The proof of payment system is still being tested. We hope to have it operational next week. Traditionally, changing the fare collection system is troublesome for any transit agency.

Last night, a little before 7:30, I saw a man being arrested at the Tower City rapid stop.  There were about half a dozen cops surrounding and escorting the gentleman away from the tracks.  Does anyone know what happened?

This in response to an earlier question about rail car maintenance. It was written by a rail supervisor and is repeated here verbatim.

 

All trains receive regular Preventative Maintenance Inspections. Light Rail every 3,000 miles, Heavy Rail every 5,000 miles. This equals about every 5 weeks for Heavy Rail, about 6 weeks for Light Rail. Doors and windows (and all other systems) are checked for condition and operation. Cars are also turned in for problems ("Defects") by Operators. Operators call the Defect in to Tower Control, the car is either removed from service and sent to the Shop, or allowed to finish its assignment and then brought to the Shop. The Shop is informed about in-service problem cars one of three ways: 1) Operator calls Tower, Tower Control inputs a computerized Work Request to the Shop. 2) Yard Control calls the Shop on phone, Shop inputs own Work Order. 3) Shop Supervision nightly reviews a Tower log of all cars who's Operators called in a problem, or where Tower Control otherwise recognized a car problem. Any problem cars found on Tower log which have not yet been to Shop are requested ("Called In") by Shop Supervisor. We encourage you to include car number, station, direction, time of day, Operator I.D. number or any other clue to actual rail car identity. Any car identified as a Defect will be Called In before the next morning. If necessary, the Shop Supervisor will ride the Block where problem is occurring.

Oct. 28, 2008

 

RTA retains rush-hour service on #75X route

 

CLEVELAND – Officials of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) have modified their plans for the #75X bus route.

 

Because of financial issues, RTA had planned to remove all #75X trips from Clifton Blvd., effective Nov. 9, and end the route at the West Park Rapid Station.

 

However, over the last several weeks, it was determined that eliminating all #75X trips could result in capacity issues along Clifton Blvd.

 

Now, RTA will operate four morning and four evening trips on the #75X on Clifton Blvd. All other peak and off-peak trips on #75X will terminate at the West Park Rapid Station.

 

“Scheduling these trips to continue to travel directly downtown will benefit our customers in North Olmsted, Fairview Park, Lakewood and Cleveland,” says RTA CEO & General Manager Joe Calabrese.

 

The eight trips are:

 

AM eastbound times

· Leave the county line at 5:55 a.m., arrive Public Square at 6:54 a.m., arrive CSU at 7:03 a.m.

· 6:24 a.m., 7:23 a.m., 7:32 a.m.

· 6:48 a.m., 7:48 a.m., 7:57 a.m.

· 7:21 a.m., 8:21 a.m., 8:30 a.m.

 

PM westbound times

· Leave CSU at 4:24 p.m., arrive Public Square at 4:34 p.m.

· 4:59 p.m., 5:09 p.m.

· 5:33 p.m., 5:43 p.m.

· 5:59 p.m., 6:09 p.m.

 

Calabrese noted that if more funding for public transit is not included in the state budget that begins July 1, 2009, more service cuts will be made next fall.

 

While this is a welcome change for many, it still will not benefit me. Unfortunately, I still won't be able to take transit to work without having to make two enroute transfers. My one-seat ride now on the #75 from the corner of Clifton and West 117th to near the Lorain County Line takes 45 minutes now (vs. 20 driving). After the change, a transit transip will take even longer. I don't yet know how much longer, but the two enroute transfers doesn't make it worth my while anymore.

The east and west transit centers are intended to relieve bus congestion on Public Square, right?  Has there been a decision about where the west center will be? 

 

Generally speaking, it will be in the Warehouse District. At this time, that's all I can say.

While this is a welcome change for many, it still will not benefit me. Unfortunately, I still won't be able to take transit to work without having to make two enroute transfers. My one-seat ride now on the #75 from the corner of Clifton and West 117th to near the Lorain County Line takes 45 minutes now (vs. 20 driving). After the change, a transit transip will take even longer. I don't yet know how much longer, but the two enroute transfers doesn't make it worth my while anymore.

Then move to an area with better public transportation options.  Now, there!  he he he he

Then move to an area with better public transportation options.  Now, there!  he he he he

 

I did, smart ass.  :whip:

Then move to an area with better public transportation options.  Now, there!  he he he he

 

I did, smart ass.  :whip:

 

KJP, my friend.

 

Do the following 

[*]Look at the name poster of the message RIGHT before yours

[*]Look at the date and time of quote used by me

[*]Go to the date of my quoted post and see who I was responding to

[*]Apologize to me!

 

I know he said it. I know when he said it. Where he said it. Why he said it. I just don't care who said it. The utterer is in fact a smart ass.

