March 12, 200916 yr Jerry, I think the problem, is that train operators only say it once. This information should be repeated the entire ride. Unless the driver on R&R's rapid thought there was a wheelchair passenger boarding at Brookpark, in which case announcing the elevator outages then, and only then, would make sense and is consistent with what Jerry is reporting... I think the bigger question is why transit stations and elevator operations just don't seem to mix... just look at NYC.
March 12, 200916 yr Jerry, I think the problem, is that train operators only say it once. This information should be repeated the entire ride. Unless the driver on R&R's rapid thought there was a wheelchair passenger boarding at Brookpark, in which case announcing the elevator outages then, and only then, would make sense and is consistent with what Jerry is reporting... I think the bigger question is why transit stations and elevator operations just don't seem to mix... just look at NYC. Thanks everyone, I thought I was quite clear but perhaps not. No, there was no wheelchair or disabled passenger boarding at Brookpark, so it made no sense that the driver only announced the list of broken elevators one time, to those of us getting on at brookpark.
March 12, 200916 yr Jerry, I think the problem, is that train operators only say it once. This information should be repeated the entire ride. Unless the driver on R&R's rapid thought there was a wheelchair passenger boarding at Brookpark, in which case announcing the elevator outages then, and only then, would make sense and is consistent with what Jerry is reporting... I think the bigger question is why transit stations and elevator operations just don't seem to mix... just look at NYC. What if someone who is not visibly handicapped or a person with a walker/stroller got after Brookpark and the driver does not see them? This is why it should be announced at each stop.
March 12, 200916 yr We do not predict the future. Ummm....thanks. :roll: I don't get this kind of attitude/reaction. I never said anything about predicting the future or asking when they would be fixed. I do think it's odd that one day they're all working and the next day 3 or 4 of them are out though, was there some kind of vandalization or something? I think it's a legitimate question, I don't know why I had to get a sarcastic "I don't predict the future" comment.
March 12, 200916 yr Jerry, I think the problem, is that train operators only say it once. This information should be repeated the entire ride. Unless the driver on R&R's rapid thought there was a wheelchair passenger boarding at Brookpark, in which case announcing the elevator outages then, and only then, would make sense and is consistent with what Jerry is reporting... I think the bigger question is why transit stations and elevator operations just don't seem to mix... just look at NYC. What if someone who is not visibly handicapped or a person with a walker/stroller got after Brookpark and the driver does not see them? This is why it should be announced at each stop. That was my point. If you're going to announce it, you should announce it at every stop.
March 13, 200916 yr Author jpop, I deleted your message. No need to pile on. Let those involved in this disagreement resolve it. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 13, 200916 yr For all of the TrainGeeks... Event Name: World's Greatest Hobby Show on Tour Event Type: Consumer Start Date/Time: 3/15/2009, 10:00 AM End Date/Time: 3/15/2009, 5:00 PM Description: The World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour is a new kind of event that showcases the hobby of model railroading. Sponsored by the Hobby Manufacturers Association - Model Railroad Division and by the World’s Greatest Hobby Program, the show is intended to introduce the general public to model railroading in an entertaining, lively and family-friendly atmosphere. There will be hands on operating railroads for both children and adults. The show hopes to create new train enthusiasts by exposing the public to the very best model railroading has to offer. The hobby of model railroading has a unique ability to bring the family together in activities that teach many skills. Model railroad skills span from carpentry to artistry, from electrical engineering to historical research. Model railroading is the World’s Greatest Hobby. Registration fee at the show is $10.00 for adults and children under 16 are FREE - Registration provides access to the show for both days. www.wghshow.com. Location: I-X Center
March 13, 200916 yr For all of the TrainGeeks... Event Name: World's Greatest Hobby Show on Tour Event Type: Consumer Start Date/Time: 3/15/2009, 10:00 AM End Date/Time: 3/15/2009, 5:00 PM Description: The World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour is a new kind of event that showcases the hobby of model railroading. Sponsored by the Hobby Manufacturers Association - Model Railroad Division and by the World’s Greatest Hobby Program, the show is intended to introduce the general public to model railroading in an entertaining, lively and family-friendly atmosphere. There will be hands on operating railroads for both children and adults. The show hopes to create new train enthusiasts by exposing the public to the very best model railroading has to offer. The hobby of model railroading has a unique ability to bring the family together in activities that teach many skills. Model railroad skills span from carpentry to artistry, from electrical engineering to historical research. Model railroading is the World’s Greatest Hobby. Registration fee at the show is $10.00 for adults and children under 16 are FREE - Registration provides access to the show for both days. www.wghshow.com. Location: I-X Center This is probably more appropriate for the "event" forum. :wink:
March 13, 200916 yr I will pass along your suggestion to announce it at every stop. However, as you can see from comments here and elsewhere, there are many riders who believe we already make too many announcements. When you have 200,000 customers a day, pleasing everyone is difficult.
