http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/02/rta_general_manager_gets_contr.html

 

RTA general manager gets contract extension

Posted by Sarah Hollander February 19, 2008 17:21PM

 

A five-year contract extension will keep Joe Calabrese as general manager of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority through February 2015.

 

RTA's board approved the extension Tuesday. Calabrese started at RTA eight years ago. His existing contract expires in 2010. The extension will add $5,000 to both his salary and deferred compensation.

 

Calabrese currently earns about $204,000, plus $12,500 in deferred compensation and an annual bonus of up to $20,000.

For REAL? 

 

As a tax payer I want to see his performance review!  I'm dead serious!

 

Jerry, how do we get to see his performance goals and targets along with his contract?

It difficult.  a couple years ago I was on the red line coming from the airport and this woman was going off on her kids and smacked the hell out of one of them so I told the conductor and at was 98, the police got on.

 

However, you never know what has taken place prior to that incident, like, was the child misbehaving prior to boarding the train.

 

In December me, my cousin, his girlfriend and her 6 year old son were on the way downtown on the train.  Prior to boarding his mom laid out all the rules for him and she warned him he would be punished if he disobeyed.  So we board and sit in consecutive seats, he is in the front, my cousin and his girlfriend right behind and me across from them.  All of a sudden the gets up to walks toward the conductor - and she "yanked" him one good time.  She reminded him of the rules and said, and in angry black mothers clinched teeth voice said,"didn't I tell you to sit down and stay seated" and continued to say, "when we get off this train I'm going to take you in the bathroom and beat your A$$".  I know that my mother would have done the same thing and I would have gotten smacked one good time!

 

The woman next to the conductor was like that is no way to raise a child, and you can't hit a child or teach them anything by violence.  However, she didn't know what transpired BEFORE we boarded.  My cousins girlfriend told the woman, that she appreciated her concern, but she knows whats best for her son.

 

I know the woman's heart was in the right place, but she didn't know the whole story.  It's a catch 22.

 

I still agree with the woman. It's still no way to treat a child. I don't care what transpired. As a parent, it's your responsibility to raise your children up with love, patience and healthy discipline. It's not always easy, but then, don't be a parent. Just because your parents raised you "that way" doesn't mean it's right or the best way.

It difficult.  a couple years ago I was on the red line coming from the airport and this woman was going off on her kids and smacked the hell out of one of them so I told the conductor and at was 98, the police got on.

 

However, you never know what has taken place prior to that incident, like, was the child misbehaving prior to boarding the train.

 

In December me, my cousin, his girlfriend and her 6 year old son were on the way downtown on the train.  Prior to boarding his mom laid out all the rules for him and she warned him he would be punished if he disobeyed.  So we board and sit in consecutive seats, he is in the front, my cousin and his girlfriend right behind and me across from them.  All of a sudden the gets up to walks toward the conductor - and she "yanked" him one good time.  She reminded him of the rules and said, and in angry black mothers clinched teeth voice said,"didn't I tell you to sit down and stay seated" and continued to say, "when we get off this train I'm going to take you in the bathroom and beat your A$$".  I know that my mother would have done the same thing and I would have gotten smacked one good time!

 

The woman next to the conductor was like that is no way to raise a child, and you can't hit a child or teach them anything by violence.  However, she didn't know what transpired BEFORE we boarded.  My cousins girlfriend told the woman, that she appreciated her concern, but she knows whats best for her son.

 

I know the woman's heart was in the right place, but she didn't know the whole story.  It's a catch 22.

 

I still agree with the woman. It's still no way to treat a child. I don't care what transpired. As a parent, it's your responsibility to raise your children up with love, patience and healthy discipline. It's not always easy, but then, don't be a parent. Just because your parents raised you "that way" doesn't mean it's right or the best way.

 

Jpop, as my cousins girlfriend told the woman.  "I'm not trying to raise a disrespectful child."  My opinion, he deserved to have his lil A$$ yanked.  She told him not to move and stay seated, and he knew the consequences if he disobeyed. 

 

He deserved to be punished.  I'm not talking "beat", but a good ass whumpin' is needed every now and again.  She didn't physically abuse him, but she did spank him.  I would have done the same thing.

