With Circle East starting to come along, mixed with the popularity of Uptown and the Circle Square construction, it really makes me wish East 120th street station never closed.

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4 hours ago, MyPhoneDead said:

With Circle East starting to come along, mixed with the popularity of Uptown and the Circle Square construction, it really makes me wish East 120th street station never closed.

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk
 

Fair enough, it would be pretty convenient to have a direct rail connection from Circle East to downtown. With the HealthLine running through there every 15 minutes already, however, I think the station providing the additional frequent transit to Mayfield instead of Euclid is somewhat justified.

 

If we're gonna go back in time, the HealthLine should have been rail.

3 hours ago, sonisharri said:

Fair enough, it would be pretty convenient to have a direct rail connection from Circle East to downtown. With the HealthLine running through there every 15 minutes already, however, I think the station providing the additional frequent transit to Mayfield instead of Euclid is somewhat justified.

 

If we're gonna go back in time, the HealthLine should have been rail.

 

Since BRT without traffic light priority is an oxymoron, this is clearly true.

On 2/3/2024 at 12:13 PM, KJP said:

Some people on social media are mad at me -- a transit advocate saying Sherwin-Williams screwed up because it didn't build enough parking for its new headquarters...

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/02/02/sherwin-williams-parked-its-hq-parking-options/

 

Here's what I said there....

 

The private sector has to build for the monolithic transportation system we have, just as they have to provide health care within the broken health care system we have. A massive, nationwide policy shift is needed. One HQ project in one city isn't going to cause that shift.

 

My suggestion is to use this article in your messaging as Example #526,976 of what's wrong with America's transportation system and how it puts a huge burden on our job-producing private sector. Good luck. For I have little hope this country can change its self-destructive ways.

 

SHW can offer discounted transit passes to as many employees as it may like. But that's not going to cause many to use a starved, skeletal, slow, unreliable and infrequent transit system that doesn't "serve" suburbia where most people (and most SHW employees) live. 

 

A better solution would be for Sherwin-Williams to help workers to afford to live in quality, close-in neighborhoods with multimodal options, like downtown, Ohio City, Tremont etc where they can walk, bike or transit to work. It might save the company and its employees money.

 

Good response, even though I disagree with the obvious parts of it.  Purists can be aggravating.

 

I wonder if the lot owners used their clout to limit SW's construction of integral parking.  

Edited February 5, 20241 yr by E Rocc

On 2/4/2024 at 11:44 PM, sonisharri said:

If we're gonna go back in time, the HealthLine should have been rail.

 

THIS!!!  I 100% agree!!!!

 

Aside from reliability/frequency (because this would apply to both rail and bus, but who really likes buses? no thanks lol)

The most impactful thing that could be done for the RTA Rapid Lines to be useful would be to complete the downtown loop.

The second most impactful thing that could be done to RTA Rapid Lines to be useful would be for the HealthLine to be rail.

The third most impactful thing that could be done to RTA Rapid Lines to be useful would be to make a line down 25th from the Westside Market to ParmaTown or Tri-C West.

 

If the above three things were to be done/added then you'd have just about every major Cleveland location easily accessible via rail: The CBD, CSU, Tri-C, Playhouse Square, UC (Arts, meds, Case etc), Metro Health, the Zoo, the Airport, NASA.... outside of cleveland you'd hit the biggest suburb in Parma and their mall/tri-c location 

 

The only thing major areas missing would be Kamms Corner, Gordon Square and Edge Water. The last two could be covered with a streetcar down Detroit to W.65th, branched off the downtown loop. Kamms Corner isnt vital like the others, but would be nice to have for sure. Maybe there is something they could do to have a branch of the redline from where it crosses Lorain by 150th, and run down the Lorain rd path to Fairview.

 

I'd love for them to find a way to add the above, if they did, I really believe ridership would dramatically increase!

27 minutes ago, NR said:

Aside from reliability/frequency (because this would apply to both rail and bus, but who really likes buses? no thanks lol)

The most impactful thing that could be done for the RTA Rapid Lines to be useful would be to complete the downtown loop.