March 13, 200916 yr I will pass along your suggestion to announce it at every stop. However, as you can see from comments here and elsewhere, there are many riders who believe we already make too many announcements. When you have 200,000 customers a day, pleasing everyone is difficult. I understand that Jerry, but disagree. Handicapped or mobility challenged passengers have the right to knowing these things and like you say, "you can't please everyone."
March 13, 200916 yr I wasn't trying to start an argument, I was trying to be helpful and point out what seemed like an obvious mistake. Oh well.
March 17, 200916 yr Every once in a while the Cleveland.com comments make me happy...like the ones that respond to comment number 1 following this short blurb about the Red Line park n ride lots filling up... http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/03/rta_parkandride_lots_filling_u.html
March 18, 200916 yr Author Yep, sometimes a blind squirrel can find an acorn. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 19, 200916 yr RTA Board meets March 24 RTA Trustees will meet on March 24 at RTA's Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St. 9 a.m. Board of Trustees Annual Meeting * William Patmon will be sworn in. He was appointed by Cuyahoga County Commissioners to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Jane Campbell. * Board members will elect a President and a Vice-President, discuss committee assignments, and the time and date of future meetings. Finance Committee meeting * Michael J. Schipper, Deputy General Manager, Engineering and Project Management, will update Board members on RTA’s progress in spending federal stimulus funds for major capital improvements. *Gale Fisk, Executive Director, Office of Management and Budget, will update Board members on 2010 fuel purchases, part of RTA’s Energy Risk Management Program. During the regular meeting, the Board will consider a number of resolutions. An executive session to discuss real estate activities may be held. THE FUTURE: The next Board meetings are April 7 and 21, and May 12 and 26.
March 19, 200916 yr Transit Police host canine training CLEVELAND – Transit Police from the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) canine unit is hosting training for teams with other bomb-sniffing dogs today through Friday. Dr. Kirk Yeager of the FBI Laboratory’s Explosives Unit is providing classroom training and practical exercises designed to enhance and expand the detection capabilities of canine units. Teams will also be undergoing annual certification by the North American Police Work Dog Association. More than 30 units from local, state and federal agency canine and bomb squad representatives from around the country, and a canine team from Canada, are expected to participate in the training, which is being held at RTA facilities and other sites in Greater Cleveland. “We are taking a very pro-active stance in the area of protecting mass transit agencies from terrorists,” says RTA Transit Police John Joyce. “Last year, we hosted the first area training specifically intended to introduce local bomb squads with explosive detection canine units and problems responding to incidents in a mass transit environment. The Federal Air Marshal’s Service of the Transit Security Administration (TSA) provided that training.”
March 19, 200916 yr Blue and Green Lines shut down for two weekends CLEVELAND – Because of necessary track maintenance, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will not operate trains on the Blue and Green lines on the weekends of March 20-22 and March 27-29. During each weekend, shuttle buses will replace light rail trains from 8 p.m. Friday until the end of service Sunday. Regular light rail service will resume with the start of service each Monday, March 23 and March 30. Shuttle buses will operate the entire length of the lines, between Tower City and Green Road and Warrensville-Van Aken. Shuttle buses will stop at all Rapid stations, and operate on a schedule approximately equal to light rail. At Public Square, shuttle buses will use the existing trolley stop by Tower City, at Euclid Avenue and Ontario Street. Because shuttle buses will operate on streets with signals and additional traffic, RTA officials urge riders to allow extra time to reach their destinations. The Waterfront Line will operate its regular weekend schedule between Tower City and South Harbor. Other light rail weekend shutdowns will be announced later, as track work continues. RTA regrets any inconvenience to its customers during this time.
