I have never really had a problem while using RTA, but I really do not like the machines and they are a hassle to use. The machines, however, do not make my experience with RTA a bad one and at least they are working to fix some of the problems. As for the height issue, could stands be made to raise the level of the machines, like the stands that are made for front loading washing/drying machines?

 

Since I am not a daily rider, I am not really bothered my the announcements, but I do agree that some of them are too long and the "no body wants to hear what you are having for dinner" statement is really annoying.

 

When I take the train downtown, I usually take the westbound Blue line and buy my ticket (an All Day pass) when I get to Tower City. Sometimes I decide to go to University Circle/Little Italy from downtown and I just take the Health Line. When I get on, do I have to swipe my ticket in the machine up front or something? Usually I just get on and take the bus to my destination without doing anything to verify that I have a ticket.

I have never really had a problem while using RTA, but I really do not like the machines and they are a hassle to use. The machines, however, do not make my experience with RTA a bad one and at least they are working to fix some of the problems. As for the height issue, could stands be made to raise the level of the machines, like the stands that are made for front loading washing/drying machines?

 

Since I am not a daily rider, I am not really bothered my the announcements, but I do agree that some of them are too long and the "no body wants to hear what you are having for dinner" statement is really annoying.

 

When I take the train downtown, I usually take the westbound Blue line and buy my ticket (an All Day pass) when I get to Tower City. Sometimes I decide to go to University Circle/Little Italy from downtown and I just take the Health Line. When I get on, do I have to swipe my ticket in the machine up front or something? Usually I just get on and take the bus to my destination without doing anything to verify that I have a ticket.

 

You're good - no payment verification necessary as your pass is already activated.  You'd just need to show it to the transit cops if they asked.

^Ok, just wanted to make sure. However, couldn't people essentially just get on and ride for free?

^Ok, just wanted to make sure. However, couldn't people essentially just get on and ride for free?

 

Yes, as long as they don't get caught by the transit cops who check passes now and then.

Cleveland hosts national transportation convention just as RTA is forced to slap asphalt on sections of the HealthLine where concrete is already crumbling

 

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority has plenty to show off when public-transportation officials from across the country come to Cleveland next month for the American Public Transportation Association national conference. The crown jewel of Cleveland's system is the recently constructed $200 million HealthLine, a bus system meant to operate like a rail line down Euclid Ave. There are gleaming new stations and, in many places, new development to point out along the route.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/tipoff/index.ssf/2010/04/cleveland_hosts_national_trans.html

 

I seriously take issue with McIntyre's characterization of the Health Line as the 'Crown Jewel' of the RTA system.  Sorry, but the crown jewel of RTA continues to be its Rapid Transit system -- the real one that runs on rails and electricity, not gasoline and rubber tires.  The Health Line is RTA's new toy which, btw, is getting less unique by the day as Washington's Metro rail/bus system is running the exact same ultra-sleek stretch buses as the HL.  Guess it's just another example, in the popular media of the marginalization of our Rapid Transit system.

And what about the fact that all machines require that you either be 3 feet tall to operate or bend over uncomofortably for a prolonged amount of time only to be knocked over with a 500 decibel beep when the transaction is completed?  Is that going to be rectified as well?  I seriously can't believe that leaving ALL ticket machines at ADA level would be an option, would it?

 

there are significant shortcomings with both the physical machines and the software.  all that is being addressed now is the software.  basically, the height isn't the real issue.  the real issue is the screen angle which was changed to make them ADA acceptable because of the width of the stations - it was off by something like 1 or 2 inches, so they decreased the screen tilt by 2 inches, which led to a bunch of other problems.

 

basically, the new redesign by including the button number and the "....." aligning to the button will help fix this.

 

there are also separate proposals for creating a 3 color front panel and introducing a "1. select" "2. pay" and "3. Take" approach to the actual fronts on the machines instead of all being the red color with no orientation.  I understand that RTA hasn't committed to these changes b/c they would have to pay and not the vendor.

