Why do the trolley's bells not work? Every single one I hear is muffled. It would be such a cool dynamic to hear on a sunny day with bells ringing, but I hear a dead pang sound. I've heard it enough to actually say something when I heard it today. What gives?

 

I've noticed that too.  The Healthline has a nice ring, but the Trolleys sound like they're in need of a bell cleaning!

So what happens to my 5 trip pass once the fare increases take place? If i dont use all 5 rides on it will it still be valid after the increase?

If they follow the protocol from last time, it will be valid for a long time after the switch. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe last time the multi-trip tickets were valid up to a year after date of purchase?

If they follow the protocol from last time, it will be valid for a long time after the switch. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe last time the multi-trip tickets were valid up to a year after date of purchase?

 

Any fare media purchased prior to the increase that goes into effect September 1, 2009 will be good until the expiration date printed on the the media itself, or in the case of activated 7-day and 5-trip media, until it is "used up". There's no need to swap out, redeem, pay additional fare, or otherwise make any adjustment to any media you may have in hand at the time of the increase. In other words, as AMN stated, same protocol as last time.

What makes the buses "Clean Air Buses?"  I've seen this statement displayed on dozens of them.

What makes the buses "Clean Air Buses?" I've seen this statement displayed on dozens of them.

I could be wrong, but I think it's the low sulfer diesel they use. It burns cleaner.

What makes the buses "Clean Air Buses?" I've seen this statement displayed on dozens of them.

I could be wrong, but I think it's the low sulfer diesel they use. It burns cleaner.

 

You are correct. RTA has been using exclusively low-sulfur diesel (in those vehicles that use diesel) for some time now, since well before any requirement to do such went into place.

Excellent!  Glad they took that initiative.

 

Also, I saw in the PD this morning that Lakewood's mayor is going to fight the service cutbacks for the Circulator in his city.  This is all going to get pretty messy.

 

Excellent!  Glad they took that initiative.

 

Also, I saw in the PD this morning that Lakewood's mayor is going to fight the service cutbacks for the Circulator in his city.  This is all going to get pretty messy.

 

 

Well lets hope he pony's up some money and encourages his constituents to put pressure on their elected officials to provide more transit funding.

I think he said something like "we're going to get to the bottom of this"... i wonder if he'll get to the bottom of the fact that we're like 48th out of 50 states in terms of transit funding, and that's why we keep having to reduce service and hiking fares.

I think he said something like "we're going to get to the bottom of this"... i wonder if he'll get to the bottom of the fact that we're like 48th out of 50 states in terms of transit funding, and that's why we keep having to reduce service and hiking fares.

Or maybe he can get to the bottom of the fact that we're in one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression and therefore, people aren't spending money, thus causing the sales tax to dramatically decrease.

Here is the Lakewood article.  Some of the sh*t they say makes no damn sense.  this guy is just Grand Standing.  What does he think RTA is hiding?  Why spend tax payer money on BS?

---

 

Lakewood circulator users join mayor in protest of RTA decision to cut route

Posted by cball

July 30, 2009 21:55PM

 

 

Lakewood residents board the community circulator on Detroit Road after a rally at Lakewood Public Library's Main Branch, where residents protested RTA's decision to eliminate the city's circulators.

 

LAKEWOOD -- Mayor Ed FitzGerald on Thursday, July 30, told a crowd of residents -- many leaning on walkers or canes -- that the city will not accept the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's recent decision to cut the community circulators so many of them depend on.  He said he was "mad as hell" about the decision, which he said was made without proper public input and will hurt the city's elderly, disabled and businesses.

 

.......

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/07/lakewood_circulator_users_join/print.html

What makes the buses "Clean Air Buses?"  I've seen this statement displayed on dozens of them.

I could be wrong, but I think it's the low sulfer diesel they use. It burns cleaner.

 

You are correct. RTA has been using exclusively low-sulfur diesel (in those vehicles that use diesel) for some time now, since well before any requirement to do such went into place.

 

Every bus since 2002 also has some sort of exhaust treatment for soot and particulate matter.  2002 to 2004 have a muffler with a dual oxidation catalyst, and 2007 and new buses have a passive diesel particulate filter that removes substantially more soot and particulate matter from the exhaust.  The newest MCI park and ride buses have and active diesel particulate filter, which allows diesel fuel to be used to increase temperature to burn off particulate matter, whereas the passive system requires the engine temp to reach a certain level to work effectively.