The second most impactful thing that could be done to RTA Rapid Lines to be useful would be for the HealthLine to be rail.

The third most impactful thing that could be done to RTA Rapid Lines to be useful would be to make a line down 25th from the Westside Market to ParmaTown or Tri-C West.

Absolutely agree.  Bus lines can be improved with (a) dedicated lanes, (b) 15-min frequency, and (c) dedicated bus stops under cover, a la the Healthline or Cleveland State Line. But rails are better.  I would add that there were quite a few of us that hoped that success of the Healthline would be used to justify conversion to streetcar (using the existing platforms for level boarding).   Someday....

Found this on Twitter/X:

13 hours ago, gildone said:

Found this on Twitter/X:

It’s fun to think about, but that wouldn’t make a top ten list of potential rail extensions in Cuyahoga county

9 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

It’s fun to think about, but that wouldn’t make a top ten list of potential rail extensions in Cuyahoga county

It should be.  Having it dead-end in the muni lot is a huge ridership killer.

Edited February 12, 20241 yr by gildone

^ It's kind of ridiculous that a rail line running along the lake wouldn't have many ridership generators, but in our present state it's true (to my eye at least). There's some jobs along that stretch, but that's about it. It would run too far north to be useful for Asiatown, and on the wrong side of the highway to serve the Waterloo Arts district. Serving parks would be cool, but probably not actually good ridership generators. 

 

Personally I think following the other freight line would be a more useful extension (the one that turns south), but it's an active freight line, and it would be non trivial to expand the right of way for passenger tracks. Which is to say it's (probably) not a realistic solution. 

 

Unfortunately, it sort of seems (to me at least) like attempts to extend the waterfront line are a bit of a sunk cost fallacy issue. We want to make the waterfront line useful since we spent money to build it, but if we are going to build new rail lines other places would probably be a better use of those resources. 

it'd have to go thru willoughby to painsville before a waterfront line really made sense

4 minutes ago, Whipjacka said:

it'd have to go thru willoughby to painsville before a waterfront line really made sense

At which point it could just be an extension of the red line. 

12 minutes ago, Ethan said:

Personally I think following the other freight line would be a more useful extension (the one that turns south), but it's an active freight line, and it would be non trivial to expand the right of way for passenger tracks. Which is to say it's (probably) not a realistic solution. 

 

 

Interestingly, that line (built as the Cleveland & Pittsburgh RR, or just C&P), had four tracks on it until the 1950s. So there is room to add more tracks if NS can be convinced to move its two tracks over a track space. NS would want some space or a barrier of some kind between the transit tracks and the railroad tracks.

 

6 minutes ago, Whipjacka said:

it'd have to go thru willoughby to painsville before a waterfront line really made sense

 

It could generate ridership if the ridership was brought to it -- ie: building lakefront high-rises along it north of the tracks and developing the emerging arts district south of the tracks.

Didn't we all want TOD along that section of the Lakefront? 

51 minutes ago, gildone said:

It should be.  Having it dead-end in the muni lot is a huge ridership killer.

 

Hmmm.....wonder if the city would boost the cost of parking a bit and add a stub good for riding the WFL that day?

2 hours ago, KJP said:

 

Interestingly, that line (built as the Cleveland & Pittsburgh RR, or just C&P), had four tracks on it until the 1950s. So there is room to add more tracks if NS can be convinced to move its two tracks over a track space. NS would want some space or a barrier of some kind between the transit tracks and the railroad tracks.

 

 

It could generate ridership if the ridership was brought to it -- ie: building lakefront high-rises along it north of the tracks and developing the emerging arts district south of the tracks.

 

A couple items in one response.

 

I believe that the demand for lakefront high rises east of Bratenhal is often grossly exaggerated in this forum.  As I live in that area and am often over at a friend’s in the Vista, I believe I know of what I speak.   She’s on the lake side, her view is incredible, her place is pretty nice, and her rent isn’t all that high.   The thing is, the shoreline bends north in that area and the wind blows right across the lake, especially in the winter.   It gets cold.