 

HEIGHT isn't the issue?  Speak for yourself!  I have to literally get on my knees to conduct a transaction.  I'm only 6'3.  They are in danger of being crushed by a dwarf!  Whoever the board or committee who approved these things should be fired and forced to personally pay for the replacement. 

I have never really had a problem while using RTA, but I really do not like the machines and they are a hassle to use. The machines, however, do not make my experience with RTA a bad one and at least they are working to fix some of the problems.

 

Well when one has such a tough time getting their ticket, it sort of tarnishes the experience from the get-go, at least for me.  First impressions are everything.  And when I have to ask a few young thugs who are leaning against the machines to move, then I have to crouch down and even then I have difficulty navigating the interface, I'd rather just get in my car and drive!  I used to live downtown but now I moved within walking distance of the West Blvd transit station which resembles something from a war-torn country... why even bother having escalators when they've never worked?  And RTA should be embarrassed by the amount of garbage near the platform, not to mention the hundreds of cigarettes between the tracks.  ONE RTA representative (transit cop maybe?) walking the station could alleviate some of these problems.

Jerry has said more than once that there's basically nothing they can do about the garbage and that it's everyone else's fault for throwing it there to begin with, whether it's homes or businesses that back up against the tracks, or at the platforms themselves.

 

I would like to know how other transit organizations in other cities deal with this problem.  Surely Clevelanders are not the only ones who litter like this.

Jerry has said more than once that there's basically nothing they can do about the garbage and that it's everyone else's fault for throwing it there to begin with, whether it's homes or businesses that back up against the tracks, or at the platforms themselves.

 

I would like to know how other transit organizations in other cities deal with this problem. Surely Clevelanders are not the only ones who litter like this.

 

I take mass transit most of the places I travel, and I've never seen the level of concentration of trash, graffiti, cigarettes or whatever, along the train routes than here in Cleveland.  But yeah, Clevelanders are surely not the only ones who litter like this... there must be something different other transit systems are doing.

Jerry has said more than once that there's basically nothing they can do about the garbage and that it's everyone else's fault for throwing it there to begin with, whether it's homes or businesses that back up against the tracks, or at the platforms themselves.

 

I would like to know how other transit organizations in other cities deal with this problem.  Surely Clevelanders are not the only ones who litter like this.

 

There seems to be a few options to fix this:

- the same court community service people who clean up highways could be deployed to the rail corridor a few times a year

- similar to the river and beach sweeps that take place, a volunteer effort could be coordinated once or twice a year

 

ultimately RTA has to believe a problem with trash exists, which I don't think is the case.  it seems that there is recognition that the rail corridors are dirty and trash covered in places, but what can really be done about it?

 

there are certainly logistical and safety challenges with cleaning up along active rail lines, but with the other planned maintenance windows and weekend shutdowns, it wouldn't seem too difficult to coordinate this clean up to happen once or twice a year.

 

And what about the fact that all machines require that you either be 3 feet tall to operate or bend over uncomofortably for a prolonged amount of time only to be knocked over with a 500 decibel beep when the transaction is completed?  Is that going to be rectified as well?  I seriously can't believe that leaving ALL ticket machines at ADA level would be an option, would it?

 

there are significant shortcomings with both the physical machines and the software.  all that is being addressed now is the software.  basically, the height isn't the real issue.  the real issue is the screen angle which was changed to make them ADA acceptable because of the width of the stations - it was off by something like 1 or 2 inches, so they decreased the screen tilt by 2 inches, which led to a bunch of other problems.

 

basically, the new redesign by including the button number and the "....." aligning to the button will help fix this.

 

there are also separate proposals for creating a 3 color front panel and introducing a "1. select" "2. pay" and "3. Take" approach to the actual fronts on the machines instead of all being the red color with no orientation.  I understand that RTA hasn't committed to these changes b/c they would have to pay and not the vendor.