I have to say I agree.  There is a difference between disciplining your child and being downright mean to them.  I don't think there's too many excuses for telling a 6 year old you're gonna "beat their a$$".  I knew kids growing up that had parents liek that, and they were the type of kids beating other kids' asses at a very young age.  All it does is perpetuate an environment of violence, especially at that young of an age.  Some other type of punishment is more acceptable in my opinion, as the children will learn there are consequences for their actions, not just that you threaten the use of violence to get someone to do what you want.

 

EDIT: And I am in no way an expert on this since I have no children yet, so take it for what it's worth (maybe just an idealistic view of parenting).

So how about that contract extension?!

folks, while I appreciate the passion that the child-rearing conversation has sparked, please take it off-line...

 

KJP, I'll leave it to Jerry to respond to Mr. Calabrese's contract extension announcement and the inquiries it has elicited...

<<As a taxpayer, I want to see his performance review! I'm dead serious! How do we get to see his performance goals and targets along with his contract?>>

 

As long as my name is already out there, I will be happy to be the contact for the group.

 

Please send your request to Jerry Masek, [email protected], or 1240 W. 6th St., 44113. According to Ohio law, the request does not HAVE to be in writing, but I ask you to do so for clarity. It makes it much easier to respond to, and we sincerely appreciate it.

 

Please be as specific as possible when making your request.

 

As soon as I receive your request, I will forward it to the proper persons within RTA, and they will handle it. According to Ohio law, we are allowed to charge a reasonable, per-page fee for making copies of public records.

 

folks, while I appreciate the passion that the child-rearing conversation has sparked, please take it off-line...

 

KJP, I'll leave it to Jerry to respond to Mr. Calabrese's contract extension announcement and the inquiries it has elicited...

 

My last comment was to get the conversation back to a discussion of transit issues.

Question for JMasek (on a whole new topic).

 

Has there been consideration for starting service from the west bank of the flats over to the east bank or the Warehouse district?  The downtown population seems to be growing, the west bank in particular is growing, W6th continues to be strong destination for folks, and the east bank development appears immanent...seems like a good opportunity to investigate. 

 

Perhaps extending the Tremont Circulator to come down Washington, head over the Center St bridge, down Old River Rd, up St. Clair to W 9th, back down Huron to Old River Rd and over the bridge again where it could continue its existing route? It could a nice link connecting Ohio City, Tremont, Flats, and the Warehouse District on one bus line.  Just a thought...thanks!

 

Has there been consideration for starting service from the west bank of the flats over to the east bank or the Warehouse district?  The downtown population seems to be growing, the west bank in particular is growing, W6th continues to be strong destination for folks, and the east bank development appears immanent...seems like a good opportunity to investigate. 

 

Perhaps extending the Tremont Circulator to come down Washington, head over the Center St bridge, down Old River Rd, up St. Clair to W 9th, back down Huron to Old River Rd and over the bridge again where it could continue its existing route? It could a nice link connecting Ohio City, Tremont, Flats, and the Warehouse District on one bus line.  Just a thought...thanks!

 

In the short term, I can tell you there will be no service increases. RTA's resources are stretched to the max, and if any new services are added, existing services will have to be reduced. In the long term...I cannot predict the future...but your idea has merit and I will pass it along. The Waterfront Line is ideally situated to serve the development on the East Bank, and it certainly has the capacity. The last thing RTA wants to do is compete with itself. Again, thanks.

^ Thanks for the quick response.  Perhaps when more of these projects are complete it can be revisited.

^ Thanks for the quick response.  Perhaps when more of these projects are complete it can be revisited.

 

Let's hope not.  I agree with Jerry.  Other than, perhaps, a small trolley-like bus operation connecting the West Bank to the Waterfront Rapid, why would you want to extend the Tremont Circulator into the Flats (which, we hope, will soon be jammed with traffic like the old days) to compete with the Waterfront Line? ... the Waterfront Line will directly serve the FEB development, as Jerry notes.  That's the fastest transit means in getting down there. Why do Clevelanders seems so knee-jerk adverse to this rail line?

 

As connecting the 2 banks, perhaps the best bet probably would be the return of the river taxi service which, once again, hopefully RTA can partially subsidize while the river taxi operator grants discount fares with RTA transit cards

or something similar.

^ Thanks for the quick response.  Perhaps when more of these projects are complete it can be revisited.

 

Let's hope not.  I agree with Jerry.  Other than, perhaps, a small trolley-like bus operation connecting the West Bank to the Waterfront Rapid, why would you want to extend the Tremont Circulator into the Flats (which, we hope, will soon be jammed with traffic like the old days) to compete with the Waterfront Line? ... the Waterfront Line will directly serve the FEB development, as Jerry notes.  That's the fastest transit means in getting down there. Why do Clevelanders seems so knee-jerk adverse to this rail line?