 

Factoid about the Waterloo Arts District.   There is a pedestrian bridge over the Shoreway by E. 167th and Valley View.   The district ends at 162nd where Waterloo becomes Valley View.   The bridge was completely taken out by a truck a few years back.    For some odd reason, it was replaced where it sat, which is medium density residential.  I don’t recall any effort to move it over to the district.   I can talk to Cindy Barber who is my neighbor and Michele Woyton if I grab a burger at the Boardwalk on the way home, but I think I would have heard about it.   That would tie in to if there would be any demand from the District for rail service close by.   Based on my experiences, I have my doubts.

Edited February 12, 20241 yr by E Rocc

48 minutes ago, KJP said:

Interestingly, that line (built as the Cleveland & Pittsburgh RR, or just C&P), had four tracks on it until the 1950s. So there is room to add more tracks if NS can be convinced to move its two tracks over a track space. NS would want some space or a barrier of some kind between the transit tracks and the railroad tracks.

That's really interesting and good to know! Looking at the satellite imagery it looked really tight, but after you point this out, I see what you're saying. Do you know how far south the quadruple tracking went? 

1 hour ago, KJP said:

Interestingly, that line (built as the Cleveland & Pittsburgh RR, or just C&P), had four tracks on it until the 1950s. So there is room to add more tracks if NS can be convinced to move its two tracks over a track space. NS would want some space or a barrier of some kind between the transit tracks and the railroad tracks.

Suddenly NS is concerned with safety?   But they have no problem cutting corners leading to toxic spills... 

1 hour ago, Ethan said:

That's really interesting and good to know! Looking at the satellite imagery it looked really tight, but after you point this out, I see what you're saying. Do you know how far south the quadruple tracking went? 

 

The four-track-wide right of way went to Garfield Heights.

 

57 minutes ago, Cleburger said:

Suddenly NS is concerned with safety?   But they have no problem cutting corners leading to toxic spills... 

 

They are concerned with liability. If a freight train derails, they don't want it to wipe out a rapid transit train filled with passengers who all have lawyers. They will refuse to allow passenger trains on or immediately next to their tracks unless they are fully indemnified against all accidents at up to $500 million in liability, even those in which are found to be NS's fault. The reason is the "but for" clause. As in, if our train derails, it wouldn't have hurt/killed anyone "but for" the presence of the passenger train.

4 hours ago, KJP said:

Interestingly, that line (built as the Cleveland & Pittsburgh RR, or just C&P), had four tracks on it until the 1950s. So there is room to add more tracks if NS can be convinced to move its two tracks over a track space. NS would want some space or a barrier of some kind between the transit tracks and the railroad tracks.

Or build your Lakefront Bypass, so the only NS traffic left would be a few local shippers and the Port.

2 hours ago, gildone said:

Or build your Lakefront Bypass, so the only NS traffic left would be a few local shippers and the Port.

 

Indeed. Still would need to move the remaining railroad track over to the south/west edge of the right of way so that there's one track space separating the railroad traffic from the transit traffic. Unless Amtrak/regional passenger rail is the dominant railroad user remaining. 

On 1/17/2024 at 6:45 PM, KJP said:

January 30, 2024 until further notice

Effective Tuesday, January 30, 2024 until further notice, Red Line riders will utilize the following track assignments to reach their destinations from the Tower City Station:

 

Riders boarding the Red Line eastbound, toward Stokes-Windermere Station, will board the Red Line on Track 8 (the track that normally services westbound traffic to the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport station).

 

Riders boarding the Red Line westbound, toward Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Station, will board the Red Line on Track 7 (behind the Tower City station northern wall, accessed via stairs or elevator on the north end of Tower City).

 

This adjustment is due to repair work being performed above Track 13 inside the Tower City Station.