 

HEIGHT isn't the issue?  Speak for yourself!  I have to literally get on my knees to conduct a transaction.  I'm only 6'3.  They are in danger of being crushed by a dwarf!  Whoever the board or committee who approved these things should be fired and forced to personally pay for the replacement. 

 

Height is a big issue, but again the basic problem here is RTA's internal policy preference.  Each stop has to have an ADA accessible machine; some stops only have 1 machine, and at most (except for tower city) 2 machines, unlike other larger systems where there may be 5 or 6 machines and 1 or 2 ADA machines per stop.  So, RTA made the decision to be overly accommodating to ADA issues and made all of the machines the same height.  So although they could put a base on the machines, if at the end of the day they think it is most important that all machines are ADA accessible, then this won't happen.  What this doesn't excuse, however, is that good machine design and  layout could have (and maybe still can) make these machines usable by everyone, while being ADA accessible.

 

^It probably is consistent with the Red Line, but judging from TBideon's story, it's not something that was available for the Blue/Green line.  I don't even remember how the fares work for them- can you still just pay cash at Tower City?

I think for the Blue/Green lines, if you are west bound, you have to pay when you get off the train or when you get to Tower City. If you are going east bound you pay at Tower City or pay when you get on the train. Also, I believe that the machines at Tower City accept cash, but you might need exact change. I don't know for sure because I always use my debit card.

 

You DO have to have exact change for the Healthline, which is stupid, because the machines are capable of giving change.

 

The HealthLine machines are not capable of giving change - only the larger kiosks at Tower City and the airport have the change capability built in.  The TVMs on the HealthLine and Red Line are too small to contain the change equipment.

You DO have to have exact change for the Healthline, which is stupid, because the machines are capable of giving change.

 

The HealthLine machines are not capable of giving change - only the larger kiosks at Tower City and the airport have the change capability built in.  The TVMs on the HealthLine and Red Line are too small to contain the change equipment.

 

I could've sworn there is a little cup that says "change" on the Healthline machines......

 

EDIT:  There is a thing marked "coin return"

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uFo00Smcjak/SfdqjOrCNdI/AAAAAAAAHLM/wur1MWjXloo/s1600-h/IMG_2222.JPG

 

Thanks urbanlife for all the information.

annnd, I'd just like to chime in with my latest complaint.  The INANE external announcement about warning, pedestrians, bus is turning is basically apparently made pretty much constantly.  Now that it's getting warmer out, I have been walking a lot around downtown, and I cannot believe how much this announcement is being used.  I have been buses sitting completely still taking a "break" at bus stops where the bus is making this announcement, as well as driving straight down the road, not having just completed or approaching a turn, and also every time a bus makes a stop at the curbside or is pulling away from the curbside.  In other words, with no rhyme or reason, and in no way helpful to pedestrians (not that it would be if used actually ONLY when turning).

 

People on the street are literally laughing and making fun of the buses making these noises.  How is RTA not concerned about their public perception?  I just don't get it.

I had lunch with a client at John Q's last week, and we heard those buses.  It was....shocking.

I had lunch with a client at John Q's last week, and we heard those buses. It was....shocking.

 

I hear them..... a lot.  At first I wanted to punch the woman in the face who recorded the message......  And now I've learned to completely drown them out, especially because the announcement is sooooooo long.  Therefore, that message is not effective for me!

Wow, I just saw a Youtube video of this.  That is really annoying and an incredibly ineffective way to warn pedestrians.  The busses are louder than the announcements anyway.

I find it interesting that by the time the long winded announcement gets to the point that the bus is turning, the bus will probably have completed the turn and be on it's way.  Honestly, between RTA, the Healthline "sonar" crosswalks, and the DCA sweeper machine that announces it's presence continually as if it were on complete autopilot and incapable of stopping, I want to begin walking around downtown with a hammer and screwdriver taking out speakers.  Give us some peace already!  We are not morons, and don't need warning bells and whistles on every f-ing thing!