 

As connecting the 2 banks, perhaps the best bet probably would be the return of the river taxi service which, once again, hopefully RTA can partially subsidize while the river taxi operator grants discount fares with RTA transit cards

 

 

I say let the developers come up with a plan. 

 

Why do Clevelanders seems so knee-jerk adverse to this rail line?

 

Dude, I appreciate your comments and understand your passion, I TOTALLY GET WHERE YOU'RE COMING FROM, but seriously, if you or any analyst could answer that question, we'd have higher transportation ridership than we currently do. 

 

^Part of it, I think, is historically pols and transit officials past have discounted rail.  Part of it is a Midwestern thing, I think... The one thing I agree with Joe C on, and Jerry's above comment reflects Joe's mindset on this, is that RTA must stop running buses duplicating/competing with rail lines.  Not only is it flat out wasteful, it devalues rail which should be a valuable asset.  Unlike most rapid transit cites, Clevelanders have to have their 1-seat ride to the door of their destination or either they'll drive ... or simply not go at all.

http://www.riderta.com/PDF/InsideRTA/Insider_2-08.pdf

 

The February issue of Inside RTA has been posted. This publication contains transit news in summary form for community leaders and elected officials.

Great stuff there - especially about going after the earmarks to being construction on some of the new stations.  I was unaware that the Cedar station would begin before the Mayfield relocation.  Terrific!

I agree- that edition really did a good job explaining the current RTA budget issues and putting them into context. 

 

^Part of it, I think, is historically pols and transit officials past have discounted rail.  Part of it is a Midwestern thing, I think... The one thing I agree with Joe C on, and Jerry's above comment reflects Joe's mindset on this, is that RTA must stop running buses duplicating/competing with rail lines.  Not only is it flat out wasteful, it devalues rail which should be a valuable asset.  Unlike most rapid transit cites, Clevelanders have to have their 1-seat ride to the door of their destination or either they'll drive ... or simply not go at all.

 

Unlike most rapid transit cities, Cleveland's system has only one CBD station.  So reconfiguring buses to feed rapid lines turns a one-seat ride into a three-seat ride.  I completely understand that RTA needs to do this because of budget issues- but I can also understand if some riders find driving to be a lot more convenient than a three-seat ride.  Now if the dual hub had been built instead of that stealth bomber that crashed a couple days ago...

Metro Magazine, part of the transit trade press, looks at how systems are upgrading their fare collection procedures. Click on this link to see the entire issue, including a cover photo of Joe Calabrese, and an inside photo of the Euclid Corridor project.

 

http://metro-magazine.epubxpress.com/wps/portal/metro/c0/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3iLkCAPEzcPIwMDC0NTAyNT3yAjM6MQQ0dDI_1I_ShzXPJmzib6ISATM_UjjQwMLUHMAv1IEwP9guzEpCpHRUUAeDPOeQ!!/

 

Jerry, I just want to say thank you once again for making yourself available on this forum.  I heard a great radio piece a week ago about the TSA's blog (http://www.tsa.gov/blog) which serve a similar role: allowing what appears to be a sometimes arbitrary bureaucracy to communicate with the public it serves and explain why it does what it does.  I hope more public bodies start following your or the TSA's lead.

I agree.  As dissatisfied as I've been with RTA's service at times, I invest my money in it every month and continue to urge others to do the same.  I want the problems to be fixed and solutions to be found wherever and whenever that is possible, and at least having someone available to answer questions and have a dialog with has been extremely helpful.

^ Thanks for the quick response.  Perhaps when more of these projects are complete it can be revisited.

 

Let's hope not.  I agree with Jerry.  Other than, perhaps, a small trolley-like bus operation connecting the West Bank to the Waterfront Rapid, why would you want to extend the Tremont Circulator into the Flats (which, we hope, will soon be jammed with traffic like the old days) to compete with the Waterfront Line? ... the Waterfront Line will directly serve the FEB development, as Jerry notes.  That's the fastest transit means in getting down there. Why do Clevelanders seems so knee-jerk adverse to this rail line?

