some folks who are willing to have some.  Continuing to embrace the status quo only ensures their demise.

Edited by gildone
To tone it down

  • Author
On 5/1/2023 at 11:11 AM, Ethan said:

Agreed, but even in your dual-hup proposal in Cleveland Transit Ideas for the Future thread, all of this railway is still maintained and used, so doesn't it need to be updated/repaired anyway, regardless of what we may do in the future? 

 

Yes, just because I quoted someone doesn't mean I agree with him. I believe the Green/Blue lines need to be rebuilt. I believe they need more density around their stations. Of course, this isn't appropriate at all stations, especially in Shaker Heights, but there are some stations in Shaker where more density and mixed use is needed to support a transit line whose purpose is more than just getting people to work at one end of the line. The Van Aken District, the Van Aken-Lee-Chagrin area, expanding the John Carroll University campus village south along Warrensville to the Green Line station, possibly developing the West Green parking lots and nearby greenspace, and of course making sure Shaker Square doesn't decay to the point of no return, as well as developing at each station stop west of there.

 

And I would definitely reroute the Blue Line to University Circle. I think that's a must. I would also restart planning for a Blue Line extension to Harvard/I-271 and the Green Line to Beachwood Place. I think lot of Russians and Ukrainians living nearby would probably use it, as would people working at retailers in that area.

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

  • Author

Has to be a pretty big announcement if the FTA administrator is going to be there....

 

For Immediate Release

May 4, 2023

Senator Sherrod Brown & FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez to Make a Special

Announcement at GCRTA’s Rail Equipment Building During Visit to Cleveland

 

Cleveland OH – On Friday, May 5, 2023, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, will join U.S. Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Federal Transit Administrator, Nuria Fernandez, and local leaders to tour the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) Rail Equipment Building, and make a special announcement about transforming our rail services.

 

“Media representatives are welcome to take part in the tour and join the audience to hear the speakers’ remarks regarding the special announcement,” said India L. Birdsong Terry, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.

 

Those speaking at the event include:

 

• U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)

• Nuria Fernandez, Federal Transit Agency Administrator

• U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11)

• India L. Birdsong Terry, General Manager and CEO, GCRTA

• GCRTA Employees

 

The tour begins at 10:45 a.m., followed by speakers at 11:00 a.m. GCRTA’s Rail Equipment Building is located at 6200 Grand Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44104.

 

GCRTA staff will be on-site directing visitors to the rail complex.

 

ABOUT RTA: GCRTA was formed in 1975 with the mission of providing public transit services to the 59 communities and 1.2 million residents of Cuyahoga County. As the largest public transit agency in the State of Ohio, GCRTA’s service options include bus, BRT, trolley, paratransit and three rail lines. GCRTA makes connections that empower individuals, neighborhoods, and communities to rise.

 

# # # #

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

So what could be the special Announcement?  Could it be something to do with the land bridge & transportation center

30 minutes ago, simplythis said:

So what could be the special Announcement?  Could it be something to do with the land bridge & transportation center

I would guess federal dollars for rail car procurement or the recently announced capital improvements to the Blue/Green Line. 

1 hour ago, KJP said:

Has to be a pretty big announcement if the FTA administrator is going to be there....

 

For Immediate Release

May 4, 2023

Senator Sherrod Brown & FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez to Make a Special

Announcement at GCRTA’s Rail Equipment Building During Visit to Cleveland

 

Cleveland OH – On Friday, May 5, 2023, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, will join U.S. Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Federal Transit Administrator, Nuria Fernandez, and local leaders to tour the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) Rail Equipment Building, and make a special announcement about transforming our rail services.

 

“Media representatives are welcome to take part in the tour and join the audience to hear the speakers’ remarks regarding the special announcement,” said India L. Birdsong Terry, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.

 

Those speaking at the event include:

 

• U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)

• Nuria Fernandez, Federal Transit Agency Administrator

• U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11)

• India L. Birdsong Terry, General Manager and CEO, GCRTA

• GCRTA Employees

 

The tour begins at 10:45 a.m., followed by speakers at 11:00 a.m. GCRTA’s Rail Equipment Building is located at 6200 Grand Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44104.

 

GCRTA staff will be on-site directing visitors to the rail complex.

 

ABOUT RTA: GCRTA was formed in 1975 with the mission of providing public transit services to the 59 communities and 1.2 million residents of Cuyahoga County. As the largest public transit agency in the State of Ohio, GCRTA’s service options include bus, BRT, trolley, paratransit and three rail lines. GCRTA makes connections that empower individuals, neighborhoods, and communities to rise.

 

# # # #

My guess is a big funding commitment for the rail cars. They still have a funding gap for the first 24 rail cars, and maybe they could even increase the initial order with a proper federal commitment. Either that or something else that would attract this set of attendees would be exciting. 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

  • Author

I found out what it is. You two gentlemen are correct. The dollar amount is historic for GCRTA. But I cannot report it yet or I will make a certain senator angry.