 

We regret any incovenience to our customers as this necessary repair work is completed.

https://www.riderta.com/riders-alerts/red-line-riders-tower-city-track-adjustments

 

 Video of Tower City Shaker Platforms in use:

 

 

I apologize if this isn't an appropriate place to ask, but do people park overnight at the Brookpark rapid lot for multiple nights? It would be ideal to park there and hop on the RTA into the airport.

 

Edited February 15, 20241 yr by Jax

It’s fun to think about, but that wouldn’t make a top ten list of potential rail extensions in Cuyahoga county

Can we do a study on having it run beyond 7 PM? I would love to ride it to the flats one day [emoji849]

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 Video of Tower City Shaker Platforms in use:
 
 

Tbh I love this Track, idk what it is but I like it a lot more than the traditional track 8. Maybe it's how compact it is, or maybe they lighting.

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3 hours ago, Jax said:

I apologize if this isn't an appropriate place to ask, but do people park overnight at the Brookpark rapid lot for multiple nights? It would be ideal to park there and hop on the RTA into the airport.

 

I haven't done it, but my understanding is that it is ok to park at Brookpark rapid lot overnight. My understanding is that you are supposed to "call them", although I'm not exactly sure who. Hopefully someone who has done it will chime it.

Our county executive!

 

https://x.com/chrisronayne/status/1758485603451125876?s=20

 

For Immediate Release
February 16, 2024
ODOT Awards $9.5 Million To GCRTA For Transit Projects 

Cleveland OH – On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) awarded $9.5 million in grant funds to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) for transit projects as part of the $106 million in funding being awarded by ODOT to 383 transit projects throughout Ohio.

Nine million was awarded from the State Fiscal Year 2025 Ohio Transit Partnership Program (OTP2) for use towards the purchase of two new Railcars, and LED signage at GCRTA HealthLine Stations. 

“This is the fifth year that ODOT has awarded funding to the Railcar Replacement Program and brings the total ODOT funding to $42.1 million,” said GCRTA Deputy General Manager Engineering & Project Management, Michael J. Schipper. “With this award GCRTA has now raised $363.5 million of the $393 million total program budget.” 

GCRTA was also awarded another $400,000 from the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program for use towards bus shelter and bus stop improvements at up to 44 locations throughout Cuyahoga County. 

“Funding opportunities such as these underscore the importance of public transportation to our region and subsequent investment in our communities. We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this round of funding and appreciate ODOT’s continued support of our Railcar Replacement Program, and assistance in improving our bus signage, shelters and stops throughout the Greater Cleveland area,” said GCRTA General Manager, Chief Executive Officer India L. Birdsong Terry.

The grant programs are funded through state general revenue funds and United States Department of Transportation funding awarded to ODOT.

###

anyone have an idea if RTA plans on resuming regular train service to the waterfront? Bridge has been fixed since September and we're entering spring time pretty soon.  

^Mark Oprea from Scene asked RTA for an update and they were non-committal. 
 

Separately, nice comments from Ronayne:

 

I've heard there is a problem developing with RTA stations turning into homeless shelters. I've seen that once at BP. Also this morning, the BP station smelled like urine upstairs.  What is India Birdsong doing about this? 

I try to look at the Glass half full for the RTA but this organization really doesn't want to progress, just maintain the status quo. We can't even do simple things right. 

3 hours ago, MyPhoneDead said:

I try to look at the Glass half full for the RTA but this organization really doesn't want to progress, just maintain the status quo. We can't even do simple things right. 

You are generous.  If they can't keep the stations secure (and don't they have the largest transit police force in the state?) How are do they expect people to want to ride RTA?

A bit of good news. I called the RTA comment line this morning to report a strong urine smell at the Brookpark Raipd station. When I came back a few hours later, they had cleaned it up.  I suppose they are trying with some things.

1 hour ago, gildone said:

You are generous.  If they can't keep the stations secure (and don't they have the largest transit police force in the state?) How are do they expect people to want to ride RTA?

 

They seriously need to go back to manning the entrance booths and making the platforms paid fare only.

42 minutes ago, E Rocc said:

 

They seriously need to go back to manning the entrance booths and making the platforms paid fare only.

