CLEJoe, the restaurant is locally-owned, not a national brand, and is physically located inside the Rapid  Station. Go into the front door and turn right. Part of the front window belongs to the eatery.

 

Awesome! Anything else to do besides make a connection and eat at the Rapid?

 

Hope other businesses start popping up around the Rapid in East CLE!

CLEJoe, the Red Line Rapid Station now at East 120 Street and Euclid Avenue will eventually be moved to Little Italy, where it will be known as the Mayfield (Road) Station. Design should be completed in about a year. When funding sources are firm, a construction contract will be awarded, and work will begin.

CLEJoe, the Red Line Rapid Station now at East 120 Street and Euclid Avenue will eventually be moved to Little Italy, where it will be known as the Mayfield (Road) Station. Design should be completed in about a year. When funding sources are firm, a construction contract will be awarded, and work will begin.

 

Thanks for the info! Sounds like we've got a ways to go.

How much of RTA's funding comes from the State?

 

In 2011, RTA's operating fund is $225 million. RTA is assured of getting $2 million in State funds, and we "may" get up to $8 million. That depends of the provisions in the two-year State budget that takes effect July 1, 2011. The bill is still being debated in the Statehouse.

[

When is RTA scheduled to resume working on the Blue and Green line at-grade intersections. What is the list of intersections to be repaired this year?

 

Earlier this year, the RTA Board awarded a contract to design improvements to seven light-rail crossings. The design work is nearly complete. Construction contracts will be awarded in two sets.

 

The first set will be for work on four crossings in 2011 and 2012. These include 3 Blue Line crossings (Ashby, Avalon and South Woodland), and Lee Road on the Green Line.

 

The second set will probably be done completely in 2012. It includes Drexmore and Southington on the Blue Line, and Eaton on the Green Line.

 

All work is being coordinated with the City of Shaker Heights. Detours and specific info will be announced as each closing is finalized.

 

Thanks Jerry! I guess my last question would be... is the interesection of van aken and shaker blvd in the plans? It is in very rough shape at both where Van Aken intersects shaker, and conversely where shaker heading east bound crosses over van aken.

By the way, a restaurant just re-opened in the front of the Windermere, so stop in for breakfast...have some bagels with your bus, or some toast with your train.

 

A poet is rusting away at RTA.....

Not sure what the rules are here for posting one's own material... So I won't unless I'm told it's cool! But basically I did a write up on my RTA Day Saturday. And at the end, I talk about how I'm planning an RTA Bar Crawl to promote living in CLE proper, using transit and benefit a charity. Thought some UO folk would be interested in that.

Not sure what the rules are here for posting one's own material... So I won't unless I'm told it's cool! But basically I did a write up on my RTA Day Saturday. And at the end, I talk about how I'm planning an RTA Bar Crawl to promote living in CLE proper, using transit and benefit a charity. Thought some UO folk would be interested in that.

 

Just start a new thread in the UrbanBar forum.  Murray Hill will most likely pick it up for the Cleveland Events thread.

Not sure what the rules are here for posting one's own material... So I won't unless I'm told it's cool! But basically I did a write up on my RTA Day Saturday. And at the end, I talk about how I'm planning an RTA Bar Crawl to promote living in CLE proper, using transit and benefit a charity. Thought some UO folk would be interested in that.

 

Just start a new thread in the UrbanBar forum.  Murray Hill will most likely pick it up for the Cleveland Events thread.

 

Done and done! http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26019.new.html#new

McCleveland asked: "Is the interesection of van aken and shaker blvd in the plans" for grade crossing improvements?

 

The answer is yes. The timetable will be set when funding is secured.

Jerry:

 

What's up with the escalator at the W. Blvd Redline station?  It has been inoperable and blocked off for a quite a while now.  Closing it causes people to miss their ride because the stairs are only wide enough for people to move in one direction at a time.  Can the RTA at least open the escalator for use as stairs regardless of whether it moves? 

 

Thanks.

 

Thanks Jerry, as always, your input and help is always appreciated.

What's up with the escalator at the West Blvd Red Line station?  It has been inoperable and blocked off for a quite a while now. Closing it causes people to miss their ride because the stairs are only wide enough for people to move in one direction at a time. Can the RTA at least open the escalator for use as stairs regardless of whether it moves? 

 

Here is the answer from the person who monitors our elevators and escalators...

 

The escalator is out of service due to extensive rust damage from winter salt and water. Kone is working on a repair quote. The quote is delayed due to part availability. Some parts will have to be custom fabricated, adding to the delay.