Just as an FYI, Jerry and I will both be on vacation next week (not together -- not that there's anything wrong with that :-) ), and while I can't speak for him, I know I will not be keeping up with the discussion while I'm away.

 

Have fun, try not to kill each other or any newbies that stop by, and keep fighting the good fight on cleveland.com (and for those who have been doing so, a heartfelt THANK YOU goes out from me!). And, oh yeah, STAY ON TOPIC!!! (good enough, MayDay? ;-) )

Just as an FYI, Jerry and I will both be on vacation next week (not together -- not that there's anything wrong with that :) ), and while I can't speak for him, I know I will not be keeping up with the discussion while I'm away.

 

Have fun, try not to kill each other or any newbies that stop by, and keep fighting the good fight on cleveland.com (and for those who have been doing so, a heartfelt THANK YOU goes out from me!). And, oh yeah, STAY ON TOPIC!!! (good enough, MayDay? ;) )

 

I think they are plotting a take over of RTA.  ;D

 

I say avoid Greece, we've already seen how those trips turn out!  LMAO

I think he said something like "we're going to get to the bottom of this"... i wonder if he'll get to the bottom of the fact that we're like 48th out of 50 states in terms of transit funding, and that's why we keep having to reduce service and hiking fares.

 

Is that an accurate figure?  I would love to use that in discussions. I was going to say discussions with my fellow transit riders, but I won't be one anymore when I go back to work.  However, I will still use the argument when the issue comes up with other people if it's accurate.

Does anyone know when RTA's going to finally roll out the Red Line POP fare system?  What's the delay?

Hello

 

Just making a quick stop in to see if I missed anything. Do not expect a lot of posts this week.

Does anyone know when RTA's going to finally roll out the Red Line POP fare system?

 

I believe you may hear an announcement this week.

I think he said something like "we're going to get to the bottom of this"... i wonder if he'll get to the bottom of the fact that we're like 48th out of 50 states in terms of transit funding, and that's why we keep having to reduce service and hiking fares.

 

Yes, that is an accurate figure

 

Is that an accurate figure? I would love to use that in discussions. I was going to say discussions with my fellow transit riders, but I won't be one anymore when I go back to work. However, I will still use the argument when the issue comes up with other people if it's accurate.

I think he said something like "we're going to get to the bottom of this"... i wonder if he'll get to the bottom of the fact that we're like 48th out of 50 states in terms of transit funding, and that's why we keep having to reduce service and hiking fares.

 

Is that an accurate figure?  I would love to use that in discussions. I was going to say discussions with my fellow transit riders, but I won't be one anymore when I go back to work.  However, I will still use the argument when the issue comes up with other people if it's accurate.

No, we're not 48th. Idaho, Alabama, Hawaii provide no direct funding from the state , and a couple of states have cut back their transit budgets to close to the same level as Ohio, so I think we're somewhere around 40th. (From what I can find with 15 minutes on Google). I've seen this figure quoted several times recently, and I was curious about it. It's hard to find accurate and recent numbers on this organized together.

WCPN (90.3) is talking right now about Mass Transit and the funding troubles it's having.

Red Line upgrades fare collection system

 

CLEVELAND – Starting Monday, Aug. 10, customers will see a new fare collection system on the Red Line of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA).

How do you swipe the receipt?

RTA should have created a video, so people understand.

 

This is something that could be done inhouse and no budget - low tech using RTA employees.

How do you swipe the receipt?

 

If it's got a magnetic strip on the card, the same way you do now with the all-day pass.

Yeah, but thats for the card media.  If I remember, as I have been getting a monthly pass for 7 months now, a one way trip just gives you a paper receipt.  IF they are changing that then I can see how you would swipe it, or if I'm wrong.

Yeah, but thats for the card media. If I remember, as I have been getting a monthly pass for 7 months now, a one way trip just gives you a paper receipt. IF they are changing that then I can see how you would swipe it, or if I'm wrong.

