Yup, that sounds like the same response I got before.  I'm not sure how I'm self centered, why the personal attack?  It sounds like a heck of a lot more people than just I are not in favor of this solution.  I'm speaking up for my neighbors and other people who can't stand this not just myself.  I really appreciate that this forum is here and that RTA frequents it to hear complaints and compliments.  And because it's here I'm going to continue to use it. and other venues.  The worst thing is that I'm a huge proponent of RTA.  I have applauded their service and lauded the fact that they were voted best Mass Transit to anybody that would listen.  Now that I have a complaint I shouldn't be as free to voice my concerns?

 

I am definitely open to compromise.  When I first voiced my concern I was told they had many complaints and that they were looking at working on the noise level.  I thought, well at least they're trying to listen to the comments and even though it's not no noise it's less. Since than they have strongly enforced the three horn honk rule and all busses are beeping.  I'm not sure that's a compromise.  Also how have you addressed concerns of the deaf or hard of hearing.  Many residents and riders are elderly and how does this protect them?  To me a compromise would be working out the kinks to get rid of the horn honking and only use the beep system at turns, not at every stop.  If the system was revamped to not go on when busses put their turn signal to change lanes or hazards at stops that would go a long way in removing a good portion of the noise.

 

Lastly if the argument is that this is being done for safety isn't there other things that can be done.  If this has no relation to the person being killed, as RTA has stated, than why does it directly address that situation that happened, but not any other safety issues.  I feel for that family and all people hurt by busses and do care that people would be made safer, IF there was any proof that the positive outweighed the negatives.

 

The use of words such as "every" and "any" in your initial statement (which have now rightfully been tempered to phrases like "a lot more") were absolutes that implied you spoke for all. I was addressing that concern in my statement of perceiving you as self-centered, nothing more. You are certainly free to voice your concerns, as are others with opinions different from yours. It is my belief, based on your statements here, that you have voiced those concerns, and that they are being given due consideration.

 

I know (because I've personally observed it) that some of the buses now have these beep signals operating at a lower volume than they previously did. As far as concerns for the deaf or hard of hearing, if you examine RTA's initial statement on this matter (which can be found at http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1281), you will see that other systems which address both the universality of the beeping noise and non-auditory alternatives are being examined. These take time, as would the revamping of the present system to limit its use to turns (what determines a "turn", for instance? if you're talking steering angle, some sharp curb pull-ins can be more severe than a typical turn, and the implementation would require additional hardware, which is, of course, subject to maintenance time and expense. also, should such a system be speed-governed? these are just some of the many factors undoubtedly being considered).

 

As far as proof that the positives outweigh the negatives, it's a difficult position to be placed in, as we're being asked to prove a negative (that is, that the presence of the audible signal prevents accidents). We certainly don't want to float a trial run of stopping the audible alerts just to see if the incidence of accidents increases -- that would be incredibly irresponsible of us. Also, the time period this system has been in place (less than 90 days) is likely not yet enough to statistically prove its effectiveness.

 

I welcome any and all dialogue on this forum, as long as it's kept civil and courteous. It would be wonderful if we could all devote 100% of our time and energy to solving each of life's problems in sequence as they occur, but that is, in my opinion, unrealistic.

Psst!  It still says your inbox is full, so I can't reply to your message :(.

 

Nor can I personally reassure you of the excellent job you're doing, despite the lack of run support you've been getting from the operations side.

 

Thanks  :-D I think my PM box is now empty enough to receive news messages...

Regarding the beeping and honking:  I encourage anyone who is annoyed by the noise to write RTA, their councilperson, the Mayor, the PD, Obama, Santa Claus, whoever, but please lets move this thread along to the next RTA related topic.

 

Thank you.

 

content redirected

 

...PM box still full

content redirected

 

...PM box still full

 

then I may need to send a mayday over to MayDay :-) ... dunno why it's still reading full...

I just sent JeTDog some test PMs and didn't get an error message - try it now, folks.

Please vote! The current tally is 36% for, 64% against.

 

More money for public transit?

http://www.parade.com/news/intelligence-report/archive/more-money-for-public-transit.html

Jerry/JetDog -

 

I had a particularly awful ride on the #9 this morning....

 

-- edited for space --

 

Okay, end rant.  Just not quite the way I wanted to start my Friday!

 

Doc-

 

Your PM box comes up as full, so I couldn't message you offline. Please clean your inbox out a bit so we can discuss further.

 

MayDay, it still won't let me send to JeTDoG :(.

 

So, JeTDoG, I'm just gonna post this here so you actually get the rest of my message from Friday's #9 ride...  One of the mods can delete it after you read it if they want to.