March 19, 200916 yr Blue and Green Lines shut down for two weekends CLEVELAND Because of necessary track maintenance, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will not operate trains on the Blue and Green lines on the weekends of March 20-22 and March 27-29. During each weekend, shuttle buses will replace light rail trains from 8 p.m. Friday until the end of service Sunday. Regular light rail service will resume with the start of service each Monday, March 23 and March 30. Shuttle buses will operate the entire length of the lines, between Tower City and Green Road and Warrensville-Van Aken. Shuttle buses will stop at all Rapid stations, and operate on a schedule approximately equal to light rail. At Public Square, shuttle buses will use the existing trolley stop by Tower City, at Euclid Avenue and Ontario Street. Because shuttle buses will operate on streets with signals and additional traffic, RTA officials urge riders to allow extra time to reach their destinations. The Waterfront Line will operate its regular weekend schedule between Tower City and South Harbor. Other light rail weekend shutdowns will be announced later, as track work continues. RTA regrets any inconvenience to its customers during this time. You gotta be kidding me! The entire line? Where exactly is work being done? I assume it's being done in multiple locations. I'm glad I saw this or I would be pissed to learn of this once getting to towercity. I'd rather take the 12/13 bus or the Red Line to UC and transfer to the 48/48a. Ugh!! Jerry, suggestion: Please post this in each blue/green line station with alternative suggestions for travel. This will give riders time to research alternative plans. I hope the Plain Dealer posts this as well. I'm sure you sent the information to them. Note to the PD lurkers: Post this in the paper (printed edition and online), without your added negative editorial comments/slant, so that readers/riders are aware.
March 19, 200916 yr ^ Yes, the PD will run it. WTAM and WCPN and the TV stations are also either posting it or broadcasting it. I have already been interviewed by ClearChannel. I have just learned that MCI coaches will be used to give people a "nicer" ride, as they head for the CIFF and other locations.
March 19, 200916 yr The more I think about this situation the more unhappy I become. People are not going to take the "shuttles" that are provided if they had planned on taking it to the CIFF, they will say hell with RTA and simply drive their cars from the East Side. From what I've heard over the past few years, many of the visitors to the CIFF utilize the Rapid, and this is exactly the demographic that RTA could capitalize on for larger future use of the rail system. Extremely poor timing. And, why can't this work be done when the Rapid is out of commission anyway, 1:00am-5am, over several days or weekends? Jerry, I know this is in no way your fault, and I have no problem with dealing with occasional delays or whatever, but shutting down 2 lines is unacceptable. You are dealt a poor hand in having to deal with announcing these types of things and taking the abuse from just about every direction.
March 19, 200916 yr Great timing with the CIFF... I know there has been on going track maintenance, but to shut down both lines, I'd like to know what exactly and where this work is being done. Is it that much of an emergency that work cannot be done at "off hours" and if not what is the cost comparison? Even when the lines were being reconstructed, we had rail service from Shaker Square either east or west. People who are regular riders are pretty understanding, which is why RTA should have this information in every station - LIKE RIGHT NOW - not just the big stations, so that people know what's going on. W28th, this is much bigger than the CIFF patrons, it's an inconvenience for those who's only mode of transportation is RTA. You know people LIKE ME. Those are the people I'm more concerned with. For me it's not an issue as I have several bus (and bus to rail) options. Would make sense for RTA to run two shuttle buses options? [*]UC up fairhill to E116. E 116 to Shaker Blvd. SB to either W'ville or Green [*]93/Woodhill to Tower City or SS to TC I have painful memories of riding on the bus when the line has been out of commission from SS to TC. Most people opted to get off those buses at SS and take the 48/48a to UC. People around in the immediate SS area, just changed their travel plans and took a bus (48/48a or 50) to UC for rail to TC. It might at 10 minutes to your ride, but when your accustomed to riding the train, it's convenient.