Hahahahahahaha!

 

Ohhhh, hilarious.

I know he said it. I know when he said it. Where he said it. Why he said it. I just don't care who said it. The utterer is in fact a smart ass.

 

Dont take it out on lil ol me!  I'm innocent!

By the way, MTS, look at Eagle Fan's post immediately before mine. I'll make it easy for ya:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,4504.msg338630.html#msg338630

 

Now who needs to apologize. hee hee

 

Now, back on topic PLEEEZ

:angel:

Regarding the Transit Center discussion - and cross posted from the CSU thread:

 

  7. Authorized the University to enter into an agreement with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority relating to a transit center developed on a portion of the former Z Lot with the final approval of the Officers of the Board of Trustees.

Where is the Z lot again?

Next to Wolstein Center. The construction that is currently underway.

Next to Wolstein Center. The construction that is currently underway.

 

Ahh, thanks :)

Did you catch the "honored" section on Page B-2 of today's Plain Dealer? Joe Calabrese was featured.

Did you catch the "honored" section on Page B-2 of today's Plain Dealer? Joe Calabrese was featured.

 

No. 

 

But here it is.  Ironically no "comments" section for this article.  Thank goodness.

---

  RTA's Joseph Calabrese gets transportation award -- Honored  Thursday, October 30, 2008  Joseph Calabrese, general manager of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, has received the 2008 Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award by the American Public Transportation Association. Calabrese, who has been with RTA since 2000, was recognized for improving customer service, enhancing RTA's image and improving its financial health.

 

 

To submit candidates for Honored, e-mail information to [email protected], fax it to 216-999-6354, or mail it to Honored, c/o Plain Dealer Plaza, 1801 Superior Ave., Cleveland 44114. Include your name, address, telephone number and a photograph.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1225355417113461.xml&coll=2[/hr]

Today is gorgeous and guess what, I had a zen like ride on RTA. First my #22 bus took me downtown. Then I picked up the Health Line (still free!) and got off at 123rd and Euclid. It was like dying and going to heaven.  And then I got to do it again in reverse! I recommend it to everyone.  The weather peeps are calling for a few warm days in a row - walk around Lake View Cemetery, whatever.  Just a phenomenal new route !!!

do folks look at the HealthLine

[*]as a "new" route/line

[*]or rehabilitation/renaming of the 6?

 

rehabilitation/renaming of the 6 and a streetscaping project.

Post from 10/27/2008

"yo that machine in tower city 'VML39' is terrible. i put in several new crisp bills and it wouldnt even take them. after a couple tries i gave up since it took my money before (never got a refund)."

 

Our Revenue Department responds..."We had staff check this machine out. It is fully functional. There are phone numbers posted on the machines when customers experience malfunctions. We need a name to follow-up on the no refund claim."

 

Send me a note off-list at [email protected]

 

make that [email protected]

"do folks look at the HealthLine

as a "new" route/line

or rehabilitation/renaming of the 6?"

 

It feels like the former though it's really just the latter

make that [email protected]

 

Jerry, you can change your posts by using the "modify" button. Extra posts eat up bandwidth.

A question about the upcoming service changes:

 

Are all the circulators still being switched to hourly service?  I have read this several times in the PD, but it's not in the 11/9 rider's alert (although circulator route changes are.)

A question about the upcoming service changes:

 

Are all the circulators still being switched to hourly service?  I have read this several times in the PD, but it's not in the 11/9 rider's alert (although circulator route changes are.)

 

The 801, 809, and 820 are being kept at a 45 minute interval because, given the existing routing, switching to hourly did not result in any savings (no ability to remove a vehicle from the route). All other circulators will be switched to hourly service as of 11/9. Full schedules are currently posted at http://www.riderta.com/maps-schedules.asp.

Any suggestions on going from Derbyshire in Cedar/Fairmount to get to E.17 & Euclid?  The trip planner says to take the #7 or #32 at Euclid Hts to University Station, then take the #8. 

 

I was hoping for something better along the Corridor.  How would the walk be from University Station to Euclid? 

 

 

Any suggestions on going from Derbyshire in Cedar/Fairmount to get to E.17 & Euclid?  The trip planner says to take the #7 or #32 at Euclid Hts to University Station, then take the #8. 

 

I was hoping for something better along the Corridor.  How would the walk be from University Station to Euclid?

 

Ahem (As the HBIC would say) the 32 runs on the new corridor.

Also, I am confused about the 7 hitting Euclid.  Is it only in the morning? 

 

Side note, great things heard about the Health Line on my ride yesterday. 

But isn't the 32s situation akin to that of the 7?  Where it only hits Euclid Ave in the morning hours?