 

Like I said, I don't want to get her in trouble - it just seemed like she was distracted because she wasn't familiar with the route or the workings of the bus itself.  The bus situation on the corridor is particularly complicated, so I could see how someone who's used to driving an older bus on a normal bus route would have a rough first couple of driving days.  Are the drivers allowed to practice at all on a new route?

 

Regardless of her driving skills, please, please, please suggest that the honking stop!!!!!!!  Like one of the posters says, it's distracting to other drivers and really annoying for pedestrians and riders.  The wee-ooos aren't as loud and people know where they're coming from (not that they’re great, but that’s a whole other issue), but the honking at EVERY intersection regardless of if the bus is going straight or turning a. is too often and too loud, and b. cannot immediately be identified as coming from a bus without taking time to look.  (By the way, my bus driver this morning didn’t honk… thank god, although it was a different driver again with the new schedule.)

 

And please do forward my question about the random computer announcements on the #9 as well as my concern for bus 2831.  Anyone who rides that bus can tell that it doesn't sound or feel normal.  The loud engine vibrates the whole bus like mad, which is nice cause your butt doesn't fall alseep, but it's not good if you happen to need to use the restroom!  It's only when it's idling - driving it sounds pretty normal.  The first time I was on that bus I was thinking "Wow, is this engine gonna explode?"  And now that I've ridden on it multiple times, it's just kinda like "Oh, great, 2831 again."  Anywho, follow up isn't really necessary, but if the director wants to talk to me, let me know, and I'll give you my e-mail.  Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

I witnessed something on the bus ride home yesterday that ive never seen before while riding with the RTA. Ive seen many wheelchair's/hoverrounds on RTA busses but yesterday was the first time ive ever seen the driver get out of the drivers seat and secure the chair with the belt around the wheels. I know the belts are on every  bus but is it not required of drivers to secure the chairs?

 

Any update on this issue? Just want to know if every driver is required to make sure the wheelchair is strapped in correctly.

^ RTA encourages wheelchair riders to be strapped in, but we cannot make it mandatory. Some persons insist on "NO STRAPS."

^ RTA encourages wheelchair riders to be strapped in, but we cannot make it mandatory. Some persons insist on "NO STRAPS."

 

Thanks a lot!

Has RTA considered redoing those "Best Public Transportation..." signs?  Also, does anyone else notice how strange the automated voice announcements are?  The robotic woman's voice is downright creepy sometimes, and pronounces words so awkwardly that it's almost comical.  Was there a reason RTA opted for this robot voice versus a normal recording of someone's voice?  Chicago's CTA, Portland's Tri-Met and San Francisco's transit all use something far more understandable... just axin'!  :)  Not sure how that all works...

^ RTA encourages wheelchair riders to be strapped in, but we cannot make it mandatory. Some persons insist on "NO STRAPS."

 

Is that like a "Do Not Resuscitate" order?

You're bad...

Has RTA considered redoing those "Best Public Transportation..." signs? Also, does anyone else notice how strange the automated voice announcements are? The robotic woman's voice is downright creepy sometimes, and pronounces words so awkwardly that it's almost comical. Was there a reason RTA opted for this robot voice versus a normal recording of someone's voice? Chicago's CTA, Portland's Tri-Met and San Francisco's transit all use something far more understandable... just axin'! :) Not sure how that all works...

 

How could you "redo" a sign that has the year clearly stated on it? In 2007, we won the award. That has not changed.

 

Much has already been written about the computer voice, so I will not repeat it here.

I think when people see 2007 plastered all over the signs they say, cool, but that was 2007, what about THIS year?  Just throwin' it out there!  :)

 

Anybody know who got best public transportation system this year?

I think when people see 2007 plastered all over the signs they say, cool, but that was 2007, what about THIS year? Just throwin' it out there! :)

 

All these signs do is block the view out the window.

What's the deal with the red line westbound out of Tower City over the last few weeks?  It takes an agonizing 7 minutes to get from TC to W25th, stopping several times inbetween for no apparent reason.  I haven't noticed any workers doing track maintenance.  What's the story?

I took the RL WB the other night and it stopped multiple times while crossing the bridge from TC to WSM. 

Anybody know who got best public transportation system this year?

 

"Anyone" can find out by going gto apta.com

Anybody know who got best public transportation system this year?

 

Denver (2008) won the award for the same category we did (over 30 million passenger trips per year).

Well I sent a complaint about the beeping to the Mayor's Action Center as I have gotten good response before, and Mr. Calabrese sent me this response, you can read the whole email string below if you like....

Also just wanted to say thanks again to Joe for the quick response also....