March 19, 200916 yr Author I understand why RTA is doing this. I believe RTA did something similar with the Red Line about 10 years ago. It was shut down for two weekends so contractors could replace ties, fix switches and worn sections of rail, then resurface the ballast over the entire line, both tracks. This way they could work continuously without interruption for more than 50 hours straight through. To do that work during the overnight hours would have taken weeks of nighttime work because the equipment set-up and take-down time left only a couple of hours of good solid work on the Red Line which operates from 4 a.m. to midnight. This would mean much more inconvenience to riders because of the all temporary slow orders lasting weeks to account for areas of incompleted work. Cost, of course, was also a factor because there were many days of equipment set-up/take-down time. Consider the hours of labor devoted to equipment set-up/take-down every night for weeks vs. twice on one weekend. As to the timing, well that's another issue! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 19, 200916 yr I understand why RTA is doing this. I believe RTA did something similar with the Red Line about 10 years ago. It was shut down for two weekends so contractors could replace ties, fix switches and worn sections of rail, then resurface the ballast over the entire line, both tracks. This way they could work continuously without interruption for more than 50 hours straight through. To do that work during the overnight hours would have taken weeks of nighttime work because the equipment set-up and take-down time left only a couple of hours of good solid work on the Red Line which operates from 4 a.m. to midnight. This would mean much more inconvenience to riders because of the all temporary slow orders lasting weeks to account for areas of incompleted work. Cost, of course, was also a factor because there were many days of equipment set-up/take-down time. Consider the hours of labor devoted to equipment set-up/take-down every night for weeks vs. twice on one weekend. As to the timing, well that's another issue! It was actually about 6-7 years ago - my freshmen year at Case. I had to go pick up a prospective student at the airport and had to take the bus there and back.... It took me 4 hours round trip :(
March 19, 200916 yr I understand why RTA is doing this. I believe RTA did something similar with the Red Line about 10 years ago. It was shut down for two weekends so contractors could replace ties, fix switches and worn sections of rail, then resurface the ballast over the entire line, both tracks. This way they could work continuously without interruption for more than 50 hours straight through. To do that work during the overnight hours would have taken weeks of nighttime work because the equipment set-up and take-down time left only a couple of hours of good solid work on the Red Line which operates from 4 a.m. to midnight. This would mean much more inconvenience to riders because of the all temporary slow orders lasting weeks to account for areas of incompleted work. Cost, of course, was also a factor because there were many days of equipment set-up/take-down time. Consider the hours of labor devoted to equipment set-up/take-down every night for weeks vs. twice on one weekend. As to the timing, well that's another issue! This is why I asked what work and if the work is being done in one location or several?