Any suggestions on going from Derbyshire in Cedar/Fairmount to get to E.17 & Euclid?  The trip planner says to take the #7 or #32 at Euclid Hts to University Station, then take the #8. 

 

I was hoping for something better along the Corridor.  How would the walk be from University Station to Euclid? 

 

 

 

Take the red line to TC then the trolley to E17.

Jerry, you can change your posts by using the "modify" button. Extra posts eat up bandwidth.

 

if extra posts eat-up bandwidth, how about all these SILLY (and often obscure) pictures people post to communicate a point? how does an obscure picture better communication?!?

Jerry, you can change your posts by using the "modify" button. Extra posts eat up bandwidth.

 

if extra posts eat-up bandwidth, how about all these SILLY (and often obscure) pictures people post to communicate a point? how does an obscure picture better communication?!?

 

Maybe because people - like me - post a comment and a picture.  Might this subject be better discussed in the Forum issues/Site Input section of the board?

It'd better be discussed somewhere else!

 

Much obliged on the answers.

 

Also, yesterday when I was on the Corridor there were 2 armed RTA cops on the vehicle.  Not that I'm complainging, but are these who they will have checking tickets?

 

When I lived in Italy, they had undercovers who would come up to you asking for proof of ticket.  I suppose I just assumed the RTA would follow that approach.

Much obliged on the answers.

 

Also, yesterday when I was on the Corridor there were 2 armed RTA cops on the vehicle.  Not that I'm complainging, but are these who they will have checking tickets?

 

When I lived in Italy, they had undercovers who would come up to you asking for proof of ticket.  I suppose I just assumed the RTA would follow that approach.

 

Yes, as indicated in the HL thread.  There will be uniformed and undercover cops on trains and BRT Vehicles.

Much obliged on the answers.

 

Also, yesterday when I was on the Corridor there were 2 armed RTA cops on the vehicle.  Not that I'm complainging, but are these who they will have checking tickets?

 

When I lived in Italy, they had undercovers who would come up to you asking for proof of ticket.  I suppose I just assumed the RTA would follow that approach.

 

We have hired a number of part-time transit police officers whose primary duties will involve fare enforcement.

 

Part-time does not mean that they are any less trained, or in any way have less authority than our full-time officers. Keeping them in uniform (albeit a slightly modified uniform, since you'll see them wearing two-toned windbreakers emblazoned with the transit police shoulder patches) and fully equipped makes them readily identifiable, both to our passengers who should feel an ehanced sense of security, and to those who might choose to make trouble, encouraging them to either quash that desire or else take it elsewhere.

 

These officers may also be enforcing jaywalking statutes and issuing warnings or citations regarding other violations as necessary.

If you have any digital transit you would like to donate to the RTA archives, please send them to [email protected]. Thanks.

JMasek or jetdog, I have kind of a stupid question.

 

Is the brookpark rapid station considered a "park and ride" lot?  Why or why not?  I mean, you do park and ride there but I think my non-park and ride monthly pass works there.  Are there any rapid lots that are considered "park and ride?"

Is the brookpark rapid station considered a "park and ride" lot? Why or why not? I mean, you do park and ride there but I think my non-park and ride monthly pass works there. Are there any rapid lots that are considered "park and ride?"

 

Rapid stations serve the rail system, while buses serve park-n-ride lots, usually with freeway, non-stop service downtown using larger MCI buses. For the purpose of fares, no Rapid lots are considered PNR. Enjoy.

Thanks.  And another touch subject/question - do you anticipate a fare increase for monthly fares in 09?  I am trying to figure out how much to put into my transportation reimbursement account for 09 and would like to account for any potential increase if possible.

rockandroller - The monthly passes go up in December.  Another increase next Fall is possible based on the fuel surcharge table published by RTA.

Thanks.  too late, I already had to submit my estimated transit expenses for next year, I'll just pay the difference out of pocket.

Has anyone heard updates on the Puritas/150th red line station renovation? According to RTA's website the design is to be finalized in 2008 and construction is to begin shortly thereafter.

Has anyone heard updates on the Puritas/150th red line station renovation? According to RTA's Web site the design is to be finalized in 2008 and construction is to begin shortly thereafter.

That IS the update. The page was just posted.

Do you anticipate a fare increase for monthly fares in 09? I am trying to figure out how much to put into my transportation reimbursement account for 09 and would like to account for any potential increase if possible.

 

RTA has locked in the price we pay for diesel fuel at $3.17 a gallon for calendar 2009. If there is an increase, it will be very late in the year.

These officers may also be enforcing jaywalking statutes and issuing warnings or citations regarding other violations as necessary.

 

JAYWALKING STATUTES?  Are theya trying to start a revolution?  Cleveland is the jaywalking capital of at least Ohio if not the midwest.  Try it in Columbus and see what happens.