 

Yep. And it sure would be great if there were some type of retail presence at the stations. Having more people around would definitely make the areas seem safer, especially at night. Also that means more stakeholders for keeping the stations clean and welcoming, which we all know is not always the case. Anyhow RTA needs to start thinking outside of the box more, that status quo is just not acceptable. 

 

 

How to keep people with options from using your system:

https://www.cleveland19.com/video/2024/02/23/massive-brawl-breaks-out-cleveland-rtas-healthline-3/

 

GCRTA’s new East 79th rail station is an Opportunity
By Ken Prendergast / February 25, 2024

 

Planning and design work has advanced far enough on the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) new East 79th Street Blue/Green Line light-rail station to where renderings are being shared publicly. NEOtrans secured a copy of the designs and is publishing them here. But the plans are part of something larger — a growing investment in Cleveland’s Kinsman neighborhood.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/02/25/gcrtas-new-east-79th-rail-station-is-an-opportunity/

On 2/12/2024 at 10:39 AM, KJP said:

It could generate ridership if the ridership was brought to it -- ie: building lakefront high-rises along it north of the tracks and developing the emerging arts district south of the tracks.

Hey long time listener, first time posting on here.  I'm probably missing a few previous discussions, it's hard to go back through all of these pages to see everything.

 

I'm still a big fan of the Downtown loop extension idea from All Aboard Ohio a few years ago.  I think demand for ridership continuing east to the Gordon Park area would take decades to be realized, and wouldn't really generate much growth for the city.  Once other areas are filled in, maybe then we look towards that project.  The Downtown extension would serve immediate needs, and generate a lot of development which would extend the main Downtown area north of Chester out from the E12/13th area to the E20/22nd area.  With E18th seeming to be the target of a future shoreway exit, run the tracks down E17th north of Euclid.  Make this a transit only street.  Along with this, upgrading the Healthline to rail would probably get it back up near those initial ridership numbers.

 

Then we have to make some sort of Central Downtown transit.  I really believe the population growth of Downtown is limited by the lack of any transit option serving it.  Make the B-Line trolley a streetcar that runs every day, and after 7pm.  Run this on Euclid sharing the Healthline track, and then up E17th on the blue/green/waterfront extension before turning down Lakeside and running the rest of the current trolley path.  Having these 3 lines share some track creates a lot of flexibility and some cost savings for RTA, while getting more use for their money, and also provides an easy way for the Healthline and B-Line to get back to the main rail yard and maintenance shed, preventing the need to construct another space for their storage. 

 

It would be a huge boost for small businesses all over Downtown by expanding the areas people are willing to go to before games, shows, and other events.  It would also make Downtown more lively during the winter and other bad weather days, as now people have to be outside for less than 5 minutes to get anywhere.  Our population numbers along this line would be much greater than the Cincy streetcar, and they're getting great ridership numbers.  This and the blue/green loop also make the red/blue/green lines much more usable for all Downtown residents and visitors.  Now someone who, even if they live near an existing line, would typically just drive to a place like Noble Beast or Masthead will have easy transit access to them and other businesses further away from Tower City.  Someone who lives Downtown can now take the streetcar to 2 different full service grocery stores. 

 

And then you have a ton of parking lots or other underutilized buildings that can now be developed in the east and northeast of Downtown within a 5 minute walk of 2 frequent train lines.  The potential Greyhound site development could become even bigger.  This isn't even including the potential development this could help in the North Coast/Lakefront area, the potential to develop some of the Muni lot land, and the massive parking lot in the Warehouse District.

 

These 3 lines would put every inch of the central Downtown area within a 5 minute walk of one of them, outside of the high car traffic and highway entrance/exit area of the Gateway District.  Ideally, the Healthline, B-Line, and other potential streetcar lines(like W25th to Old Brooklyn/Zoo) could terminate on a partially car free W Prospect.  That way they are directly above the other rail service for easy transfers and with the Riverfront development it will drop people off just up the hill.  I didn't set up the maps that way though, as right now I feel like Public Square would be the main space the city would want to use  

 

 

 

 

I have some other future transit lines with more population data and other fun stuff I'll add to discussions at some point.