The more RTA's budget gets cut, the louder the buses get!

 

I hesitated to post about this, because all I have been doing is b*tching about RTA lately, but after reading the above posts, I couldn't resist... we recently had lunch at Barley House.  What a mistake that was!  Barley House is the restaurant (with an outdoor patio!) that is across from RTA's World Headquarters on West 6th.  All we heard was that Trolley pulling away from its stop with that annoying woman saying something like, "Stand clear, the bus is turning!"  The announcement was so loud (the bus stop is only about a 100 feet away) that it would almost interrupt our conversation, and the frequency those Trolleys stopped there forced us to listen to that announcement every 5 to 10 minutes!  The bus wasn't even really turning, it was simply pulling away from the West 6th street stop and entering traffic, so presumably their blinker was activated or the steering wheel was turned a certain percentage.

 

I made a comment to the waitress at Barley House and she said the bus just started making those noises.  Little did she know was that the Trolleys were probably the last vehicles to be infected by the virus that is RTA's talking bus program.

 

What Calabrese and his assistants think is "innovative thinking" has quickly become one of the biggest annoyances of this city.

What Calabrese and his assistants think is "innovative thinking" has quickly become one of the biggest annoyances of this city.

 

Then file a taxpayer lawsuit regarding noise pollution. It's nice to vent here, but it's better to do something.

I have to disagree.  We shouldn't have to file any kind of a lawsuit to get the people at RTA to listen to their customers and stop the insanity.  It's not like there aren't two representatives on this board from RTA who can see and read these posts and communicate feedback upward.  If we were just ranting on an anonymous board where nobody at RTA could see or hear our complaints (like many other people complaining about RTA).  And I believe some people on here have said they've complained directly to RTA as well but have gotten no answers.  Why are they not listening?

Because the union is out of touch with reality, and the union has been running RTA. It's why the burden of the automated warnings is being placed on pedestrians for the fatal mistake of one bus driver. And I don't think that will change until customers take control of their transit system away from the union.

^So you're saying Calabrese & Co. spent $ millions for these absurdly ridiculous and annoying bus turning announcements because the union threatened management to protect the jobs its breatheren who, apparently, don't have the good sense to look both ways before turning their steeds?  ... you're really serious?  ... If that's the case, they should change their initials to the MPTA - the Monty Python Transit Authority.

I think this is pure assumption coming from KJP... I haven't seen nor heard anyone say these automated announces are being put into place because of union stipulations.  And even if they were, it doesn't take away any part of their absurdity.

 

I have sent several email complaints to RTA via their website feedback form, and even called their customer line to voice my opinions.  The woman who took my complaint over the phone had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned "talking buses."  She must not even take RTA.  But seemingly she took my complaint... I just hope it gets put into the right hands.

There is more than one way to skin a cat.  Those complaining have you joined the Citizens Advisory Board or attended a meeting. 

 

Personally I think that is the place to start.

 

http://www.riderta.com/CAB/

 

Slack with feedback. One of the simple basics that fall short. But, when the standards are lowered, accountability falls too, and vice versa.

I think this is pure assumption coming from KJP... I haven't seen nor heard anyone say these automated announces are being put into place because of union stipulations.  And even if they were, it doesn't take away any part of their absurdity.

 

 

You are correct. It is my assumption. I don't know. But what I do know is that RTA's labor costs are 70 percent of their operating budget (compared to 50 percent at airlines and passenger railroads). And their work rules are some of the most onerous, ridiculous I've seen, which encourage featherbedding and other inefficiencies. They also have some powerful union interests on the RTA board of trustees. So when I say RTA is run by the union, I mean literally.

 

 

Based on that and what two former RTA executives have told me about the power of the union over RTA, I assume that RTA went to the union after the pedestrian fatality and suggested that drivers get enhanced training. I also assume that the union told them to stick it and may have even called in some poltical chips to get RTA put the emphasis on warning pedestrians of buses.