 

The escalator cannot be opened to be used as stairs because a trip hazzard exists. As the steps come out of the pit, the first 4 steps are not the same height rise. The same goes for the 4 steps at the top of the escalator.

 

We are diligently working to restore the escalator back to service.

 

What's up with the escalator at the West Blvd Red Line station?  It has been inoperable and blocked off for a quite a while now. Closing it causes people to miss their ride because the stairs are only wide enough for people to move in one direction at a time. Can the RTA at least open the escalator for use as stairs regardless of whether it moves? 

 

Here is the answer from the person who monitors our elevators and escalators...

 

The escalator is out of service due to extensive rust damage from winter salt and water. Kone is working on a repair quote. The quote is delayed due to part availability. Some parts will have to be custom fabricated, adding to the delay.

 

The escalator cannot be opened to be used as stairs because a trip hazzard exists. As the steps come out of the pit, the first 4 steps are not the same height rise. The same goes for the 4 steps at the top of the escalator.

 

We are diligently working to restore the escalator back to service.

 

 

Question?  Are there notices that state this at this station?

^ I rarely use the station, so I do not know, but I will check.

^ I rarely use the station, so I do not know, but I will check.

That would great and goes back to my previous post.  If there are notices posted and or station personal available to alert passengers.  That little bit of communication will go a long way. 

I'm going to get a kickstarter going to start a business that specializes in custom part fabrication and hire someone to sit in the RTA lobby.  It seems like a prudent venture.    :laugh:

McCleveland asked: "Is the interesection of van aken and shaker blvd in the plans" for grade crossing improvements?

 

The answer is yes. The timetable will be set when funding is secured.

 

My car will bless RTA once the Van Aken/Green Line Shaker grade crossing is repaired.  The cycle of shock absorber repairs has probably been seriously shortened by my abusing my car, esp the front end, on the moon-like craters at that intersection.

Is there any program for art/poetry on the inside of the cars/buses on RTA?  I lived in Minneapolis and they showcased art/poetry by local residents on the inside. It was a nice program.

 

I have moved back to the city and I am using RTA quite a bit, east and west and find it is working well (as long as I plan properly, carry my schedules and make sure my schedules are up to date).

I know you guys don't like it when people ask specidic questions about routes, but I'm going to ask anyway.  I'm trying to get from the W117th rapid station to the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus.  What do you think would be the easiest way to do this?

No problem at all asking about specific routes.

 

First, buy a Day Pass at the station vending machine and be sure to get it validated for your day of travel at that same machine.

 

Second, what time of day will you be traveling? If you are traveling during the rush hours (5:30-9:30 a.m., 3:30-7:30 p.m.), then this is the fastest way:

 

+ Take the Red Line from West 117th to the University Circle station and transfer to a HealthLine bus from that station to your Cleveland Clinic stop.

 

If you are traveling in the middle of the day, then this is the fastest, most direct way:

 

+ Take the Red Line from West 117th to Tower City station, exit onto Public Square and catch the Healthline bus to your Cleveland Clinic stop.

 

Here are schedules you can read or print out:

 

Red Line -- http://www.riderta.com/pdf/66.pdf

HealthLine -- http://www.riderta.com/pdf/HealthLine.pdf

Is there any program for art/poetry on the inside of the cars/buses on RTA?  I lived in Minneapolis and they showcased art/poetry by local residents on the inside. It was a nice program.

 

For several years, RTA's Citizen Advisory Board helped spearhead a program called "Moving Minds." I am not sure if the program is being continued.

 

We also have a committee that reviews proposals for major art at customer facilities.

http://www.riderta.com/ar_organization-art.asp

Make the punishment fair for not paying a $2.50 fare: James L. Hardiman

 

Should someone be put into the criminal justice system because he or she failed to pay a $2.50 bill? According to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, the answer is yes.

 

Full Text at: http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/07/make_the_punishment_fair_for_n.html

 

In my opinion, the argument that the consequences of getting caught not paying a fare are more severe than those for not paying a parking fee comes close to reasonable, but in the end does not.  He argues that the 15 day period plus 60 days before referral to prosecution is "more fair."  I don't disagree, but largely because there is no way to know at what point someone who is ticketed at a parking meter learns that he has been ticketed.  Therefore, a longer grace period from the time of the issuance of the ticket is fair. 

 

In the case of failure to pay a fare, the offender knows immediately when he has been caught, so a shorter time period for compliance is reasonable.  The piece mentions three elements of the fine/prosecution system:

 

• Someone caught not paying the $2.50 fare has 48 hours to go to the RTA offices and pay a $50 fine.
  