 

 

Yes.  The prototype unit which has been in development is being installed this week and will be tested immediately.  If it meets our needs we will order units for installation on the fleet.  The unit will sound an audible sound both externally, and internally in the operators cabin, but only when the vehicle is in the act of turning, and not simply when the vehicle is pulling into and out of bus stops.  That will be accomplished because the activation will be based upon a certain percentage turn of the steering wheel, and not be activated only by the activation of the turn-signal, as is currently the case.  I do not anticipate that we will continue to ask our operators to beep their horns prior to turning, after this is installed.

...

Joseph,

 

I appreciate your response to my concern.  Do you have a timeline on the new measures or any details you can spare on what it entails?

 

-----Original Message-----

From: Joseph Calabrese [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 12:38 PM

Cc: [email protected]

Subject: RTA Buses

 

I am receipt of your comments that were forwarded to the Mayors Action Center.  I appreciate and value your thoughts and impressions.

 

As you may have read in the Plain Dealer recently, RTA has instituted a number of initiatives to create and maintain a safer environment for our customers and the general public.

 

You may not know that we have been working with specialists for some time to pioneer a warning device that is nearing completion and soon will be ready for testing.  We hope this new system will be less intrusive than the beeping buses that were only meant to be an interim step until this less intrusive system could be developed and installed.

As you are aware, this safety measure was implemented in direct response to an unfortunate pedestrian death on Public Square.

 

I know that this information does not resolve your immediate concerns

about noise.  To partially address the concerns over noise, a few weeks

ago we did lower the volume on the beeping units.  I will simply ask your patience as we work quickly to get the less intrusive system tested and installed as soon as possible.

 

 

Joseph Calabrese, CEO

General Manager & Sec.-Treas.

Greater Cleveland RTA

1240 West Sixth Street

Cleveland, OH 44113

216/566-5218 office

216/781-4043 fax

 

 

 

 

Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 11:50 AM

To: Mayors Action Center

Subject: RTA Busses

 

To Whom It May Concern:

 

I have written to this action center before and was pleasantly surprised at the response that I received and the attention to my concerns.  Thank you for that.  I hope that my following concern will receive the same effort.  The RTA busses beeping at every intersection is extremely annoying.  I live on the corner of a busy intersection and have lived there for five years with my wife.  We understand that the city is an exciting and at times noisy place and we have chosen this lifestyle because we like it.  Busses have always been loud, with accelerating and breaking at the corner we live on but it has never really been that bad.  Recently, following the killing of a pedestrian by an RTA bus, the busses have implemented a knee jerk reaction to this situation by not only having the busses emanate a beeping sound when they turn, stop, or pick people up, but also beeping the bus horn at turns.  This is a quality of life issue that affects the citizens of Cleveland on a daily basis.  The mayor has stated that this should be a community of choice and that people should desire to live here, but this new policy of the RTA does not help that.  The main problem is that these busses beep all the time.  At 4:00 in the morning, at 12:00 at night.  I have to sleep with ear plugs now and that is ridiculous.  I have contacted the RTA on multiple occasions and they have stated that they are still working on this situation, and that they were possibly going to work some kinks out.  Well that was over a month ago, and nothing has changed.  Please help if you can, RTA is only cutting off their nose to spite their face, I can't imagine this will help them with ridership as people that have to ride the bus are going insane inside of them.  I sometimes ride the rapid or the bus but now refuse to because this is insane.

 

Respectfully,

 

Citizen of Cleveland,

 

 

That indicates with certainty that anyone living near a corner where a bus turns will continue to have noise problems.  Not cool.  Very cool of Joe C to get back to you so quickly though.  Also, what is the benefit of serenading the inside of the bus?  The driver knows he/she is turning and the passengers don't care. 

Also, what is the benefit of serenading the inside of the bus? The driver knows he/she is turning and the passengers don't care.

 

likely to remind the driver to look both ways to ensure that no one is in the crosswalk.

The "remedy" sounds like a continued nuisance to anyone around a turning RTA bus.  I'm not quite sure why the passengers inside the bus need to hear it, let alone the driver.  But it sounds like the agency is dead-set on this audible device, so any further customer or citizen feedback seems somewhat pointless.

"it sounds like the agency is dead-set on this audible device, so any further customer or citizen feedback seems somewhat pointless."

 

As long as it's respectfully presented, I see nothing pointless about it.

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1310

 

RTA Media Advisory

June 17, 2009

 

Dump the Pump

 

America’s transit authorities

 

make united pitch to commuters

 

 

What:Fourth annual national Dump the Pump Day, organized by the America Public Transportation Association (APTA), to encourage work-trip commuters to make the switch from driving to riding by jumping on a train or bus. Locally, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is reaching out to Northeast Ohio commuters through

 

·                  The deployment of street teams dressed as super heros

 

·                  Leaving spray chalk messages near parking lots

 

·                  Transforming a metered parking space downtown into a green oasis

 

·                  Creating an online carbon footprint calculator.