 

On 3/1/2024 at 4:50 PM, PlanCleveland said:

Hey long time listener, first time posting on here.  I'm probably missing a few previous discussions, it's hard to go back through all of these pages to see everything.

 

I'm still a big fan of the Downtown loop extension idea from All Aboard Ohio a few years ago.  I think demand for ridership continuing east to the Gordon Park area would take decades to be realized, and wouldn't really generate much growth for the city.  Once other areas are filled in, maybe then we look towards that project.  The Downtown extension would serve immediate needs, and generate a lot of development which would extend the main Downtown area north of Chester out from the E12/13th area to the E20/22nd area.  With E18th seeming to be the target of a future shoreway exit, run the tracks down E17th north of Euclid.  Make this a transit only street.  Along with this, upgrading the Healthline to rail would probably get it back up near those initial ridership numbers.

 

Then we have to make some sort of Central Downtown transit.  I really believe the population growth of Downtown is limited by the lack of any transit option serving it.  Make the B-Line trolley a streetcar that runs every day, and after 7pm.  Run this on Euclid sharing the Healthline track, and then up E17th on the blue/green/waterfront extension before turning down Lakeside and running the rest of the current trolley path.  Having these 3 lines share some track creates a lot of flexibility and some cost savings for RTA, while getting more use for their money, and also provides an easy way for the Healthline and B-Line to get back to the main rail yard and maintenance shed, preventing the need to construct another space for their storage. 

 

It would be a huge boost for small businesses all over Downtown by expanding the areas people are willing to go to before games, shows, and other events.  It would also make Downtown more lively during the winter and other bad weather days, as now people have to be outside for less than 5 minutes to get anywhere.  Our population numbers along this line would be much greater than the Cincy streetcar, and they're getting great ridership numbers.  This and the blue/green loop also make the red/blue/green lines much more usable for all Downtown residents and visitors.  Now someone who, even if they live near an existing line, would typically just drive to a place like Noble Beast or Masthead will have easy transit access to them and other businesses further away from Tower City.  Someone who lives Downtown can now take the streetcar to 2 different full service grocery stores. 

 

And then you have a ton of parking lots or other underutilized buildings that can now be developed in the east and northeast of Downtown within a 5 minute walk of 2 frequent train lines.  The potential Greyhound site development could become even bigger.  This isn't even including the potential development this could help in the North Coast/Lakefront area, the potential to develop some of the Muni lot land, and the massive parking lot in the Warehouse District.

 

These 3 lines would put every inch of the central Downtown area within a 5 minute walk of one of them, outside of the high car traffic and highway entrance/exit area of the Gateway District.  Ideally, the Healthline, B-Line, and other potential streetcar lines(like W25th to Old Brooklyn/Zoo) could terminate on a partially car free W Prospect.  That way they are directly above the other rail service for easy transfers and with the Riverfront development it will drop people off just up the hill.  I didn't set up the maps that way though, as right now I feel like Public Square would be the main space the city would want to use  

 

 

 

 

I have some other future transit lines with more population data and other fun stuff I'll add to discussions at some point.

 

This is still a good idea. I'd like to see someone run with it.

Shoutout to Lakewood High School for taking the rapid to Case Western Reserve:

 

 

Last chance to see the Shaker Line platforms. 

 

That was a pain in the ass last Thursday and waiting 40ish minutes heading west for a red line SUCKED, but it is what it is. Maintenance can't be avoided.

 

I get playing Candy Crush is a top priority for some RTA personnel, but someone should be monitoring that creepy, isolated stairwell  - I can see things happening badly quickly.

 

 

Edited March 13, 20241 yr by TBideon

On 3/13/2024 at 12:22 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

Last chance to see the Shaker Line platforms. 