• Failure to pay results in the case being referred to prosecutor.
  
• Repeat offenders are charged criminally even if their previous fine(s) were paid.
  

 

The article does not mention whether persons who do not pay the $50 fine within 48 hours after the first offense are charged criminally or if that remains a civil offense.  Can someone clarify this?

 

Are these measures "fair"?  I have some reservations about a $50 fine for first-time offenders on a system that seems to suffer from a severe lack of standardization across its services, as well as the two-day limit, since fines must be paid in person.  7 days would seem to me to allow a fair amount of time for an offender to arrange for time during a workday to pay the fine.  I have no problems about criminal prosecution for repeat offenders who were late/did not pay the fine.  As far as for those who DID pay the fine, I wonder if there are estimated numbers on the success rate of catching fare-jumpers in general.  To me if someone skipped a fare, got caught, and paid you $50 within 48 hours, isn't that someone you might want to keep around rather than prosecute?  If I tried to ride RTA's POP services for free every single day (twice a day), would I get caught more frequently than every 10 days, on average?  If so, let me be and you will make more money off me than if I had paid the fares every day, and that's assuming I skip every fare.  If not, increase the fine for repeat offenders, and then make failure to pay the fines a criminal matter.

 

In the end, RTA is a service, whereas on street parking meters are more akin to a rental of space.  Parking rates are what they are because of supply and demand, generally, and people who fail to pay the meter are not necessarily causing the price of all meters to be higher than it otherwise would be. If I have an apartment to rent, and someone lives in it for a couple days without paying, I've been cheated out of money that I should have received, but I don't necessarily have to raise my rent on the next guy who wants to live there.  The RTA is a different matter -- it can be argued that fares COULD be $2.25 (or whatever) if all people paid their fares, and to me that justifies harsher penalties for those who choose not to pay.

June ridership highlights:

* Systemwide: up 4.3 percent, or 154,000 rides

* Average weekday ridership, up 5.2 percent or 7,600 rides per day

* Heavy rail: up 17.8 percent

* HealthLine: up 12.9 percent

* Bus: up 2.7 percent, highesyt in two years

* Trolley: up 9 percent, to 4,015 rides per day

* Bikes: 4,600, up 6.7 percent

 

...and away we go.

 

See -- if we just cut RTA's budget, ridership will go up!    :drunk:

Thanks for the ridership numbers, Jerry.  I love those double digit increases for the Red Line and HealthLine.  Should we interpret the lack of light rail data as an indication that the news wasn't so great for the Shaker lines?

See -- if we just cut RTA's budget, ridership will go up!    :drunk:

 

"It's the economy, stupid." Perhaps the ridership would be rising faster without the those cuts.

Thanks for the ridership numbers, Jerry.  I love those double digit increases for the Red Line and HealthLine.  Should we interpret the lack of light rail data as an indication that the news wasn't so great for the Shaker lines?

 

Light-rail ridership was up 1.7 percent.

^Thanks.

 

Well this would be horrific:

 

RTA warns of service cuts under a congressional proposal to cut transportation dollars

Full article: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/07/post_495.html

 

A funding proposal unveiled last week by the U.S. House transportation committee amounts to a 30 percent cut for public transit agencies, RTA General Manager Joe Calabrese told his trustees board at a morning meeting.

 

If the proposal survives intact, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority could potentially lose about $15 million a year, resulting in layoffs next summer of 75 to 100 employees, Calabrese said in an interview after the meeting.

^Thanks.

 

Well this would be horrific:

 

RTA warns of service cuts under a congressional proposal to cut transportation dollars

Full article: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/07/post_495.html

 

A funding proposal unveiled last week by the U.S. House transportation committee amounts to a 30 percent cut for public transit agencies, RTA General Manager Joe Calabrese told his trustees board at a morning meeting.

 

If the proposal survives intact, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority could potentially lose about $15 million a year, resulting in layoffs next summer of 75 to 100 employees, Calabrese said in an interview after the meeting.

 

With all the cuts they are facing what will there budget be? $1.50?

Donna Prease from LEAP secured a meeting with Sen. Tom Patton ®, head of the Ohio Senate Transportation Committee in Cleveland on Monday evening.    We are taking it as an opportunity to have a general conversation with the Senator on the value of public transportation.  If any of you would like to join us or tell a friend, you would be welcome to do so  (you can contact Donna Prease for more info [email protected]).  The meeting is Monday, July 18th from 5:30-7 pm at the main RTA building, 1240 West 6th street.  The meeting will be held on the first floor in the Board room.