 

Who:

Joseph Calabrese, CEO & General Manager, RTA

Street Team Super Heroes

Northeast Ohio commuters

 

When:2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2009

 

Where:

Lakeside Avenue at Mall B

Static green parking space

Photo Opportunity: noon – 1:30 p.m.

Also

Super Hero Street Teams at various locations downtown, with a photo opportunity from noon-1:30 p.m.

 

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1311

 

June 18, 2009

 

Be a Hero for a Day

Transit authorities across the country encourage commuters to ‘dump the pump’

 

CLEVELAND -- If you rode public transit once a week, you would reduce your carbon footprint and the amount you spend on gas by 20 percent.

 

This is the type of simple but compelling message the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authorities (RTA) and other transit authorities across the country are conveying to commuters as part of the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day, today, Thursday, June 18.

 

The goal is to get as many work-trip commuters as possible to make the switch from driving to riding by jumping on a train or bus. Everyone who does is a hero for the day by helping solve the economic, energy, and environmental problems in the world today.

 

RTA General Manager Joe Calabrese is using the national event to challenge not only commuters, but also business and civic leaders, to make the region’s environment and economy healthier.

 

“Clevelanders spend more than 20 percent of their income to get to work,” says Calabrese. “This reduces the amount of discretionary dollars for other things, which is particularly hard during these tough economic times. From an air quality standpoint, fewer cars on the road will lower Northeast Ohio’s ground-level ozone emissions. With the support of local CEOs and elected officials, more and more commuters will explore alternatives to driving.”

 

Several non-traditional communications tactics will be used by RTA to reach out to Northeast Ohio commuters on June 18. They include:

* Deploying street teams dressed as super heroes.

* Placing spray chalk messages near parking lots.

* Transforming a metered parking space downtown into a green oasis.

* Creating an online carbon footprint calculator.

 

Timing for the National Dump the Pump Day couldn’t be better, as gas prices are again on the rise.

 

* California became the first state to see gas prices top $3 a gallon since October, according to a daily survey of gas prices.

 

* The national average price for a gallon of gas rose 0.6 cents Monday to $2.669, according to motorist group AAA. Prices have been steadily climbing higher since April 29, and are up 63 percent from the start of the year.

 

Individuals can save more than $8,000 annually by taking public transportation instead of driving and living with one less car. And for every $1 invested in public transportation infrastructure, $6 is generated in economic returns to the community.

 

“With the economic downturn affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and ride public transportation,” says American Public Transportation Association President William Millar. “The National Dump the Pump Day is an opportunity for people across the country to ease the strain on their wallets and provide a more secure future for America.”

 

hmm...

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/124540035790550.xml&coll=2

 

Unlike other cities, Cleveland's RTA has a heart; it won't kick riders off the bus if they don't have exact change

Cleveland service an exception nationally

Friday, June 19, 2009

Karen Farkas

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

If you board an RTA bus and realize that you have only a $5 bill for the $2 fare, the driver may give you a break.

 

.....

Between the beeping buses and the 3mph over the CUT Viaduct for the "rapid" it's been an annoying past few weeks on RTA.  I actually walked home a few days ago to not deal with those issues.

Between the beeping buses and the 3mph over the CUT Viaduct for the "rapid" it's been an annoying past few weeks on RTA. I actually walked home a few days ago to not deal with those issues.

 

What about biking? :)

Between the beeping buses and the 3mph over the CUT Viaduct for the "rapid" it's been an annoying past few weeks on RTA. I actually walked home a few days ago to not deal with those issues.

 

RTA also seems to be experiencing a similar 'slow zone' on the Blue/Green lines on the high bridges btw Woodhill and 79th St.    While on the shuttle bus heading to the CIFF, I saw RTA doing trackwork near that area so I thought that would be one of the last places the Rapid would have problems.  Does anybody know what exactly the problem is?

 

The RTA exact-change fair policy noted in the Karen Farkas PD piece is a nice move by RTA -- Lord knows, riders deserve a break like this when they honestly don't have the exact change  -- but one that probably shouldn't be given wide pub lest RTA's prepared to deal with slick, supposed fare-misplacers out to beat the system... just a thought.