 

After all, how could the pedestrians be at fault for what happened? It was a driver talking on a cell phone. And the pedestrians have to bear this burden? Have the drivers taken on any new burdens as a result of the driver's negligence? If not, what does that tell you?

Jerry has said more than once that there's basically nothing they can do about the garbage and that it's everyone else's fault for throwing it there to begin with, whether it's homes or businesses that back up against the tracks, or at the platforms themselves.

 

I would like to know how other transit organizations in other cities deal with this problem.  Surely Clevelanders are not the only ones who litter like this.

 

 

Here's one way to beautify the rail bed.  Could be a revenue booster too LOL

 

Train Runs Through Bangkok Market

Jerry has said more than once that there's basically nothing they can do about the garbage and that it's everyone else's fault for throwing it there to begin with, whether it's homes or businesses that back up against the tracks, or at the platforms themselves.

 

I would like to know how other transit organizations in other cities deal with this problem. Surely Clevelanders are not the only ones who litter like this.

 

 

Here's one way to beautify the rail bed. Could be a revenue booster too LOL

 

Train Runs Through Bangkok Market

 

That is one well-oiled machine!

Jerry has said more than once that there's basically nothing they can do about the garbage and that it's everyone else's fault for throwing it there to begin with, whether it's homes or businesses that back up against the tracks, or at the platforms themselves.

 

I would like to know how other transit organizations in other cities deal with this problem. Surely Clevelanders are not the only ones who litter like this.

 

 

Here's one way to beautify the rail bed. Could be a revenue booster too LOL

 

Train Runs Through Bangkok Market

 

That is one well-oiled machine!

 

Apparently this happens 8 times a day, 7 days a week.  You can google Maeklong Market for more info.  There are tons of videos on YouTube of it.

Jerry has said more than once that there's basically nothing they can do about the garbage and that it's everyone else's fault for throwing it there to begin with, whether it's homes or businesses that back up against the tracks, or at the platforms themselves.

 

 

Typical wave off. To alleviate RTA's responsibility to do their part in promoting cleaner corridors by stating the obvious is simply passing the buck and a cop out. If I were "renting"... so to speak...a building and everyone was pitching trash in front of my business door, I would have to do something to do my part in promoting the opposite.

 

A same philosophy applies here. In a way, these corridors are their "business front" to a degree, or whomever has most authority over the right-of-way. (Is it Conrail?) Either way, they have a right to explore the possibility of utilizing state and local litter laws in their favor as well, to curb this problem.

 

The squeaky wheel gets the grease...and its all about pride and priorities. This apparently is not seen as one contributing element that could lead to a lower quality product and less ridership, because such scenes often accompany elements that would not sell potential new users on utilizing the transportation who are used to driving.

 

Perception has a lot to do with ultimate success or failure. Their own stations often look like crap, so they are party to the problem as well for not getting some spine on the issue, or as someone mentioned, learning what other places have done. For starters how about enforcing a rule of no open food/drinks on vehicles unless it is some kind of thermos/re-usable that people would not pitch on the ground. Just like some beaches/state parks have implemented in Florida.

 

 

Jerry? Never say "there is nothing you can do" There is always something that can be done if we just look for it. Any dent in the problem is an improvement.

 

 

It would help if this state had a bottle bill, but it should not take a cash incentive to get people to stop pitching crap down....BUT.. It could help.

 

 

 

 

Should anyone care to remember garbage/graffiti along the Blue line tracks from the airport to Terminal Tower was so bad in the 1980's that a volunteer organization was formed to clean it up-Rapid Recovery.  It has now morphed into Park Works and doesn't/won't have anything to do with cleaning up the rapid tracks.  This has been a long time problem. 

