8-10 min is correct, by car.  I have a friend who has routinely missed that bus to the Steelyards so I take her.  Some mornings she says it takes her 45 minutes to get from downtown to the Steelyards on RTA.  Incredible.

The 81 definitely goes downtown.

 

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/81.pdf

Somehow I missed that. My bad. But they should get a more direct route

I agree.  It takes way too long to get there.  And it's not like we're asking for every neighborhood to have a straight shot to Steelyard, but RTA is a hub and spoke system, they should at least have a direct route to the only major big-box retail center in the city from the hub of the system.

Exactly. If it could take around 15 minutes by bus it would be a much greater amenity to those who want to live downtown and choose not to us a car

Exactly. If it could take around 15 minutes by bus it would be a much greater amenity to those who want to live downtown and choose not to us a car

 

Or even anyone who has a direct route downtown.

Not to be contrary or to dismiss your concerns, but I really don't see the point of talking about what we wish would happen. Let's say we got that direct route between downtown and Steelyard Commons. Would it take the place of the 81 (meaning that folks in Lakeview Terrace would lose their link)? Would it be appreciatively better than taking a cab instead (where one could just pile as many big box belongings as one could fit into a cab instead of fighting for space on a bus)? What would get cut so that downtown residents who can afford to take a cab or have a car could shave 20-30 total minutes off of a round trip commute?

 

See what I mean? I understand the fun of speculation, but it seems like this could be a more useful thread if it focused on actual news or real problems. If wishes were horses then beggars could ride.

I don't think it's a far-flung wish. There is one big-box retail center in Cleveland. RTA is a hub-and-spoke system. Don't you think there should be a spoke from the hub to the one big-box retailer in the city? It wouldn't just benefit those who live downtown, but those who live anywhere near an RTA route that goes downtown (which is a lot of people because of said hub-and-spoke design).

 

If the 81 was cut it would affect Ohio City and Tremont in addition to Lakeview Terrace (as well as points west of Steelyard unless the new route continued there after going to Steelyard) as well. But, I wasn't advocating cutting the 81. If routes can't be reconfigured or a route can't be found that can be cut, then so be it, it won't happen. But I think it's worth considering.

My point with the 81 comment was that it would be the most-likely route to be changed since it is the one that goes from Downtown to Steelyard Commons, and the easiest thing would be to remove the detour. For that matter, it would affect Ohio City and Tremont, but there are more folks in OC and Tremont that have cars than in Lakeview Terrace.

Exactly, it could benefit so many people, and having a direct route could be monumental for promoting car free downtown living.

a far flung wish would be having rail to steelyard

If you want a direct bus from downtown to Steelyard Commons, then ride the #81 after 8 p.m. It does not go via Lakeview Terrace or make the loop around Tremont. Even without those deviations, the direct service is only seven minutes faster (24 minutes vs 31 minutes)...

 

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/81.pdf

a far flung wish would be having rail to steelyard

 

Not so far flung. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is pursuing it. I realize you were probably thinking light rail, streetcar, etc. But there is rail service in active project development.

My point with the 81 comment was that it would be the most-likely route to be changed since it is the one that goes from Downtown to Steelyard Commons, and the easiest thing would be to remove the detour. For that matter, it would affect Ohio City and Tremont, but there are more folks in OC and Tremont that have cars than in Lakeview Terrace.

 

Makes sense, but there are plenty of other areas without cars that would benefit (by about 20 minutes) in how long it would take to get to Steelyard, whereas it would only cost the Lakeview Terrace residents a short ride downtown on the 81 then a transfer to the new Steelyard Flyer (look at that, I even have a name for the route). :)

 

Where did the 81 run before Steelyard opened?  It could revert to that route.

a far flung wish would be having rail to steelyard

 

Not so far flung. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is pursuing it. I realize you were probably thinking light rail, streetcar, etc. But there is rail service in active project development.

 

Yell at me if this belongs in a different thread, but what exactly is the CVSR pursuing?  Trains all the way to Tower City?  If so, where would they come in?

My point with the 81 comment was that it would be the most-likely route to be changed since it is the one that goes from Downtown to Steelyard Commons, and the easiest thing would be to remove the detour. For that matter, it would affect Ohio City and Tremont, but there are more folks in OC and Tremont that have cars than in Lakeview Terrace.