 

On another note, I know RTA recently altered schedules recently, including the Rapid, but what I didn't know, and don't recall any comments (either from RTA or UO Red Line riders)  is that the Red Line has been reduced to 20-min base intervals (down from the usual 15 minute base still employed on the Blue-Green trunk from TC to Shaker Sq)... It doesn't hit you until you're standing waiting on the platform for, say, an Airport train as I was the other day in TC, and people are milling about waiting... To me, 15 mins is the outer limit for any true "rapid transit" system, otherwise it becomes a schedule-dependent commuter rail system.  The budget cutting in light of high-fuel costs and under-subsidization from Ohio are old news.  But why would RTA cut service on the Red Line Rapid which, over the last few years, has been its fastest growing division, patron-wise (w/ the possible exception of the Fancy, new fangled Health Line, which is still kind of a new toy to some people)?  Wouldn't you want to hold service at current levels rather than move to discourage new riders?

...why would RTA cut service on the Red Line Rapid which, over the last few years, has been its fastest growing division, patron-wise (w/ the possible exception of the Fancy, new fangled Health Line, which is still kind of a new toy to some people)?  Wouldn't you want to hold service at current levels rather than move to discourage new riders?

 

clvlndr-

 

I refer you to the press release announcing this change, http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1303, which stated that this was done in preparation for the impending construction at the Puritas station...

 

^Ah, that's much better/makes sense.  Thanks, JetDog.

The RTA exact-change fair policy noted in the Karen Farkas PD piece is a nice move by RTA -- Lord knows, riders deserve a break like this when they honestly don't have the exact change -- but one that probably shouldn't be given wide pub lest RTA's prepared to deal with slick, supposed fare-misplacers out to beat the system... just a thought.

 

There was nothing new in the PD story. It merely reported what has been happening for some time. The originated with the reporter. It was not publicity sought by RTA.

June 26, 2009

 

RTA Board meets June 30

 

 

CLEVELAND – The Board of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will meet at 9 am. on Tuesday, June 30, at RTA's Main Office, 1240 W. Sixth St.

 

Planning and Development Committee

 

Maribeth Feke, Director, Programming and Planning, and Frank Polivka, Director of Procurement, will update the Board on the construction of new, re-located rail station at East 55th Street. The station, now located at 2890 E. 55th St., serves both light rail and heavy rail. The project will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Later in the day, the Board is expected to consider resolution 2009-48, as listed below.

 

Maribeth Feke, Director, Programming and Planning, will present a negotiated procurement to hire a consultant to perform an alternative analysis for the Blue Line Corridor, especially the Warrensville Center Road-Van Aken Boulevard intersection. Part of the project will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Later in the day, the Board is expected to consider resolution 2009-45, as listed below.

 

Operations Committee

Michael York, Deputy General Manager, Operations, will present information on a $3.2 million change order to the light-rail vehicle (LRV) overhaul program. This would raise the project total to $25.76 million. Later in the day, the Board is expected to consider resolution 2009-51, as listed below.

 

The regular Board meeting will follow the Committee meetings. The Board will consider resolutions to:

 

2009-42: Re-appoint Citizens Advisory Board members Brad Chase and Mary Vadas Reese to three-year terms. The group has 20 volunteer members. Chase has served since 2006, and is now the Chair, Reese since 2003.

 

2009-44: Hire the firm of Bialosky + Partners Architects LLC of Cleveland for $1.2 million to design a new Brookpark Rapid Station, 18010 Brookpark Road. More than 1,400 riders board there each day. About 20.6 percent of the work, or $247,000, would be shared by six DBE firms. The station opened April 20, 1969. The design of the new facility will include replacement or reutilization of the present buildings, the drop-off area (also known as “kiss-and-ride”), bus loop tunnel, platform and 1,000-car parking lot, plus improved landscaping along Brookpark Road. The project will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The 12-acre site is located on the border of Cleveland and Brook Park. The design is expected to be completed next summer.

 

2009-45: Authorize a $1.12 million contract with transportation planning consultant PB Americas Inc. to perform an alternative analysis/environmental study for the Blue Line Corridor in Shaker Heights, especially the Warrensville Center Road-Van Aken Boulevard intersection and the end of the Blue Line. The study must be completed before work can receive federal New Starts funding. Part of the contract will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. About 19.1 percent of the work, or $213,431, will be shared by 3 DBE firms.

 

2009-48: Award an $8.54 million contract with the Albert M. Higley Co. of Cleveland to build a new, relocated Rapid Transit station at East 55th Street. This award is 18.5 percent lower than the original RTA estimate. The current station, built in 1956, serves both light rail and heavy rail at 2890 East 55th Street. The project includes building a new station at a new site east of the present station. The station building will contain about 2,700 square feet, with a new canopy, stairs and elevator at track level, and an enclosed pedestrian bridge. It will be ADA compliant. The project will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. About 20 percent of the work, or $1.9 million, will be shared by 8 DBE firms.