Should anyone care to remember garbage/graffiti along the Blue line tracks from the airport to Terminal Tower was so bad in the 1980's that a volunteer organization was formed to clean it up-Rapid Recovery.  It has now morphed into Park Works and doesn't/won't have anything to do with cleaning up the rapid tracks.  This has been a long time problem. 

 

Blue line and the airport?  :wtf:

 

Typical wave off. To alleviate RTA's responsibility to do their part in promoting cleaner corridors by stating the obvious is simply passing the buck and a cop out. If I were "renting"... so to speak...a building and everyone was pitching trash in front of my business door, I would have to do something to do my part in promoting the opposite.

 

I didn't really agree with Jerry's framing of his response (I'm with you, the garbage certainly is RTA's problem no matter how it got there), but I believe he also pointed out the money problem.  So yeah, it would be great if RTA cleaned up its corridors; just tell them which other bus routes to cut and maybe they can reallocate some of their shrinking revenue stream towards litter control.

Why doesn't RTA try an "adopt a track" type of program similar to what is used on highways?  Partner up with some organizations that are looking for volunteer activities and let them clean up the tracks at regular intervals with RTA supervision.

Except that I offered access to grant money for transit cleanup and beautification initiatives, and I couldnt get any kind of response.  So yes wave off indeed. 

 

Oh and very ineresting Tedolph....  Wow Parkworks sure has morphed, I worked with them ehn they were just planting trees.  And yes a volunteer organization, how expensive can that be. 

 

I say new blood for RTA... 

RTA is spending money left and right, quite frankly on dumb stuff.  I realize that not all funds can be apportioned to all uses.  But in each case of federal capital support, RTA still has to spend some of our local money as matching funds, correct? 

 

Let's see... we're building the STJ transit center, we're installing noisemakers on everything that moves, we're erecting various new "shelters" all over the place, we're talking seriously about tearing up Clifton Blvd, and we have yet to officially step back from tentative proposals for BRT on 55th and Buckeye... all in the middle of a funding crisis.  Seems like a matter of priorities more than anything else.

 

Someone needs to step in and save RTA.  Top management has failed disasterously and needs to be replaced.  Soon we'll have a new county government... this gives me great hope. 

 

Typical wave off. To alleviate RTA's responsibility to do their part in promoting cleaner corridors by stating the obvious is simply passing the buck and a cop out. If I were "renting"... so to speak...a building and everyone was pitching trash in front of my business door, I would have to do something to do my part in promoting the opposite.

 

I didn't really agree with Jerry's framing of his response (I'm with you, the garbage certainly is RTA's problem no matter how it got there), but I believe he also pointed out the money problem.  So yeah, it would be great if RTA cleaned up its corridors; just tell them which other bus routes to cut and maybe they can reallocate some of their shrinking revenue stream towards litter control.

 

So the alternative is to just allow this problem to get worse? I can guarantee you that it will, left unabated.. Then see how much it hurts RTA. Why the need to always apologize for RTA..... How many times am I going to have to emphasize that this is NOT necessarily about lack of funding rather than a lack of priority...and a flaw in philosophy. And, it des not take loads of cash to make it a priority or to allow it to be a higher one.

 

Willyboy gets the concept I am trying to get across here. So many seem to think that if RTA were magically bestowed with unlimited funding, that it will somehow fix all their problems. It won't. That's my point.

 

Many of these problems existed in so called 'better times.' The same entity telling us about the lack of funding.....is the same one who had vending machines installed at a time at 25th street station...which isn't worth the chump change made on that because such only encourages more trash/litter right at the stations, no less!

 

This kind of thinking demonstrates to me a lack of thinking or vision about the potential consequences in the environment often surrounding the stations, and a lack of thought toward illegal dumping, litter and trash issues. As I have mentioned in the past...... It would take moments for someone at RTA to---at the least---to inquire about how to utilize existing local and state laws in levying fines on those who are known continual dumpers, to their advantage. Change won't happen instantly and it won't make an immediate huge difference. But any difference for the better in this issue at the moment is a move in the right direction. 