Here's the heads-up on some news that will definitely affect anyone who comes downtown in August. If this affects you, just figure out which method works best for you on keeping informed.

 

The Avengers -- Film crews here cause many RTA route changes downtown in August

 

Hollywood comes to Cleveland this month. That means traffic on some downtown streets will be rerouted. Marvel Studios will film The Avengers in Cleveland from Aug. 5-early September. Exact dates will be determined by the weather.

 

The Avengers is about a team of superheroes whose mission is to protect the Earth. Film crews are expected to generate more than $30 million in revenue while they are here.

 

How to stay plugged in

 

To keep commuters informed of reroutes, RTA officials are utilizing many communications tools.

 

1. For daily updates and an interactive map, go to riderta.com/avengers. Sign up for Avenger-specific Alerts, and have film-related updates sent to your personal computer or mobile device via e-mail and/or text message.

 

2. “Like” RTA on Facebook.com/rideRTA.

 

3. Follow RTA on Twitter @GCRTA. RTA uses the hashtag #avengers for Avengers-related tweets.

 

4. Go to rideRTA.com/e-news, and sign up for the RTA e-newsletter, which comes out every two weeks with updates.

 

5. Read daily updates in The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com

 

6. Go to your usual bus station or shelter. Signs will direct you to the nearest stop for your route.

 

7. Call the RTAnswerline, 216-621-9500.

 

Mayor supports filming

 

“Movies like this are important for Cleveland’s image and our economy,” says Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “We appreciate RTA’s cooperation in accommodating the Marvel Studios crews and ask all Clevelanders to be patient and to show Marvel the warm hospitality that we are known for.”

 

To accommodate filming, some streets will be closed at various times. Crews may need more of the street than just the blocks used for filming.

* East Ninth Street, between Prospect and Walnut avenues.

* Walnut Ave., which runs between East Ninth and East 12th streets, just north of Chester Ave.

* Euclid Avenue, from Ontario Street to East 14th Street.

* In front of the old Cuyahoga County Courthouse, at Lakeside Avenue and Ontario Street.

* Public Square’s SW Quadrant, in front of Tower City. On filming days, the entire Public Square will be blocked off.

* The Detroit-Superior Bridge.

 

Some downtown parking lots will be used by film crews. Some on-street parking has been eliminated.

 

Many routes affected

 

“Traffic detours are a fact of life whenever Hollywood comes to town,” says RTA CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese. “We urge our customers to follow the updates on our Web site, plan their trips ahead of time, allow extra time for travel, and be patient. We value your understanding.”

 

These bus routes are expected to be re-routed, on select days. The exact schedule will be announced. Stay tuned for updates.

* HealthLine, E-Line trolley, B-Line trolley.

* #1, #3, #8, #9, #11, #14, #15, #19, #20, #20A, #21, #22, #26, #35, #38, #39, #45, #45A, #47, #51, #55/55F, #76, #77, #79A/B, #81, #90F, #135, #239, #246, #251, #263, #451.

 

Transfer Accelerators; make it happen Jerry.  :-)

 

http://popupcity.net/2011/07/slide-to-the-train/

^ I want one of those coming down Cedar Hill

Can they make one that's ADA accessible?!?! 

^ I want one of those coming down Cedar Hill

 

Fairhill would be much better!

Because of signal issues, riders should expect delays of up to 15 minutes on Red Line trains on Monday, July 25. All trains will serve Hopkins Airport. RTA will not operate the rush-hour-only trains that stop at the Brookpark Station. Please leave early and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

First off, I just want to say that I've been riding the Red Line for the past two months and love it.  I also think RTA did a good job of getting the info out about delays yesterday (and to a lesser degree today, although I expected it might take more than a day to fix the issues). 

 

But is there any reason why, since there's essentially fewer trains running with the signal issues, that they can't add a third car to accommodate the extra passengers (that would have otherwise been on the alternating Brookpark-to-Tower City trains)?  Is it because some stations can't accommodate that many cars?  Is it cost?  Just seems like it could have saved a lot of headaches for both RTA and the riders.  The train I was on this morning was basically packed to the doors with standees by the time we left the W 117th Station, with three more stops to go before we got to Tower City.

They run three-car trains for some special events like St. Patrick's Day, but I believe these only operate on the west side. At least one station platform (East 105th-Quincy) on the east side is too short even for two-car trains. I'm sure RTA could have run two- and three-car trains alternatively, with the three-car trains skipping the E105 stop which is lightly used.

 

The lack of a solution such as this was probably a combination of RTA not anticipating how the crowds would fill out the remaining trains, and the inertia of a large organization doing things a certain way because that's the way they always do it.