 

2009-51: Authorize a $3.2 million change order and time extension for Bombardier Mass Transit Corp. to complete the overhaul of the light-rail vehicle (LRV) fleet. This would raise the project total to $25.76 million.

 

2009-53: Purchase six parcels of land (6.7 acres) on the east side of Columbia Road at First Street in Westlake for $1.9 million, to expand the Westlake Park-N-Ride, 24800 Sperry Road. The expansion is needed to meet the increased demand for transit during the Innerbelt reconstruction project, and it will add 200 spaces to the current lot of 550 spaces. Part of the purchase will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

 

NEXT: Committee meetings on July 7, full Board meeting on July 21.

 

Does anyone know whether the 32 Westbound still goes all the way downtown? The online maps, schedule and trip planner all suggest that it does, but when I hopped on the bus this morning, it appeared to terminate at University Circle / Cedar. Sorry, I know this question is pretty specific, but maybe it has applicability to some of the other routes that run on Euclid?

Only between 6-9am does it run all the way to TC.

Does anyone know whether the 32 Westbound still goes all the way downtown? The online maps, schedule and trip planner all suggest that it does, but when I hopped on the bus this morning, it appeared to terminate at University Circle / Cedar. Sorry, I know this question is pretty specific, but maybe it has applicability to some of the other routes that run on Euclid?

 

For my own information, since I find these resources to be quite clear in this regard, what aspect of our online information led you to think that the #32 Westbound served downtown outside of the 6:00am - 9:00am time slot already mentioned? If there's something we can improve, I'd like to take the steps to do it.

JeTDoG, I know you guys are stretched thin, but can you assure us RTA is plugging away to update the system maps (downtown, system wide and UC) to replace the 6 with the Healthline?  I can imagine you are using this is an opportunity to make more substantial changes to the maps, but as an interim step, couldn't someone just replace the "6" with "Healthline" so folks can at least match it up to schedule and route info on the web site? 

 

I'd imagine visitors to Cleveland who do some public transit due diligence on their own are a bit confused- not just that the online info is several months out of data, but because the maps seem to be hiding one of RTA's greatest accomplishments!

The red line still features RTA's embarassing female robot voice, explaining connections to nonexistent bus routes on the opposite side of town from where it's headed.  For example, there no longer is a 326 route.  Somebody has got to inform the robot voice.  Better yet, the most cost-effective solution would be to just turn the thing off.  It malfunctions the majority of the time-- everywhere it's installed-- and it still sounds awful when it's working perfectly. 

The red line still features RTA's embarassing female robot voice, explaining connections to nonexistent bus routes on the opposite side of town from where it's headed. For example, there no longer is a 326 route. Somebody has got to inform the robot voice. Better yet, the most cost-effective solution would be to just turn the thing off. It malfunctions the majority of the time-- everywhere it's installed-- and it still sounds awful when it's working perfectly.

 

I actually haven't heard it period most of the times I've been on the red line.....

The red line still features RTA's embarassing female robot voice, explaining connections to nonexistent bus routes on the opposite side of town from where it's headed.  For example, there no longer is a 326 route.  Somebody has got to inform the robot voice.  Better yet, the most cost-effective solution would be to just turn the thing off.  It malfunctions the majority of the time-- everywhere it's installed-- and it still sounds awful when it's working perfectly. 

 

I think there are some ADA obligations to announce stops (it's been discussed extensively on this thread already).  But there is definitely consensus here that whoever approved that robot over a clear human voice, as is used by every other US transit agency we've ridden on, deserves four lashes from a wet noodle (or similarly harmless though highly embarrassing punishment). 

 

I know these guys are trying to do a lot with a little and that things take time and that it's easy for us from outside the organization to casually lob these criticisms, constructive as they are...but it is still hard not to be impatient with some of these issues...

"Welcome aboard the RTA Redline EASTBOUND, destination Stokes/Windermere Rapid Station, next stop W25th/Ohio City", as we pull out of Tower City headed westbound!

 

I know we've brought this issue to everyone's attention but it's been a year already...I heard that announcement on the train yesterday!  :wtf:

 

 

Does anyone know whether the 32 Westbound still goes all the way downtown? The online maps, schedule and trip planner all suggest that it does, but when I hopped on the bus this morning, it appeared to terminate at University Circle / Cedar. Sorry, I know this question is pretty specific, but maybe it has applicability to some of the other routes that run on Euclid?

 

For my own information, since I find these resources to be quite clear in this regard, what aspect of our online information led you to think that the #32 Westbound served downtown outside of the 6:00am - 9:00am time slot already mentioned? If there's something we can improve, I'd like to take the steps to do it.