March 20, 200916 yr I understand why RTA is doing this. I believe RTA did something similar with the Red Line about 10 years ago. It was shut down for two weekends so contractors could replace ties, fix switches and worn sections of rail, then resurface the ballast over the entire line, both tracks. This way they could work continuously without interruption for more than 50 hours straight through. To do that work during the overnight hours would have taken weeks of nighttime work because the equipment set-up and take-down time left only a couple of hours of good solid work on the Red Line which operates from 4 a.m. to midnight. This would mean much more inconvenience to riders because of the all temporary slow orders lasting weeks to account for areas of incompleted work. Cost, of course, was also a factor because there were many days of equipment set-up/take-down time. Consider the hours of labor devoted to equipment set-up/take-down every night for weeks vs. twice on one weekend. As to the timing, well that's another issue! I don't see it. I've experienced a no. of rapid rail systems, and RTA (at least the current edition) seems to have more total shutdowns for relatively minor rehab projects. I mean, the Philly el kept as many parts open as possible even when they had ground up, total reconstruction -- they kept trains running. Chicago's ancient line to the airport has slow spots as rehab continues, but no total shutdown. Hell, I remember (as a young guy, of course) that the old RTA did a great job of keeping Shaker trains running as much as humanly possible with the near total-rebuild of the Blue and Green lines. This idea of total shutdowns for shadowy "track rehab" is (well, I'd better not say on family internet) And this latest RTA shutdown seems very poorly handled. The CIFF has been announcing its schedule for weeks; it's a major downtown draw and with it being steps away from RTA's rail hub, naturally the Rapid is a key travel component for many who don't come downtown much. But RTA waited until nearly the last minute to announce this; and it's on both CIFF key weekends, esp the kickoff a few days from now. The Blue & Green lines are a major draw for East Side/Eastern suburb movie goers, not to mention Cavs fans and others looking to experience and even work in downtown. Worse yet, RTA is offering a very vague "track work" reason. I read RTA's web every few weeks or so for alerts, and just stumbled on this one which will greatly crimp my, my SO's plans to see CIFF films (we'll now drive thru traffic and pay umpteen $$ in parking fees). I'm sorry, I'm not buying. If night work, single tracking, or segmented short closures result in stretching the job out a little longer, so be it. That's the way big city mass transit operates... But you don't just shut over a 1/3rd of your most efficient, highest capacity, highest profile transit network. Major transit systems out not do biz this way; esp if they constantly shove the "Best N. American Transit System" boast in your face.
March 20, 200916 yr Clvlndr, I'm upset also, but to be fair, we do have options. We can can take the bus to UC. or the 11 or 12 bus downtown. I would like Jerry to explain: Why this has to happen at this time? Why it was announced at this time (when RTA's announcement to use Public Transportation came out earlier.) What the work is? Where the work is?
March 20, 200916 yr Clvlndr, I'm upset also, but to be fair, we do have options. We can can take the bus to UC. or the 11 or 12 bus downtown. But that's not the point, MTS. It's podunk-ish move. Sure you and I are more progressive, urban-wise, and relatively more privileged over many riders. We'll stick with RTA and downtown no matter what. That we choose to live near the Rapid says it all... But we're a minority. The casual suburbanite won't bother. And CIFF, given it's ideal centralized location, was a chance to show off downtown as well as the convenience of its transit system... RTA's done a lot of fine things, don't get me wrong... but times like these make me think: RTA never misses a good opportunity to miss a good opportunity.
March 20, 200916 yr I agree, the timing is quite poor, not only of when it's taking place, but how delayed it was in being announced. I also agree that they should work nights and have it take 10 times as long if necessary instead of closing it down completely for 2 weekends straight. 2 weeks is enough time for people to go back to driving their cars and say screw it, I can't depend on it being there when I need it.
March 20, 200916 yr Clvlndr, I'm upset also, but to be fair, we do have options. We can can take the bus to UC. or the 11 or 12 bus downtown. But that's not the point, MTS. It's podunk-ish move. Sure you and I are more progressive, urban-wise, and relatively more privileged over many riders. We'll stick with RTA and downtown no matter what. That we choose to live near the Rapid says it all... But we're a minority. The casual suburbanite won't bother. And CIFF, given it's ideal centralized location, was a chance to show off downtown as well as the convenience of its transit system... RTA's done a lot of fine things, don't get me wrong... but times like these make me think: RTA never misses a good opportunity to miss a good opportunity. If you read my two previous post, you would know I agree. :wink: I don't want to jump to conclusion until Jerry responds. But based on what we have know, it seems like poor internal and external communication at RTA. The Cavs, CIFF, TC & Cleveland+ (hotels, restaurants, etc.), East 4rth and HWD should all be up in arms.
March 20, 200916 yr I don't know, either. Given Jerry's usual professionalism, it wouldn't surprise me if he may have been blindsided from w/in. You're also righgt that the aforementioned downtown institutions should be all be upset ... throw in the Chamber of Comm (I forget what it's called nowadays) as well as Frank Jackson... We've got to stop underestimating mass transit in this town -- seemingly only thought of for Browns games, St. Paddy's, the Tribe opener and a few other selected "big events". It also highlights the disjointed relations btw our major institutions; short on coordination/communication.