 

Laws are in place. Its a matter of whether they are used or not. As long as their is little emphasis on this, however, enforcement of the law will be less a priority as well. I am tired of hearing the same excuses and the lack of expectation/demand for better around here that just leads to the lowering of the standards...and an acceptance of status-quo and stagnation. If they want to increase ridership...then some of the things people have mentioned on here that lack or are problems...need to be taken on board as possible contributors to the decline in ridership, and need to be dealt with. This idea that "let's just wait til we get the funding we need and all will then be right in the world" is not the answer. Somehow, someway when chips are down, we need to reach to the depths of creative thinking and get something done.

 

Don't get me wrong, I am NOT saying that lack of funding does not hurt many things badly or make a given issue worse...NOR am I saying that we should not be demanding more funding for public transport (I write many times to elected officials demanding more) which is so badly needed in Ohio.. But some things that start as simple things, like a litter issue, only get worse if taken lightly..and this is not an issue that should have gotten to the point that it would take huge amounts of funding to fix. This is not really a 'funding' issue. All the funding in the world will not likely change the philosophies of business as usual.....status-quo and what someone values inside. Such needs to be taught from the top down. If it isn't, then find someone who does care about these issues to run the show.

 

Then, maybe at least those who write, call, or email RTA about a given issue, will be more promptly answered or new clever ways will be sought to try and make a dent in this issue. To just let it all off the hook and continually blame lack of funding on this issue is utter B.S. and something one tells themselves to help them sleep better at night. I have shared with RTA some ideas how to attack this issue. They can either take the torch and run, or drop it and let the place burn. Will an increase in funding change the often clueless and rotten egg attitude of many of the employees (drivers) when someone has a question?

FYI -- a story in the Portland, OR paper talks about accidents with left-hand turns and how the local transit system isn't "taking action" like other systems. And the article cites Cleveland

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/05/left-turn_accidents_like_fatal.html

 

And if you read all the way to the end, it sure looks like they got a local fact wrong

 

"Since adopting its new operating policies in March 2003, Cleveland's Regional Transit Authority hasn't had a single bus-and-pedestrian collision. "We usually have three or four a year," said RTA spokesman Jerry Masek. "

Side note - has anyone else noticed how oregonlive.com is exactly the same layout as cleveland.com? Threw me off looking at the two.

Side note - has anyone else noticed how oregonlive.com is exactly the same layout as cleveland.com? Threw me off looking at the two.

 

um...they're both owned by the same company.

Side note - has anyone else noticed how oregonlive.com is exactly the same layout as cleveland.com? Threw me off looking at the two.

 

um...they're both owned by the same company.

 

Gee thanks. I had no idea :-|

Side note - has anyone else noticed how oregonlive.com is exactly the same layout as cleveland.com? Threw me off looking at the two.

 

um...they're both owned by the same company.

 

Gee thanks. I had no idea :|

 

Thats what the "about" section on a website is for!  ;)

 

 

 

You are so annoying. I feel that no one can ever leave a comment without you running your mouth. I actually am quitting now because of your smart*ss mouth. So tired of it. No wonder, you are OLD, bitter, and alone.

guys.  knock it off right now.  both of you.

EC, Willyboy and 327, I've come around.  While I'm still more or less sympathetic to the $$ issues as a reason why RTA itself doesn't contract out litter removal, you guys are totally right that there isn't much evidence that RTA has been thinking creatively here.  As was mentioned, Parkworks proved that volunteer efforts can make a difference.  From what you say, sounds like RTA hasn''t been very responsive to ideas.  I'd be curious to hear what they have to say.  I definitely agree that the litter issue needs some intention and can't just be shrugged off.