 

The HealthLine uses card-like receipts for 1-way fares, I'm sure this will be the same

Along the same topic--I returned a rental car at the airport the other morning after my car repair was finished, and decided to just take the train back home.  Went to use the fare card machines--there was a sign directing to pay at the turnstiles.  I paid my $2 fare in quarters at the turnstiles (the booth was unmanned) and headed to the train. Upon boarding, the train driver INSISTED there was a sign to pay on the train.  When I told her I didn't see one and instead had followed the instructions to pay at the turnstile, she became very hostile.  There were other people getting on the train with me that told her the same thing--they saw no sign.

 

I'm sure there are all types working at RTA--but is this who we want as an ambassador at the airport on a Tuesday morning?  Is RTA that broke that they can't put someone in the booth with a smile on their face?

Is RTA that broke that they can't put someone in the booth with a smile on their face?

Yes, they are that broke.

Along the same topic--I returned a rental car at the airport the other morning after my car repair was finished, and decided to just take the train back home.  Went to use the fare card machines--there was a sign directing to pay at the turnstiles.  I paid my $2 fare in quarters at the turnstiles (the booth was unmanned) and headed to the train. Upon boarding, the train driver INSISTED there was a sign to pay on the train.  When I told her I didn't see one and instead had followed the instructions to pay at the turnstile, she became very hostile.  There were other people getting on the train with me that told her the same thing--they saw no sign.

 

I'm sure there are all types working at RTA--but is this who we want as an ambassador at the airport on a Tuesday morning?  Is RTA that broke that they can't put someone in the booth with a smile on their face?

 

Does your every experience have to have a negative, Plain Dealer, connotation?

 

Why not ask, "is there a reason the booth was not staffed at that time?" and leave it at that?

I have no problem with how Cleburger presented his information here. If someone representing a company or agency that deals with the public shows poor public relations skills, then I would want to know about it.

I take the Red Line quite a bit from the airport to Tower City (at least every time I travel.)  There usually is an attendant in the booth, but it's not usually the most friendly one of the bunch.  Rarely does the person even say "hello" or smile...

 

I'm not saying the person needs to leap out of their seat and give me a big hug welcoming me back to Cleveland, but a little customer service would go long way.

I would say, by and large, the booth workers are friendly at Rapid stations. The exception is often the airport, which is where the best of the bunch should be, in my opinion. The rotation at the Ohio City booth are pretty good people who remember my face and say hello.

The airport booth was unmanned yesterday.  It didn't matter to me because I have my UPass, but RTA didn't get the mister's $2!

 

Also, the new super duper fareboxes at Tower City (where you can buy every kind of pass imaginable) are of course on the same software as the Healthline ones.  I had to buy a 7-day pass for this week cause I have a week gap between my summer UPass expiring and my fall UPass starting (Lame!!!).  At any rate, I didn't want my 7-day pass activated yet, but of course it defaults to that.  So you come to a screen where it says how many passes you want activated or not; however, instead of moving the cursor over to decrement the activated amount, you actually increment the non-activated and it will automatically decrement the activated.  Argh. 

Red Line upgrades fare collection system

 

CLEVELAND – ...

When you exit the Red Line at Tower City, you must swipe your valid “proof-of-payment” card so you can pass the gates and go into the Rotunda area. Transit Police will be on hand to talk with fare violators.

Well, see there you go.  It will NOT be a faster system for morning commuters because now they have to wait in lines as the masses head off the train and into Tower City.  Seems a lot like the Green/Blue Line setup, doesn't it?  If you use a 5-ride, you have to swipe before AND after your ride in the new setup.  Where are the time savings there?  At least with my monthly pass I do not have to do the first swipe, but that never took that long anyway...

Red Line upgrades fare collection system

 

CLEVELAND – ...

When you exit the Red Line at Tower City, you must swipe your valid “proof-of-payment” card so you can pass the gates and go into the Rotunda area. Transit Police will be on hand to talk with fare violators.

Well, see there you go.  It will NOT be a faster system for morning commuters because now they have to wait in lines as the masses head off the train and into Tower City.  Seems a lot like the Green/Blue Line setup, doesn't it?  If you use a 5-ride, you have to swipe before AND after your ride in the new setup.  Where are the time savings there?  At least with my monthly pass I do not have to do the first swipe, but that never took that long anyway...