 

Makes sense, but there are plenty of other areas without cars that would benefit (by about 20 minutes) in how long it would take to get to Steelyard, whereas it would only cost the Lakeview Terrace residents a short ride downtown on the 81 then a transfer to the new Steelyard Flyer (look at that, I even have a name for the route). :)

 

Where did the 81 run before Steelyard opened? It could revert to that route.

 

Actually, if I recall correctly, the 81 used to run straight from Downtown to Steelyard through Tremont (I used to ride this fairly often), but there was also a route that ran down W. 25th through Lakeview Terrace and Ohio City to Steelyard. I may be thinking of the Community Circulator, though.  However, with the cuts in revenue...

a far flung wish would be having rail to steelyard

 

Not so far flung. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is pursuing it. I realize you were probably thinking light rail, streetcar, etc. But there is rail service in active project development.

 

Yeah lol i was thinking light rail. Cater to downtown residents not lakeview terrace residents. They could easily transfer. You could have the route start at the new transit center by cleveland state, then go down to the intersection of prospect and ontario, with possible stops in-between and then to steelyard commons. And I like the name jam40jeff, "Steelyard Flyer" lol

Yell at me if this belongs in a different thread, but what exactly is the CVSR pursuing? Trains all the way to Tower City? If so, where would they come in?

 

Yelling:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,3566.0.html

Maybe joining this effort could help RTA correct its confusing fare system

 

Smart travel card to ease global travel

Travellers will be able to ride the London Underground, the Paris Metro and New York's subway without ever having to stop and buy a ticket using new technology that could be ready within two years.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/8046477/Smart-travel-card-to-ease-global-travel.html

^ I forwarded this to the proper staff person, and he thanks you for sharing. It may prove helpful.

Another good idea for RTA to promote -- a potentially inexpensive next-bus display for restaurants/coffee shops/bookstores near RTA stations

 

http://portlandtransport.com/archives/2010/09/169_transit_inf.html

 

 

 

I am trying to guess which routes will remain strong since I want to buy a house and live car lite. I called RTA and was told that they make cuts in service based on ridership. I am looking at the West side of Cleveland and trying to find a place where I can walk to both the Red Line Rapid and a 7 day a week frequent bus line. Then I did some research and found that at one time RTA was considering closing some rapid stations (the current ecovillage station). I hope they don't close any stations in the future. Also, I am trying to find a Rapid Station that doesn't feel too deserted at night. So, I am focusing on the Edgewater-Cudell neighborhood near the Cudell Rapid Stop and Detroit, the Edgewater or Bird Town neighborhood near the W. 117th Rapid and the Lakewood area near the Triskett stop. They have cut back on the Madison bus and the 55 flyer (on weekends), so that leaves the Detroit line as the best bet for the future.

I am trying to guess which routes will remain strong since I want to buy a house and live car lite. I called RTA and was told that they make cuts in service based on ridership. I am looking at the West side of Cleveland and trying to find a place where I can walk to both the Red Line Rapid and a 7 day a week frequent bus line. Then I did some research and found that at one time RTA was considering closing some rapid stations (the current ecovillage station). I hope they don't close any stations in the future. Also, I am trying to find a Rapid Station that doesn't feel too deserted at night. So, I am focusing on the Edgewater-Cudell neighborhood near the Cudell Rapid Stop and Detroit, the Edgewater or Bird Town neighborhood near the W. 117th Rapid and the Lakewood area near the Triskett stop. They have cut back on the Madison bus and the 55 flyer (on weekends), so that leaves the Detroit line as the best bet for the future.

 

Are you limited to the westside?

I am trying to guess which routes will remain strong since I want to buy a house and live car lite. I called RTA and was told that they make cuts in service based on ridership. I am looking at the West side of Cleveland and trying to find a place where I can walk to both the Red Line Rapid and a 7 day a week frequent bus line. Then I did some research and found that at one time RTA was considering closing some rapid stations (the current ecovillage station). I hope they don't close any stations in the future. Also, I am trying to find a Rapid Station that doesn't feel too deserted at night. So, I am focusing on the Edgewater-Cudell neighborhood near the Cudell Rapid Stop and Detroit, the Edgewater or Bird Town neighborhood near the W. 117th Rapid and the Lakewood area near the Triskett stop. They have cut back on the Madison bus and the 55 flyer (on weekends), so that leaves the Detroit line as the best bet for the future.