March 20, 200916 yr I don't know, either. Given Jerry's usual professionalism,[glow=red,2,300] it wouldn't surprise me if he may have been blindsided from w/in.[/glow] You're also righgt that the aforementioned downtown institutions should be all be upset ... throw in the Chamber of Comm (I forget what it's called nowadays) as well as Frank Jackson... We've got to stop underestimating mass transit in this town -- seemingly only thought of for Browns games, St. Paddy's, the Tribe opener and a few other selected "big events". It also highlights the disjointed relations btw our major institutions; short on coordination/communication. AMEN!
March 20, 200916 yr Good morning, everyone. Jerry is out of the office and out of town today, so I'll be standing in as his proxy for the time being. Thank you all for the heartfelt comments you've expressed. Know that any decision such as this that affects a major portion of our operations is made with careful consideration for all of the factors involved. This is a phrase that bears repeating -- "consideration for ALL of the factors involved". First, a matter of perspective: The 32nd Film Festival, by virtue of the statistics posted on clevelandfilm.org, had attendance of 52,100 patrons over ten days. The highest attended day was Saturday, March 15th, 2008 - 8,701, with the highest rounds (also on that day) being 4:00 PM - 1,752 7:00 PM - 2,287 9:00 PM - 1,776 Compare this with the Indians' home opener, and Progressive Field having a capacity upwards of 43,000, all of whom need to be moved in and out within the course of 5 hours (being generous). The estimates for St. Patrick's Day this year hovered around the 400,000 mark. Don't get me wrong, I'm an avid supporter of the arts, and will be attending as many of the films at CIFF as I possibly can. While the replacement of the light rail with shuttle buses at this time is unfortunate, it IS necessary, for a number of reasons. First, there are segments of the line where operators are under speed restrictions due to deteriorated track conditions. The repairs that will be done will provide long-term gain in efficiency and on-time performance following this (relatively speaking) short-term pain. Second, as many of you know, RTA is due to be the recipient of a sizeable share ($42 million) of Ohio's federal stimulus dollars. Part of the condition of receiving this money, and being in the best possible position to receive more in later funding rounds, is that the contract awards have to be done within a certain time frame. Basically, it means we have to get work like this off the ground NOW, so that resources can be freed up to allow further work to proceed. Internally, it has been acknowledged that the timing and communication of this shutdown was not where it should have been. That is being addressed. Know that there will be further weekend shutdowns announced over the coming months, as the work in question has a much greater scope than one or two weekends can hope to address. Future communication efforts should be much more coordinated, comprehensive, and proactive.
March 20, 200916 yr [*]Where is the work being done? [*]Shy can it not be done overnight? [*]What cause the internal communications break down [*]Can you please put up signs at each station?
March 20, 200916 yr 1. Along the Blue & Green lines; I have no more specific information. 2. Sufficiently answered by KJP's earlier post, and my discussion of the need to do this in as short a timeframe as possible. 3. I will not engage in finger-pointing in this forum. 4. This should already be done, or will be done shortly -- are you volunteering to assist?
March 20, 200916 yr 1. Along the Blue & Green lines; I have no more specific information. 2. Sufficiently answered by KJP's earlier post, and my discussion of the need to do this in as short a timeframe as possible. 3. I will not engage in finger-pointing in this forum. 4. This should already be done, or will be done shortly -- are you volunteering to assist? [*]Could you find out? That is important to know and would be of great interest. [*]Fine [*]Understandable, but RTA is a public agency and we should know how this happened and what steps are being taken so that something like this never happens again. [*]No, as I'm not in Cleveland this week. And to clarify, notices will be posted at every rail station?
March 20, 200916 yr I have just caught up with all that I have missed. JetDog's answers have pretty much covered all I would have said if I had not been away visiting family. KJP's comments were very explanatory, as well. It's is RTA desire to finish $1.6 million in needed track work on a number of weekends BEFORE Memorial Day. After that, Tribe games and summer festivals and events will prevent any free weekends until late fall, when weather may be an issue. RTA officials looked at other options and did find any that worked. This is similar to the problem presented to those who own cars, and find themselves facing needed maintenance. They consult the calendars and select the day when they will miss their car the least. If you drive your car daily, then no date is perfect; but you pick the best date and live with it. That's what RTA is doing now. Again, thanks. I deeply appreciate the keen interest shown by members of this forum.