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

I found out what it is. You two gentlemen are correct. The dollar amount is historic for GCRTA. But I cannot report it yet or I will make a certain senator angry.
I was hoping it was something that wasn't reported like " surprise guys we are announcing funding for a city wide subway system" [emoji23][emoji23]

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  • Author

Unless millions of people flee from climate-ravaged areas to Cleveland, I doubt you'll ever see a subway built in Cleveland.

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

Unless millions of people flee from climate-ravaged areas to Cleveland, I doubt you'll ever see a subway built in Cleveland.
I know but I can dream lol

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9 hours ago, KJP said:

I found out what it is. You two gentlemen are correct. The dollar amount is historic for GCRTA. But I cannot report it yet or I will make a certain senator angry.

Shall we take bets on how much? I’m really hoping it’s enough to increase the initial order. Prior to today’s announcement, total committed funding was $55.5M. Initial rail car order (24 vehicles) + Engineering = $164M. Will we get it all today? Or more to be able to increase the order?
89843681-0851-4B32-9BC1-AE5159BC042D.thumb.png.e873231e4f5eace7f68c17c3d3ea7a74.png

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

Great to see:

 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

  • Author

Biden-Calabrese-Jackson-tour-CRF-051414.

 

GCRTA wins $130m for new trains

By Ken Prendergast / May 5, 2023

 

In 2021, as chair of the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over public transportation, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) championed the creation of a new federal program to fund the replacement of aging rail transit cars. Today, he shared the news that the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) was awarded $130 million from this program to narrow a funding gap in its $393 million effort to replace its four-decade-old rail car fleet. The award represents the largest single grant to the GCRTA in its 48-year history.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/05/05/gcrta-wins-130m-for-new-trains/

 

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

1 hour ago, KJP said:

Biden-Calabrese-Jackson-tour-CRF-051414.

 

GCRTA wins $130m for new trains

By Ken Prendergast / May 5, 2023

 

In 2021, as chair of the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over public transportation, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) championed the creation of a new federal program to fund the replacement of aging rail transit cars. Today, he shared the news that the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) was awarded $130 million from this program to narrow a funding gap in its $393 million effort to replace its four-decade-old rail car fleet. The award represents the largest single grant to the GCRTA in its 48-year history.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/05/05/gcrta-wins-130m-for-new-trains/

 

Fantastic news! $130M in new money on top of previously committed $55M sounds like $185M to me. Initial order of 24 vehicles plus engineering was supposed to be $164M. Does this mean they can order 4 or 5 more vehicles in the initial order?

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

  • Author
10 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

Fantastic news! $130M in new money on top of previously committed $55M sounds like $185M to me. Initial order of 24 vehicles plus engineering was supposed to be $164M. Does this mean they can order 4 or 5 more vehicles in the initial order?

 

Not sure but I would guess they could. For the rail cars, GCRTA is using a large chunk of its four-year urban formula federal apportionment from the current and following four-year periods. The following is considered committed but not awarded. The "committed" number for the next four years is a guess. No one knows what Congress is going to do with the next six-year surface transportation reauthorization. Also a portion of the next four-year urban formula apportionment is from the current six-year surface transportation authorization. So that part is certainly committed but not awarded. Until it is, GCRTA cannot award a bid for the remainder of the rail car order.

 

BTW, GCRTA is very fortunate to be pursuing the new railcars now. Its urban formula federal apportionment more than doubled under the current six-year surface transportation authorization (from about $28 million per year to more than $66 million per year). And Senator Brown's creation of this new rail car replacement fund at the FTA is a huge deal. Without these, I don't know if Cleveland would still have a rail system after 2030.

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

Kaitlin is reporting this is sufficient funding for 50 rail cars, but I trust @KJP more for that type of detail.  Still great pictures!
 

 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

Will the existing light rail stations switch to high level boarding or have a combination of low and high?

  • Author
31 minutes ago, urb-a-saurus said:

Will the existing light rail stations switch to high level boarding or have a combination of low and high?

 

Low-level platforms will remain but all of them will be equipped with "mini-highs" -- i.e. ADA ramps up to the rail car's floor level. I briefly mentioned it in this article....

 

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/05/01/208m-shaker-rapid-rebuild-down-the-line/

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

6 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

Shall we take bets on how much? I’m really hoping it’s enough to increase the initial order. Prior to today’s announcement, total committed funding was $55.5M. Initial rail car order (24 vehicles) + Engineering = $164M. Will we get it all today? Or more to be able to increase the order?
89843681-0851-4B32-9BC1-AE5159BC042D.thumb.png.e873231e4f5eace7f68c17c3d3ea7a74.png

 

1 hour ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

Kaitlin is reporting this is sufficient funding for 50 rail cars, but I trust @KJP more for that type of detail.  Still great pictures!
 

 


Kaitlin responded below. I suppose $343M funded = new $130M + previously awarded $157.5M plus previously committed $55.5Mfrom the previously discussed numbers, but it’s reassuring that RTA is confident. Still need to factor in Ken’s points about annual federal budget process.

 

 

 

When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?

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