 

If it's in your price range, Ohio City would work too.  W. 25 has quite a few buses that run along it, and Lorain and Detroit are both major arteries that I'd imagine won't be on the RTA chopping block unless something *seriously* drastic happens to their funding.

Unfortunately, Ohio City is over my price range. I'm not limited to the West Side but I am trying to find something within 1/2 mile of both rail and a major bus. I have found that some of the west side neighborhoods in Cleveland and parts of Lakewood offer that while still being within about 4 miles of downtown. On the Eastside, I haven't found a house that's in my price range that is close to both the rail and a major bus.

Unfortunately, Ohio City is over my price range. I'm not limited to the West Side but I am trying to find something within 1/2 mile of both rail and a major bus. I have found that some of the west side neighborhoods in Cleveland and parts of Lakewood offer that while still being within about 4 miles of downtown. On the Eastside, I haven't found a house that's in my price range that is close to both the rail and a major bus.

 

Well I am betting MTS was going to suggest shaker square

My suggestion? If you want to live car-lite, then plan to live somewhere you can walk to get to a 24-hour grocery store, 24-hour restaurants, 24-hour drug stores, plus a few banks, coffee shops, a movie theater, post office, etc. Those are the things you will need more than a transit ride anywhere. It's best to have those services within walking distance. Then, see where such a neighborhood also has frequent transit service that at least runs late-night hours, or runs 24-7.

 

There are a number of Cleveland neighborhoods that offer this, including:

 

> Downtown Cleveland (yes, I know it can be expensive, but it should be listed first)

> Ohio City (anywhere within a quarter-mile of Lorain/West 25th)

> Downtown Lakewood (on/near Detroit Ave from Bunts west to Rosewood)

> West 117th/Detroit at Lakewood/Cleveland line

> Old Brooklyn (anywhere near the Pearl/State/Broadview intersection)

> University Circle/Little Italy (within walking distance of the co-op)

> Shaker Square/Larchmere (one of the best car-free areas to live in)

> Coventry (so many services, except for the lack of late-night transit)

> Cedar/Fairmount (ditto)

> Cedar/Lee (ditto2)

> East Cleveland (near Euclid/Superior intersection or near Windermere station)

> Honorable mentions: Asiatown, Tremont, Garfield Hts/Turney, Shaker Hts/Van Aken/Lee/Chagrin, Downtown Berea, Downtown Rocky River, Downtown Euclid, University Hts/Cedar Center, etc. etc.

 

Like I said, walkability is the first thing you should be looking for. Then transit. When I've been car-free, I needed transit but less than I did in needing the basics to be within a 10-15 minute walk.

Unfortunately, Ohio City is over my price range. I'm not limited to the West Side but I am trying to find something within 1/2 mile of both rail and a major bus. I have found that some of the west side neighborhoods in Cleveland and parts of Lakewood offer that while still being within about 4 miles of downtown. On the Eastside, I haven't found a house that's in my price range that is close to both the rail and a major bus.

 

Well I am betting MTS was going to suggest shaker square

 

Along with others.  Thanks KJP for doing all that typing!  ;)

Thanks, KJP, as usual you are very informative. The walkscore.com is a good resource for walkability since you can customize it and add things like library and fitness center.

With Kasich being elected and the GOP capturing the state House...we'll be lucky if there is still RTA service on Sundays after they hack this state's already pathetic funding for public transit.

Let's leave the political speculating where it belongs - in the Politics thread. Thanks.

Do you believe that connecting Progressive Field and the Q to the green line and blue line could be possible someday? Just an example on how it would be done. Made this in like 3 minutes so dont laugh.

 

There's already an indoor connection from Tower City's rapid station.

There's already an indoor connection from Tower City's rapid station.

 

Does that take you to progressive too? or do you have to walk outside?

There's already an indoor connection from Tower City's rapid station.

 

Does that take you to progressive too? or do you have to walk outside?

 

o_O

 

It drops you off at the NW corner of the Q, but since folks are sitting outside to watch baseball anyway...

There's already an indoor connection from Tower City's rapid station.

 

Does that take you to progressive too? or do you have to walk outside?

 

Curious, why do you ask this?  Also, why specifically only the blue/green lines?

I always like when I see cities have rail connecting to the stadiums. They get a good amount of riders on game days. And I totally forgot the red line ran there too. Riders from the east and west can take the train right the stadiums doorsteps.