 

I boarded the train at 7:30 a.m. and had printed the schedule and used the Trip Planner feature to verify that the schedule was still accurate. Maybe I just misunderstood what was going on, but everyone but me poured out at the Rapid stop, then the bus took the loop back into the Eastbound turnaround, and the bus driver turned off the sign and told people not to board. At that point, I just jumped off and ran up to the Rapid, as I was nervous about being late for work. But if I just misunderstood and there is indeed continuing service downtown at those hours, that would be wonderful for my commute.

Does anyone know whether the 32 Westbound still goes all the way downtown? The online maps, schedule and trip planner all suggest that it does, but when I hopped on the bus this morning, it appeared to terminate at University Circle / Cedar. Sorry, I know this question is pretty specific, but maybe it has applicability to some of the other routes that run on Euclid?

 

For my own information, since I find these resources to be quite clear in this regard, what aspect of our online information led you to think that the #32 Westbound served downtown outside of the 6:00am - 9:00am time slot already mentioned? If there's something we can improve, I'd like to take the steps to do it.

 

I boarded the train at 7:30 a.m. and had printed the schedule and used the Trip Planner feature to verify that the schedule was still accurate. Maybe I just misunderstood what was going on, but everyone but me poured out at the Rapid stop, then the bus took the loop back into the Eastbound turnaround, and the bus driver turned off the sign and told people not to board. At that point, I just jumped off and ran up to the Rapid, as I was nervous about being late for work. But if I just misunderstood and there is indeed continuing service downtown at those hours, that would be wonderful for my commute.

 

The 32 that is at the Cedar Rapid Stop at 7:30am does not go all the way downtown, but the three following that one do....  Was that the bus you were on?

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1316

 

June 24, 2009

 

Orchestra plays on Public Square for annual free concert

 

CLEVELAND --- The Greater Cleveland Rapid Transit Authority (RTA) is the best ride way to get to the Cleveland Orchestra’s annual Independence Day concert on Thursday, July 2, at 9 p.m.

 

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and the concert will end around 10:30 p.m. Weather permitting, fireworks will follow the performance. The concert set-up equipment will cause several downtown streets to close, and many RTA buses will be re-routed.

 

There are more than 7,000 free parking spaces available along the RTA rail system. All Red, Green, and Blue lines service Tower City. Additional rail service will be provided before and after the concert.

 

You are encouraged to purchase an All-Day Pass. This will help operations after the concert.

 

Buses rerouted

At noon Tuesday, June 30, the loop in front of Tower City will be closed for concert setup. It will remain closed until 8 a.m. Friday, July 3. During this time, vehicles will be re-routed on the HealthLine, both trolley routes, the 7X, #9X and #32.

 

After 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2, most buses entering the downtown area will be affected by re-routes. For a complete listing, go to www.rideRTA.com/ridersalerts.

 

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1319

 

June 30, 2009

RTA Board highlights

 

CLEVELAND – Here are highlights of today’s meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA).

 

Planning and Development Committee

 

Maribeth Feke, Director, Programming and Planning, and Frank Polivka, Director of Procurement, updated the Board on the award of a construction contract for the new, re-located rail station at East 55th Street. The station, now located at 2890 E. 55th St., serves both light rail and heavy rail. The project will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Later in the meeting, the Board adopted resolution 2009-48, as listed below.

 

Maribeth Feke, Director, Programming and Planning, presented a negotiated procurement to hire a consultant to perform an alternatives analysis for the Blue Line Corridor, especially the Warrensville Center Road-Van Aken Boulevard intersection. Part of the project will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Later in the meeting, the Board adopted resolution 2009-45, as listed below.

 

Operations Committee

 

Michael York, Deputy General Manager, Operations, and Frank Polivka, Director of Procurement, presented information on a $3.2 million change order to the light-rail vehicle (LRV) overhaul program. This would raise the project total to $25.76 million. Later in the meeting, the Board adopted resolution 2009-51, as listed below.

 

During the full Board meeting, the Board adopted a number of resolution, including these:

 

2009-42: Re-appointed Citizens Advisory Board members Brad Chase and Mary Vadas Reese to three-year terms. The group has 20 volunteer members. Chase has served since 2006, and is now the Chair, Reese since 2003.

 

2009-44: Awarded a contract to Bialosky + Partners Architects LLC of Cleveland for $1.2 million to design a new Brookpark Rapid Station, 18010 Brookpark Road. More than 1,400 riders board there each day. About 20.6 percent of the work, or $247,000, will be shared by six DBE firms. The station opened April 20, 1969. The design of the new facility will include replacement or reutilization of the present buildings, the drop-off area (also known as “kiss-and-ride”), bus loop tunnel, platform and a 1,000-car parking lot, plus improved landscaping along Brookpark Road. The project will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The 12-acre site is located on the border of Cleveland and Brook Park. The design is expected to be completed next summer.