March 20, 200916 yr I have just caught up with all that I have missed. JetDog's answers have pretty much covered all I would have said if I had not been away visiting family. KJP's comments were very explanatory, as well. It's is RTA desire to finish $1.6 million in needed track work on a number of weekends BEFORE Memorial Day. After that, Tribe games and summer festivals and events will prevent any free weekends until late fall, when weather may be an issue. RTA officials looked at other options and did find any that worked. This is similar to the problem presented to those who own cars, and find themselves facing needed maintenance. They consult the calendars and select the day when they will miss their car the least. If you drive your car daily, then no date is perfect; but you pick the best date and live with it. That's what RTA is doing now. Again, thanks. I deeply appreciate the keen interest shown by members of this forum. Could you find out? That is important to know and would be of great interest. [*]Where is the work being done? [*]And to clarify, notices will be posted at every rail station?
March 23, 200916 yr What happened here? Maintainence issues? Too bad when there is press like this for RTA... RTA fades out just in time for film festival The folks at the Cleveland International Film Festival felt railroaded by RTA's decision to close the Green and Blue rapid transit lines, which connect the East Side with Tower City, this past weekend, as the festival opened. ..... http://www.cleveland.com/tipoff/index.ssf/2009/03/money_money_everywhere_and_not.html
March 23, 200916 yr http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1274 March 23, 2009 RTA releases updated work schedules for Blue and Green lines CLEVELAND – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) needs to complete $1.6 million of needed heavy maintenance work on its Blue and Green lines during weekend shutdowns. Care is being taken to schedule these shutdowns during weekends when they will impact the fewest number of customers. RTA officials today released a schedule of planned shutdowns for the Blue and Green lines. Each shutdown lasts from 8 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Monday. The Blue and Green line trains WILL operate on the weekends of March 27-29, April 3-5 and April 10-12, to serve customers attending the Rock Hall Induction Week, Indians Opening Day, Cavaliers games, the Cleveland International Film Festival at Tower City, and other events. Shuttle buses will replace Blue and Green line trains on April 17-19, April 24-26, May 1-3, May 8-10 and May 15-17. Shuttle buses — MCI commuter coaches -- will operate the entire length of the Blue and Green Rapid lines, between Tower City and Green Road and Warrensville-Van Aken. The buses will stop at all Rapid stations, and operate on a schedule approximately the same as light rail. Because shuttle buses operate on streets with signals and additional traffic, RTA officials urge riders to allow extra time to reach their destinations. At Public Square, shuttle buses will use the existing trolley stop in front of Tower City, at Euclid Avenue and Ontario Street. Waterfront Line trains will continue to provide service from Tower City to the South Harbor Station. Other Blue and Green line weekend shutdowns will be announced later. RTA regrets any inconvenience to its customers during this time.
March 23, 200916 yr http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1274 March 23, 2009 RTA releases updated work schedules for Blue and Green lines CLEVELAND – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) needs to complete $1.6 million of needed heavy maintenance work on its Blue and Green lines during weekend shutdowns. Care is being taken to schedule these shutdowns during weekends when they will impact the fewest number of customers. RTA officials today released a schedule of planned shutdowns for the Blue and Green lines. Each shutdown lasts from 8 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Monday. The Blue and Green line trains WILL operate on the weekends of March 27-29, April 3-5 and April 10-12, to serve customers attending the Rock Hall Induction Week, Indians Opening Day, Cavaliers games, the Cleveland International Film Festival at Tower City, and other events. Shuttle buses will replace Blue and Green line trains on April 17-19, April 24-26, May 1-3, May 8-10 and May 15-17. Shuttle buses — MCI commuter coaches -- will operate the entire length of the Blue and Green Rapid lines, between Tower City and Green Road and Warrensville-Van Aken. The buses will stop at all Rapid stations, and operate on a schedule approximately the same as light rail. Because shuttle buses operate on streets with signals and additional traffic, RTA officials urge riders to allow extra time to reach their destinations. At Public Square, shuttle buses will use the existing trolley stop in front of Tower City, at Euclid Avenue and Ontario Street. Waterfront Line trains will continue to provide service from Tower City to the South Harbor Station. Other Blue and Green line weekend shutdowns will be announced later. RTA regrets any inconvenience to its customers during this time. This is important to know and would be of great interest. Where is the work being done? And to clarify, notices will be posted at every rail station?