I always like when I see cities have rail connecting to the stadiums. They get a good amount of riders on game days. And I totally forgot the red line ran there too. Riders from the east and west can take the train right the stadiums doorsteps.

 

It's no different than what we current have.  Its just that you dont seem people because they travel underground and with the way the Tribe played this season....dwindling numbers of fans.

There's already an indoor connection from Tower City's rapid station.

 

Does that take you to progressive too? or do you have to walk outside?

 

o_O

 

It drops you off at the NW corner of the Q, but since folks are sitting outside to watch baseball anyway...

 

What Avogadro said.

I've proposed similar linkages a number of times in the past. But each has been fought by RTA because they feared opposition by Forest City Enterprises as it would divert riders from walking through Tower City Center and patronizing businesses at its mall.

 

Here is one of the concepts I proposed a number of years ago.....

 

I've proposed similar linkages a number of times in the past. But each has been fought by RTA because they feared opposition by Forest City Enterprises as it would divert riders from walking through Tower City Center and patronizing businesses at its mall.

 

Here is one of the concepts I proposed a number of years ago.....

 

 

That is an awesome plan. Did you make that? Thats exactly what I was thinking but you took it even further by developing the land around it. What a great idea.

Yes. That's my name in the lower-right corner. Thanks for the compliment.

 

You could do even more with that site now that the Eagle Avenue ramp is gone -- though I suspect the city will want to put it back someday. Of course, this assumes that FCE will let any of this happen. But with the Phase 2 casino, who knows if things will change.

Yes. That's my name in the lower-right corner. Thanks for the compliment.

 

You could do even more with that site now that the Eagle Avenue ramp is gone -- though I suspect the city will want to put it back someday. Of course, this assumes that FCE will let any of this happen. But with the Phase 2 casino, who knows if things will change.

 

They have the potential to build a whole village. They could benefit off of the hotel for the casino. I think they have more to gain then what they see in the loss of foot traffic in the mall during games. Which I believe would still be high.

 

And with the casino they could see more foot traffic. And all the additional residents they would see in the development of that area would also benefit them. And those people are more permanent.

Some good news about bus service:

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/11/rta_adding_bus_service_thanks.html

RTA adding bus service thanks to money from the state

 

Also, I notice that RTA updated its route maps :) 

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/maps/System_Map_Main.pdf

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/maps/System_Map_Downtown.pdf

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/maps/System_map_U-Circle.pdf

 

The downtown map gives a better idea how the new transit center is going to be used.  Though I was a little surprised to see it's serving only 8 big bus routes (plus a trolley).  With 8 bays, I guess I expected that more routes would lay over there.

That's great news -- the expanded bus service. I was hoping to see the restoration of weekend service on the #55 Clifton. If that won't happen, at least keep the articulated buses operating on the #26 Detroit on weekends. The weekend overcrowding on the regular-sized buses is brutal.

This is good stuff, but that downtown map just makes me sad that the WFL doesn't go farther east.

Niko, I feel the same way! That is such an under utilized rapid line with so much future potential.

 

Speaking of which: I was looking at the freshwatercleveland.com site and it had a link to the Waterfront development plan by the City and others. It showed the WFL headed east, well east. I just glanced at it and didn't study it but it traveled pretty far eastward.

 

Ahhh, maybe one day it will happen!

Some time ago, a poster asked about the status of our HRV overhaul. Here is the update that I promised.

 

* 40 cars are scheduled to be overhauled by December 2012

* 3 overhauled cars are currently in revenue service.

* 6 overhauled cars are scheduled to be placed in revenue service by Nov. 30, 2010.

 

I hope that answers your question.

And for those who might not know.... HRV stands for "Heavy Rail Vehicle", right?  So, in other words, you are overhauling the redline trains?

This is just unbelievable. 

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/11/post_392.html

 

RTA board tables proposed crackdown on juvenile fare violators

 

"CLEVELAND, Ohio -- RTA's board voted this morning to table, and effectively kill, a proposal to crack down on juveniles who ride rapid-transit lines without paying.

 

RTA Board Chairman George Dixon said he worried that the policy would land disproportionately on young, black males."

 

It seems like race is always on the tip of everyone's tongues in this city, even when it has not a damn thing to do with the issue.  This Dixon guy is an idiot.