FYI - This Friday, May 7 at 8:30am the Transit Improvement Advisory Committee (a subcommittee of the RTA Citizens Advisory Board) will host a dialogue with Joel Freilich, Director of Service Planning @ GCRTA. The dialogue will focus on scheduling and ticketing (fare media) inconsistencies that reduce systemwide ease of use.  Please plan to attend.  Meetings last 90 minutes and take place in Mtg Room 1 inside RTA Main Office @ 1240 W. 6th St. (Warehouse District).

 

These dialogues represent a new approach for the TIAC.  Our first attempt at staging a dialogue, which went well, took place at our April 2 meeting which featured Joseph Shaffer, Director - Engineering & Project Development @ GCRTA.  Minutes from that meeting can be found here>  rtatiac.wordpress.com

We were able to attract attendees who had a stake in at least one of the capital projects that Mr. Shaffer spoke on (STJ Transit Center, Puritas Red Line, E.55 RedLine)  Such attendance was greatly appreciated as they were able to provide informed perspective and questions.

 

 

 

IF you cannot attend this meeting, but would like to ask a question about Scheduling or Fare Media, please PM me or comment by 5pm on Thurs, May 6 and I will do my best to get your question answered.

 

 

 

 

FYI - This Friday, May 7 at 8:30am the Transit Improvement Advisory Committee (a subcommittee of the RTA Citizens Advisory Board) will host a dialogue with Joel Freilich, Director of Service Planning @ GCRTA. The dialogue will focus on scheduling and ticketing (fare media) inconsistencies that reduce systemwide ease of use.  Please plan to attend.  Meetings last 90 minutes and take place in Mtg Room 1 inside RTA Main Office @ 1240 W. 6th St. (Warehouse District).

 

These dialogues represent a new approach for the TIAC.  Our first attempt at staging a dialogue, which went well, took place at our April 2 meeting which featured Joseph Shaffer, Director - Engineering & Project Development @ GCRTA.  Minutes from that meeting can be found here>  rtatiac.wordpress.com

We were able to attract attendees who had a stake in at least one of the capital projects that Mr. Shaffer spoke on (STJ Transit Center, Puritas Red Line, E.55 RedLine)  Such attendance was greatly appreciated as they were able to provide informed perspective and questions.

 

 

 

IF you cannot attend this meeting, but would like to ask a question about Scheduling or Fare Media, please PM me or comment by 5pm on Thurs, May 6 and I will do my best to get your question answered.

 

 

 

 

 

THANKS!

 

Willyboy gets the concept I am trying to get across here. So many seem to think that if RTA were magically bestowed with unlimited funding, that it will somehow fix all their problems. It won't. That's my point.

 

Couldn't agree more.  I tried...I really, really tried...to use the RTA daily.  It became too challenging.  Route cuts were only a small part of it...reality is it's just not a user friendly, high customer service enterprise.

 

Reminds me of the Bill Murray line in Stripes..."Get a job in the private sector?  But they expect results!"

 

 

Willyboy gets the concept I am trying to get across here. So many seem to think that if RTA were magically bestowed with unlimited funding, that it will somehow fix all their problems. It won't. That's my point.

 

Couldn't agree more.  I tried...I really, really tried...to use the RTA daily.  It became too challenging.  Route cuts were only a small part of it...reality is it's just not a user friendly, high customer service enterprise.

 

Reminds me of the Bill Murray line in Stripes..."Get a job in the private sector?  But they expect results!"

 

I just spit soda out my nose.  Thanks!  My old boss would "repackage" that line all the time.

Reminds me of the Bill Murray line in Stripes..."Get a job in the private sector? But they expect results!"

 

Ghostbusters?

 

I've had a lot of positive interactions with RTA employees, and have often found their work impressive, so I'm hesitant to place much blame on them as a whole.  I would note though that ever since the route cuts, the Shaker trains have gone from pleasant to ramma-jamma almost overnight.  There are enough female and elderly riders that I don't bother trying to sit down anymore, but sometimes there's not even really a place to stand.