 

 

Wished I'd gotten to see the Shaker station and looked around a bit, but I haven't had an occasion to ride the Red Line since the Feast of the Assumption last August. Shows how unimportant transit has become, at least to me. Although I did ride the bus two times in the eight months since. Sadly, that right there means I've ridden transit more than most Greater Clevelanders.

Regarding the old Shaker platforms, Bill @neony and I and a few other people rode the red line after the last AAO meet up to check them out. I took pictures and some videos, which I will post later. But a transit YouTuber did travel to Cleveland specifically to check these out, and here’s his video:

 

Decrepitude, cramped quarters make riding transit regrettable in Cleveland: Justice B. Hill

 

Quote from artical:

I’d like to chip in to help the transit authority, which moves over 75,000 people a day, but I won’t vote for a tax hike (or a renewal) to fund improvements until Birdsong-Terry & Co. figure out how to collect fares that only a few riders seem to pay.

Can't blame, Justice. I could literally take the train from Hopkins to Little Italy without paying a single dime if I didn't have a conscience. Let's be real. The only ones paying are getting on or off at Tower city. You mean to tell me you can't afford turnstiles at each station? Or has the term "freeloader" now become a four letter word?

 

Taking DC's metro for a day made my Red Line ride from the airport to Tower City even more assbackwards than I originally thought. 

Edited March 22, 20241 yr by AsDustinFoxWouldSay
addition of text

3 hours ago, Rustbelter said:

Decrepitude, cramped quarters make riding transit regrettable in Cleveland: Justice B. Hill

 

Quote from artical:

I’d like to chip in to help the transit authority, which moves over 75,000 people a day, but I won’t vote for a tax hike (or a renewal) to fund improvements until Birdsong-Terry & Co. figure out how to collect fares that only a few riders seem to pay.

It has always annoyed me that I never see the transit police actually on transit. I understand the need to have some of them driving around to be able to respond across the network, but it's a waste of resources if that's all they do. I wish they would do what many other countries have with officers getting on and off trains randomly every few stops. This would provide frequent safety and cleanliness checks, as well as another way to check for fare payment. I've seen where there are no turnstiles, but most rides will have someone coming around once you're on board to scan your tickets, and issue a fine right then or call for an officer at the next stop if needed.

1 hour ago, PlanCleveland said:

It has always annoyed me that I never see the transit police actually on transit. I understand the need to have some of them driving around to be able to respond across the network, but it's a waste of resources if that's all they do. I wish they would do what many other countries have with officers getting on and off trains randomly every few stops. This would provide frequent safety and cleanliness checks, as well as another way to check for fare payment. I've seen where there are no turnstiles, but most rides will have someone coming around once you're on board to scan your tickets, and issue a fine right then or call for an officer at the next stop if needed.

RTA police are legally not allowed to be the ones checking fares (RTA lost a court case on Constitutional grounds); but I fully agree with the rest of your post. It makes no sense how little time RTA police spend actually on trains and buses. I’m hoping RTA dramatically increases its relatively new Ambassador program - they should be the fare checking resources. (RTA police can still assist with enforcement, they just can’t be the proof of payment checkers).

31 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

RTA police are legally not allowed to be the ones checking fares (RTA lost a court case on Constitutional grounds); but I fully agree with the rest of your post. It makes no sense how little time RTA police spend actually on trains and buses. I’m hoping RTA dramatically increases its relatively new Ambassador program - they should be the fare checking resources. (RTA police can still assist with enforcement, they just can’t be the proof of payment checkers).

RTA let a Cleveland Municipal Court judge's misplaced 4th Amendment decision stand; no appeal so it has ''Ambassadors'' checking fares.  Ruined the whole concept of the HealthLine and now has infected the rapid lines.  The rapid is basically free provided you're not entering or exiting at Tower City and homeless are allowed on it open-ended as described in Justice's article...because RTA cops can't do fare checks?  

 

RTA could have easily challenged the erroneous Muni Court judge ruling but didn't want the racial backlash and bad PR...so now we have what we have on the diminished HealthLine and basically a free Red Line ride.