 

2009-45: Authorized a $1.12 million contract with transportation planning consultant PB Americas Inc. to perform an alternative analysis/environmental study for the Blue Line Corridor in Shaker Heights, especially the Warrensville Center Road-Van Aken Boulevard intersection and the end of the Blue Line. The study must be completed before work can receive federal New Starts funding. Part of the contract will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. About 19.1 percent of the work, or $213,431, will be shared by 3 DBE firms.

 

2009-48: Awarded an $8.54 million contract with the Albert M. Higley Co. of Cleveland to build a new, relocated Rapid Transit station at East 55th Street. This award is 18.5 percent lower than the original RTA estimate. The current station, built in 1956, serves both light rail and heavy rail at 2890 East 55th Street. The project includes building a new station at a new site east of the present station. The station building will contain about 2,700 square feet, with a new canopy, stairs and elevator at track level, and an enclosed pedestrian bridge. It will be ADA compliant, and the platform will be 863-feet long. The project will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. About 20 percent of the work, or $1.9 million, will be shared by 8 DBE firms. Ward 12 Cleveland City Councilman Anthony Brancatelli, who represents the Slavic Village area, attended the meeting. He said, “This is great news, fantastic news. RTA is a critical player in the support of what we are doing in our neighborhoods.” Background

 

2009-51: Authorized a $3.2 million change order and time extension for Bombardier Mass Transit Corp. to complete the overhaul of the light-rail vehicle (LRV) fleet. This would raise the project total to $25.76 million. The original contract was awarded in 2001. The work, done in Cornell, NY, will extend the life of each rail car by 12-15 years, at a cost of about $800,000 per car. The cost of a new light rail vehicle could be as high as $3 million.

 

2009-53: Purchased six parcels of land (6.7 acres) on the east side of Columbia Road at First Street in Westlake for $1.9 million, to expand the Westlake Park-N-Ride, 24800 Sperry Road. The expansion is needed to meet the increased demand for transit during the Innerbelt reconstruction project, and it will add 200 spaces to the current lot of 550 spaces. Part of the purchase will use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

 

Other Board action:

 

Approved the appointment of General Manager Joe Calabrese to the Senior Transportation Connection (STC).

 

Learned that ridership year-to-date is down 8 percent from last year, with the reduction due to a local unemployment rate of 10.8 percent. Year-to-date, ridership on the HealthLine is up 53.6 percent, and average daily trolley ridership is up 16 percent over last year.

 

Heard that revenue from a one percent countywide sales tax continues to lag, and is expected to be $15 million below budgeted levels by the end of the year. RTA officials continue to work with State officials on a solution.

 

Learned that RTA Rail Director Melvin Clark spent several days in Washington, DC, helping to investigate the cause of the WMATA subway crash. His rail expertise was sought by officials there.

 

Learned that RTA has established a Fraud Hotline, to be used by staff, vendors, contractors and the public to report concerns. The number is 216-781-4080.

 

NEXT: Committee meetings on July 7, full Board meeting on July 21.

 

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1317

 

June 24, 2009

 

Ride RTA, stay safe, have fun, see legal fireworks

 

CLEVELAND -- For a sixth year in a row, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will host a Family Fest as part of Cleveland’s major fireworks celebration.

 

The festival runs from 7 p.m. until dusk on Saturday, July 4. Families are encouraged to ride the Waterfront Line to the Settler’s Landing Station.

 

Bring a blanket, and grab a spot on the hillside for a great view of the fireworks. The fireworks, presented by Flats Oxbow, the City of Cleveland, and First Energy, are expected to start around 9:30 p.m.

 

RTA will operate extra trains before and after the fireworks, to make travel to and from the Flats fast and convenient. The event includes:

 

12-piece Sousa band

Free glow sticks

Free bottles of AquaFina water

 

Customers are encouraged to buy an All-Day Pass -- $4.50 for adults and $1.75 for each child, age 6-12, up to three children. Up to three children, younger than age 6, can ride free. An adult must accompany the children at all times.

 

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1315

 

June 30, 2009

 

July 4 holiday service set

 

CLEVELAND – Here is the holiday weekend for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Saturday, July 4, is Independence Day.

 

RTA will operate a Sunday/Holiday schedule on July 4.

 

RTA will operate a weekday schedule on Friday, July 3.

 

RTA offices will be closed on Friday, July 3.

 

The #20Z bus to the Metroparks Zoo will continue to operate only on Saturdays and Sundays.