March 23, 200916 yr The work is being done in multiple places, and that may change from weekend to weekend. It is not like a bridge project, where all work is concentrated at one site. Some of the work is in the common territory used by both Blue and Green lines. That is about as specific as I can be. There was some confusion last week because of the limited notice. That is being corrected today. I was told Rider's Alerts were posted at all stations last week, and a new one will be posted again this week.
March 24, 200916 yr http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1275 March 24, 2009 Patmon named to RTA Board CLEVELAND – Wiliam W. Patmon Jr. was sworn in today as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Regional Authority (RTA). An appointee of the Cuyahoga County Commissioners, he fills the unexpired term of former Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell. Since 2001, Patmon has served in two capacities. He is President of East Erie Enterprise LCC, where he consults in community and economic development, and municipal finance. He is also a political analyst at WKYC TV-3. Patmon is well-versed in local politics. From 1989-2001, he represented the Glenville neighborhood on Cleveland City Council. He also chaired three committees – Finance, Employment and Affirmative Action, Downtown and Lakefront Development. On the grass-roots level he worked on three presidential campaigns – Al Gore in 2000, and Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996. In 1988, he worked on the Northeast Ohio advance team for the campaign of Jesse Jackson for President. In 1996, he was a candidate for Cuyahoga County Commissioner. A former Board member for the local NAACP chapter, Patmon is a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 1998. In 1999, he graduated with a Professional Fellows Certificate from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Boston.
March 24, 200916 yr http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1276 March 24, 2009 RTA Board officers re-elected CLEVELAND -- Two leaders of the Board of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) were re-elected to one-year terms at today's annual meeting. George F. Dixon III, an appointee of the City of Cleveland, continues as President. A Cleveland businessman, Dixon joined the RTA board on March 17, 1992, and has served as President since March 15, 1994, a record length. He is believed to be the longest-serving Board President of any transit agency in Ohio. Dixon is also a past Chair of the American Public Transit Association (APTA), and serves on the Ohio Turnpike Commission. In 2006, he received the prestigious Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member award from APTA. Edward J. Kelley, Mayor of Cleveland Heights, continues as vice president. An appointee of the Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association, he has served on the RTA Board since Dec. 20, 2000. A Cleveland Heights City Council member since Jan. 2, 1994, Kelley has served as Mayor and Council President – part-time positions -- since Jan. 5, 1998. After 25 years, Kelley retired as personnel director in the Domestic Relations Division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. He is now employed by the law firm of Kelley and Ferraro. Since 1991, he has also done consulting work for area non-profit agencies. He is active in numerous area community groups. Trustees usually meet at 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays, at RTA's Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St. All meetings are open to the public.
March 24, 200916 yr http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1277 March 24, 2009 Calabrese receives PRSA award for communications and leadership CLEVELAND – Joseph A. Calabrese, CEO and General Manager of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), will receive the 2009 John Hill Award at noon Thursday, March 26, from the Cleveland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. The award is given annually to a Cleveland-area CEO for outstanding communications leadership and support. Calabrese will be presented by Brian Newbacher, Director of Public Affairs for the East Central office of the American Automobile Association (AAA). After accepting the award, Calabrese will speak for 10 minutes on the importance of strong communications in the transit industry. The luncheon will be held at the Union Club, 1211 Euclid Ave.
March 24, 200916 yr Author Congrats, Joe! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
Create an account or sign in to comment