 

 

I am not against the waterfront line at all.  But the waterfront line does not help me in the least bit getting from the west bank to the east bank, ohio city, tremont, or W 6th.  If I am at the Harbor Inn and I want to go over to Panini's, the Waterfront line is worthless.  And current exchange times at Tower City from Waterfront to Red line are long, making the 1-2 mile trip I might be taking to Ohio City not practical...I might as well just walk.  And that's not to mention getting to Tremont from the West bank. 

The  807 circulator goes down w.25th, however going down into the public housing to wait for it is not terribly desirable-it then loops back to tremont. I guess you could pick it up on 25th and Detroit. I have always found walking downtown is easier than taking a bus-it is quicker to go through the flats. I can walk to tower city in 8-10 minutes from my door in the flats. Not bad. Except it is less pleasant in inclement weather or late at night. Of course I wish the e-line could take a pass through the flats and  oc/market area, but at this point I am talking smack.

 

I also find walking to places such as the harbor on the water front line is faster (20-25 min) than riding as it runs so infrequently (30 min or so)...So it only works for me to take it to Shaker Square.

^^Maybe it's just me, but when I hop a train from Shaker/ Shaker Square into the Flats I prefer to walk from the East to West Bank.  Many folks do, esp when going to a PD Pavilion concert in the summer -- it's only a few mins walk over the Center St. Bridge (presuming, of course, it's not swung open for a freighter).   Walking over the Cuyahoga on that narrow, steel bridge looking at both banks coming and going, is one of the neat, uniquely-Cleveland quirky and scenic ventures in town... Is it that far to walk down from W. 25th & Detroit (and Washington)? 

 

The Flats is really very compact and interesting.  I'm a walker and enjoy it.  My biggest complaint, though, is the City has failed to light the path from Settler's Landing to the Center St. Bridge.  Currently, that path is dark and foreboding...

 

If you're old enough to recall, or were in town then, prior to the Waterfront Line, RTA tried running shuttle vans through the Flats from Public Square.  From what I recall, people didn't use them and, I guess, part of the problem is they got stuck in traffic on weekend nights.  Because of the crooked, narrow streets and crowds (we hope will be coming back), buses or vans just aren't effective public transit means down there.  That’s why the Rapid, esp when its crowded down there, is the quickest route in and out of the Flats; its tailor-made for the Flats ... Also, as I mentioned above, I suspect a river taxi will emerge once the FEB project is complete.  But, of course, it wouldn't be under RTA's jurisdiction.  The boats are the easiest (and most fun) way of connecting the 2 banks.

 

If I am at the Harbor Inn and I want to go over to Panini's, the Waterfront line is worthless.  And current exchange times at Tower City from Waterfront to Red line are long, making the 1-2 mile trip I might be taking to Ohio City not practical...I might as well just walk.  And that's not to mention getting to Tremont from the West bank. 

 

I'd be very surprised that, once development like Wolstein's FEB comes on line, RTA doesn't beef up Waterfront Line service, at least to the level it originally was.

the West bank is w/o service and we have more and more going on. Like I said it is no biggie to walk downtown but others may not bother. Too bad we cannot get a zip line or something.  :yap: In all seriousness what it be so horrible to run a little un manned train like thing under the superior bridge and back? I'd pay 75 cents or so.

 

I realize it is posts like this that will keep the RTA guy from coming back..

Jerry,

 

Wasn't the timeline for the Cedar Hill rapid station (University) originally positioned around a 2012 construction date? It is great to hear that it will be done sooner.

the West bank is w/o service and we have more and more going on. Like I said it is no biggie to walk downtown but others may not bother. Too bad we cannot get a zip line or something.  :yap: In all seriousness what it be so horrible to run a little un manned train like thing under the superior bridge and back? I'd pay 75 cents or so.

 

I realize it is posts like this that will keep the RTA guy from coming back..

 

Nah, just look up posts from username "Edsiou"... now THOSE could keep a person from coming back :D. Of course, it sorta looks like WE'VE kept HIM from coming back...

 

Sorry, any time I hear "zip line", I get a certain scene from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" in my mind, but I have a feeling it'll be a cold day in hell before we see Angelina Jolie zipping her way across the Cuyahoga. A people-mover would be an interesting idea for under the Detroit-Superior Bridge, though I imagine the up-front infrastructure cost would be substantial. Any unmanned system has to be run by a computer brain smart enough to account and compensate for people holding doors, stuck/disabled people-movers, etc..., lest you have a crash or vehicles stacking up on one side or the other.

 

In the summer time, I routinely enjoy walking across the bridge on my lunch hour... it's very refreshing, and the views are great.