 

Eagle, first let me ask, how often you ride the train into Tower City?  How much time do you think it will take to swipe a card to exit the station??

 

The procedure is no different than DC or Atlanta rail systems where you must swipe your card to exit.

 

I'm guessing RTA did this so now they can have a more accurate count of where a passenger enters and exits the system, to get a true sense of usage at each station.

Red Line upgrades fare collection system

 

CLEVELAND ...

When you exit the Red Line at Tower City, you must swipe your valid proof-of-payment card so you can pass the gates and go into the Rotunda area. Transit Police will be on hand to talk with fare violators.

Well, see there you go. It will NOT be a faster system for morning commuters because now they have to wait in lines as the masses head off the train and into Tower City. Seems a lot like the Green/Blue Line setup, doesn't it?   If you use a 5-ride, you have to swipe before AND after your ride in the new setup. Where are the time savings there? At least with my monthly pass I do not have to do the first swipe, but that never took that long anyway...

 

It's still quicker than cash, though, seeing as there is only one cash booth but several turnstiles that take the cards.  So there won't be transit police on the trains then?

Red Line upgrades fare collection system

 

CLEVELAND – ...

When you exit the Red Line at Tower City, you must swipe your valid “proof-of-payment” card so you can pass the gates and go into the Rotunda area. Transit Police will be on hand to talk with fare violators.

Well, see there you go.  It will NOT be a faster system for morning commuters because now they have to wait in lines as the masses head off the train and into Tower City.  Seems a lot like the Green/Blue Line setup, doesn't it?  If you use a 5-ride, you have to swipe before AND after your ride in the new setup.  Where are the time savings there?  At least with my monthly pass I do not have to do the first swipe, but that never took that long anyway...

 

It's still quicker than cash, though, seeing as there is only one cash booth but several turnstiles that take the cards.  So there won't be transit police on the trains then?

 

The way I read it, is TP will be roaming/mobile.  Some on trains and some at stations.

Red Line upgrades fare collection system

 

CLEVELAND ...

When you exit the Red Line at Tower City, you must swipe your valid proof-of-payment card so you can pass the gates and go into the Rotunda area. Transit Police will be on hand to talk with fare violators.

Well, see there you go.  It will NOT be a faster system for morning commuters because now they have to wait in lines as the masses head off the train and into Tower City.  Seems a lot like the Green/Blue Line setup, doesn't it?  If you use a 5-ride, you have to swipe before AND after your ride in the new setup.  Where are the time savings there?  At least with my monthly pass I do not have to do the first swipe, but that never took that long anyway...

 

It's still quicker than cash, though, seeing as there is only one cash booth but several turnstiles that take the cards.  So there won't be transit police on the trains then?

 

The way I read it, is TP will be roaming/mobile.  Some on trains and some at stations.

 

Oh, heh, sorry.  This is what happens when I'm skimming threads trying to catch up on a week's worth of UO news......

Red Line upgrades fare collection system

 

CLEVELAND – ...

When you exit the Red Line at Tower City, you must swipe your valid “proof-of-payment” card so you can pass the gates and go into the Rotunda area. Transit Police will be on hand to talk with fare violators.

Well, see there you go.  It will NOT be a faster system for morning commuters because now they have to wait in lines as the masses head off the train and into Tower City.  Seems a lot like the Green/Blue Line setup, doesn't it?  If you use a 5-ride, you have to swipe before AND after your ride in the new setup.  Where are the time savings there?  At least with my monthly pass I do not have to do the first swipe, but that never took that long anyway...

 

It's still quicker than cash, though, seeing as there is only one cash booth but several turnstiles that take the cards.  So there won't be transit police on the trains then?

 

The way I read it, is TP will be roaming/mobile.  Some on trains and some at stations.

 

Oh, heh, sorry.  This is what happens when I'm skimming threads trying to catch up on a week's worth of UO news......

 

No need to be sorry sweetie.  I know you must be exhausted after being on your big media tour!  LOL

I understand, but just pointing out that during rush hour, the new system does not offer any time savings to riders.  They should not advertise it as such.

 

Hopefully we can use both sets of turnstiles while exiting?

I understand, but just pointing out that during rush hour, the new system does not offer any time savings to riders.  They should not advertise it as such.

 

Hopefully we can use both sets of turnstiles while exiting?

 

Can you explain to me how you calculate this isn't a "time" savings? I'm not trying to be confrontational, but how can you make that claim without having used both systems over a period of time?

I understand, but just pointing out that during rush hour, the new system does not offer any time savings to riders.  They should not advertise it as such.

While it may slow you down a little getting through the turnstiles, because none of the passengers is having to pay on the train, you should make up for that time by getting to Tower City faster. Therefore it probably will save some time overall, depending on how far you're riding.

I understand, but just pointing out that during rush hour, the new system does not offer any time savings to riders. They should not advertise it as such.

 

Hopefully we can use both sets of turnstiles while exiting?

 

I just meant that it's not like the blue/green line at all, because people won't have to pay cash fares at Tower City, nor when they get on the train.  The POP cards go through much more quickly, just like any RTA fare media.  Honestly, I hope RTA actually makes people use the fareboxes, because if they cut people slack like on the Healthline, people will still insist on paying on the train, and then things definitely won't be any faster.  They really need to force people to start using the fareboxes, even if they are a giant PITA to use.

Only one stop on the west-side Red Line has a pay-on-the-train setup during rush, and other Red Line users can chime in, I do not think those riders hold up the train that often.  (the train often pulls away as they are still paying) 

For morning commute, I don't see how it is even possible for this new setup to be quicker.  Any Red Line users disagree?  :?    Other times, like weekend ballgames and such, it will likely be quicker because stations are not always manned at those times, with instructions to pay on the train.

 

If the setup saves RTA money, I will be happy.  I have not heard what the cost savings are.  The current setup has booth attendants at 8 of 9 stations to the west during busy hours.  Will the cost of new transit officers be significantly less than the cost of those attendants?  Won't the new officers have to cover more hours than the attendants did per week?  Is that factored in?

 

The scan-as-you-exit setup at Tower City WILL slow things down a bit, at a time when i am at my grumpiest.  You know the guy in front of you will swipe his card 3 different ways before he gets it to work... :)

Only one stop on the west-side Red Line has a pay-on-the-train setup during rush, and other Red Line users can chime in, I do not think those riders hold up the train that often.  (the train often pulls away as they are still paying) 

For morning commute, I don't see how it is even possible for this new setup to be quicker.  Any Red Line users disagree?  :?    Other times, like weekend ballgames and such, it will likely be quicker because stations are not always manned at those times, with instructions to pay on the train.

 

If the setup saves RTA money, I will be happy.  I have not heard what the cost savings are.  The current setup has booth attendants at 8 of 9 stations to the west during busy hours.  Will the cost of new transit officers be significantly less than the cost of those attendants?  Won't the new officers have to cover more hours than the attendants did per week?  Is that factored in?

 

The scan-as-you-exit setup at Tower City WILL slow things down a bit, at a time when i am at my grumpiest.  You know the guy in front of you will swipe his card 3 different ways before he gets it to work... :)

 

dude that happens in EVERY system.  there are "card" issues or those new to the system that don't know how to swipe, etc. 

 

It takes getting used to.  I know when I moved to NYC and I had to learn to use a metrocard, I could never get the swipe/stroke just right. 

 

Give the system a chance before coming up with reasons why it won't work or to list negative points.

I understan the system will have to develop.  However, for morning rush I was just contending it will never be quicker as claimed.  At best it will be the same, if you scoot off the train and stay ahead of the masses.

I understan the system will have to develop.  However, for morning rush I was just contending it will never be quicker as claimed.  At best it will be the same, if you scoot off the train and stay ahead of the masses.

I don't understand your fears, since the system isn't active.

I'd like to give a little shout out to RTA's customer service and refund department for not giving me any hassle over a refund for one of the machines that broke down on Monday.  My only issues were that I had to call between 7:30-9am and a few of the phone numbers were either disconnected or had no voice mail.  That aside, the RTA reps were polite, apologetic, and I'm getting my $10 pass this afternoon.  So thanks guys.

 

what the heck? i called RTA several times last year for a refund and they never called me back

 

and whats this about raising fares and cutting circulators? RTA needs to fix their own problems instead of taking it out on tax payers. im getting sick of them raising fares every year while reducing service.