Jerry, I just want to say thank you once again for making yourself available on this forum.  I heard a great radio piece a week ago about the TSA's blog (http://www.tsa.gov/blog) which serve a similar role: allowing what appears to be a sometimes arbitrary bureaucracy to communicate with the public it serves and explain why it does what it does.  I hope more public bodies start following your or the TSA's lead.

 

Thanks for your comments. I enjoy the repartee (is that the correct word?), and years in journalism have allowed me to type as fast as I think (which sometimes, is not very fast). Our Webmaster, JetDog, can talk more about this, but it is our eventual goal to host a forum or blog or whatever you want to call it on our Web site. There are some technical issues in the way, and we are working to resolve them. The idea is in its infancy, so please do not ask a lot of questions about it, because we have no answers, just ideas.

<<I'd be very surprised that, once development like Wolstein's FEB comes on line, RTA doesn't beef up Waterfront Line service, at least to the level it originally was.>>

 

When there is demand, service will be upgraded to meet the demand.

All this talk about walking makes me long for nicer weather. Both JetDog and I are walkers, (I am also in the Cleveland Hiking Club). Anytime the posters here want to "take their masks off" and join us for a lunchtime walk to talk transit, just let us know. Of course, all walks/hikes will begin at 1240 West 6th St.

Monday's Columbus Dispatch, editorial page, Pro and Con.

 

Should transit be privatized?

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2008/02/25/pro25.ART_ART_02-25-08_A7_I19E43K.html?sid=101

 

Monday's Columbus Dispatch, editorial page, Pro and Con.

 

Should transit be privatized?

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2008/02/25/pro25.ART_ART_02-25-08_A7_I19E43K.html?sid=101

 

 

W/o reading it:

 

Yeah right after the roads are. (and no I ain't talking about no turnpike)

Re: the op-ed on whether transit should be privatized:

 

Kristina Rasmussen is so off-base as to be absurd.

 

Disney does not operate a for-profit transit system.  It operates a for-profit theme

park that costs a fortune to visit, which covers the costs of transit

and everything else in the park.

 

Its transit system is not public, nor is it discretionary.  Visitors have no choice but to ride it

because Disney does not allow them to bring their own cars into the park. 

 

Any comparison between a Disney monorail and a real public transit

system is laughably mistaken.

 

And of course, she quotes the notoriously anti-transit and anti-rail Wendell Cox as an international expert on transit?  Please.  Her entire column is the op-ed version of a Disney fantasy.

Most of us will watch tonight's debate at 9 p.m. on TV-3, but at least one RTA employee will be INSIDE the Wolstein Center. Jorge Lozada of the Telephone Information Center attends CSU, and his name was pulled from the lottery for CSU students. If he is chosen, he will ask a question about funding for public transportation. 

Jerry,

 

I posted this before, but I think it got lost:

 

Jerry,

 

"Wasn't the timeline for the Cedar Hill rapid station (University) originally positioned around a 2012 construction date? It is great to hear that it will be done sooner." 

Here's hoping Jorge gets his chance.  Both candidates needs to be saying more about rail & transit policy and how they plan to address it.

"Wasn't the timeline for the Cedar Hill rapid station (University) originally positioned around a 2012 construction date? It is great to hear that it will be done sooner." 

 

I'm not sure. Target dates are often tossed around because people expect them, but until all stakeholders agree, and until the project is funded, all bets are off. It's kind of like Dick Goddard, who admitted that an eight-day weather forecast in Northeastern Ohio was "a best guess." I do not have his exact words, but it was plain that he does not like the forecasts because so much can change.

I am hoping our RTA expert JMasek can provide some feedback. Do you know who bears the burden of clearing snow in front of bus stops? I have seen piles of show covered in ice and people climbing over to get on the bus. While this is worst after a big snow, it is not uncommon to have unplowed icy areas right where the bus door opens. Is this a city or RTA issue?

I am hoping our RTA expert JMasek can provide some feedback. Do you know who bears the burden of clearing snow in front of bus stops? I have seen piles of show covered in ice and people climbing over to get on the bus. While this is worst after a big snow, it is not uncommon to have unplowed icy areas right where the bus door opens. Is this a city or RTA issue?

This question has been asked before, and believe me, I feel your pain. RTA operates the buses, and plows snow on its property (rail station parking lots, etc.) The bus shelters are built on public sidewalks, so the city or suburb is responsible for snow removal. RTA has thousands of bus stops and /or bus shelters. Keeping them clear of snow would be a great drain on the staff and budget of any one agency. In areas where the city or suburb lacks the resources, it would be great to see landowners and merchants take charge and keep the shelters clean in their area.

When I lived in CH it was an ordinance (is that the right word?) to shovel the sidewalk in front of your house. We were real dorks so we did it, mostly out of common courtesy, but also b/c it was a rule  even though our neighborhood was not so good about doing this and it was not enforced. Can citizens of the city advocate for some sort of enforcement in this area? I mean come on!!! Like I said OC is stepping up to the plate 50% + of the time and downtown (both the city and the businesses)  is dropping the ball. Anyone know what is on the books in Cleveland regarding snow removal on sidewalks? In other snow laden cities you don't see this much snow and ice accumulating and being packed on the sidewalks and certainly not in front of a bus stop. last time I was in Chicago and it started coming down the business were out in force shoveling and snow blowing.

Peabody, I was the one who asked this question earlier and you're right that it's been an issue again the past few weeks... especially with the thaw and freeze that's been happening.  My walks to and from the station or bus have been treacherous because of property owners who aren't shoveling their sidewalks, but when I got to the W.65th Street station on Friday and nearly bit it crossing the pedestrian bridge from Madison to the station house, I was pissed!  That bridge was a huge choppy ice block and if it were flat, that would be bad enough, but there's a ramp too and that was just as bad.  Again, I thank my lucky stars that I'm in good physical form, but when I'm a bit older and can't right myself mid-fall, things are going to get ugly!

 

Also, another comment sent in via the online submission form two weeks back and another no-response.  Who am I supposed to report that to?

^We have crews that clear snow regularly around the stations. If you come across a treacherous site again, please let me know asap. I appreciate it.

New topic: fare collection.

 

I've had a larger share of my rides since the new boxes have been installed where my fare isn't collected than I ever did before.  Is RTA having problems with the new system?  I hope you got a warranty! 

 

Also, in terms of rush hour fare collection on the Red Line... Cedar-University Station has about 25 people boarding  every train during rush hour.  I know there's someone in the booth part of the time, but it's not uncommon for me to get to the station before 6:00 and find the booth empty.  When I get to the platform and there are 25 people waiting to board, I'm praying that they don't open the front door only and require everyone standing there to board and pay, since that would take a good 5 minutes.  Most of the time, they don't.

 

The end result in both cases is that fares aren't being collected and riders aren't being counted.  What gives?

 

Last question... what's up with the E. 105th Street station being front door on and off at all hours?  More than a few times I've seen people in the rear car running like hell to get to the front car (crossing the "plank" between the cars) while the train is stopped at the station.  It's especially bad when that person either A) has kids in tow, B) is blind, or C) is otherwise not very mobile.  I've seen all three and it's a shame!

^Not that it excuses losing fares right now, but won't POP take care of this problem?  I assume all Red Line stations will go without attendants at that point (except maybe Tower City, to answer questions?).

Last question... what's up with the E. 105th Street station being front door on and off at all hours?  More than a few times I've seen people in the rear car running like hell to get to the front car (crossing the "plank" between the cars) while the train is stopped at the station.  It's especially bad when that person either A) has kids in tow, B) is blind, or C) is otherwise not very mobile.  I've seen all three and it's a shame!

 

Weirdly the platform at E. 105-Quincy, I think, is only long enough to accommodate 1 car at a time, so passengers can only enter/exit through the front car.

 

On this subject, I thought the plan at E.105 was to lengthen the platform the normal length to allow 2 to 3 cars to board along w/ a new E.105 headhouse once a) the new E.105 bridge was built, which it has been since the new station was built and, b) when the huge new Juvenile Justice Center is completed nearby on Quincy.

 

Is any of this true, Jerry?

^that would be odd, as it's a new station.  I figured it had more to do with fare collection.  And yes, this station will have a larger role in a couple years as this part of Fairfax sees new investment and the Clinic creeps further south.

From the distance measurement tool on google maps, the new platform (or the part with the yellow caution strip, anyway) appears to be less than 100 feet long, so I think clvlnder is correct that it can accommodate only one car at a time right now.

So many questions, so little time. I was not on-line much today. I promise to play catch-up tomorrow

How will we find out if our trains are running tomorrow morning other than showing up at the stops to find out?  There's nothing on RTA's website.