I know that there was a LOT of discussion about to best operate the West Side Red Line while key signal equipment is being replaced. I was not in on the discussions. I assume 3-car trains were discussed. I will ask about that today. I personally rode the rail a lot this morning, and made some observations, which I will share with those in charge. There are some new people at the table, and I think it is refreshing. "We have a problem, how do we fix it?" Everything gets considered. Yes, urbanonmcs, it will take more than a day to fix. The exact time frame has not yet been determined.

 

I will continue to monitor this forum more closely than usual this week.

 

 

Thanks for the insight KJP & Jerry!

I was told that 3-car trains may start tomorrow on some runs, and the speed of the trains may also increase on the far West Side. Please know that we are dealing with safety issues here. Safety is always our number one priority. Things that used to be done automatically are now being done manually. Yes, you may get home a bit later than usual, but you ARE getting home safely.

 

Remember, in life as in baseball, it's the number of times you reach home safely that counts. We appreciate your patience.

Thanks for the info Jerry.  For what it's worth, I actually haven't had any problems with being late.  I've still been able to board at just about the same time and get to TC at about the same time, coincidentally since the train seems to arrive at my normal departing time.  And I obviously appreciate the concern for passenger safety.  Just was curious if adding a third car was something feasible given the circumstances.  Thanks for the clarification and update.

I'm not sure I understand what signal changes are being made. Are these temporary changes or permanent ones??

 

And speed and safety aren't mutually exclusive with effective uses of signaling technologies.

I actually haven't had any problems with being late.  I've still been able to board at just about the same time and get to TC at about the same time, coincidentally since the train seems to arrive at my normal departing time. And I obviously appreciate the concern for passenger safety.  Just was curious if adding a third car was something feasible given the circumstances.  Thanks for the clarification and update.

 

You are welcome. FYI, this morning I left Hopkins at 7:49 a.m., and got to work in the Warehouse District just after 8:30 a.m. Each time a train stops at a full platform, it takes longer to load. The staff is working hard to keep things moving as smoothly as possible.

This was just posted

 

RTA recovering from Mother Nature’s fury

 

CLEVELAND - Storm damage from last week continues to cause delays on the Red Line. After a massive lightening strike to RTA’s Red Line signaling system Friday at Hopkins airport, all switches are being controlled manually, not automatically.

 

Due to the manual operation, customers taking Red Line trains will continue to see delays of up to 15 minutes and fewer trains running during rush hours; meaning operating trains will be more full.

 

RTA understands that riders may get home later, or have to leave earlier in the morning to get to work on time, but RTA’s goal is to get them to their destination safely.

 

As of tomorrow, RTA is working on adding a third car to Red Line trains in service, to help with capacity, for the comfort of customers.

 

We apologize for the inconvenience, while the signaling system is being repaired. RTA is working hard to fix the problems as quickly, and as safely, as possible.

 

Currently more than 1,200 customers are being notified of any delays more than 15 minutes. For our new customers, or those who have not yet signed up for Commuter Alerts, they can do so here: www.riderta.com/CommuterAlerts

 

Thanks for the explanation, Jerry.

This was just posted

 

RTA recovering from Mother Nature’s fury

 

CLEVELAND - Storm damage from last week continues to cause delays on the Red Line. After a massive lightening strike to RTA’s Red Line signaling system Friday at Hopkins airport, all switches are being controlled manually, not automatically.

 

Due to the manual operation, customers taking Red Line trains will continue to see delays of up to 15 minutes and fewer trains running during rush hours; meaning operating trains will be more full.

 

RTA understands that riders may get home later, or have to leave earlier in the morning to get to work on time, but RTA’s goal is to get them to their destination safely.

 

As of tomorrow, RTA is working on adding a third car to Red Line trains in service, to help with capacity, for the comfort of customers.

 

We apologize for the inconvenience, while the signaling system is being repaired. RTA is working hard to fix the problems as quickly, and as safely, as possible.

 

Currently more than 1,200 customers are being notified of any delays more than 15 minutes. For our new customers, or those who have not yet signed up for Commuter Alerts, they can do so here: www.riderta.com/CommuterAlerts

 

 

Jerry, any estimate as to when the signaling system will be repaired?  Thanks

 

Also, noticed today that the train in was much less crowded.  Not sure if it was people leaving earlier or not wanting to deal with the current frustrations.  Also, while getting the PD involved in an RTA issue is usually opening a can of maggots they are still the best way to inform everyone about the issues that RTA is dealing with.

^ The train in was "much less crowded" because it was a 3-car train. I boarded on the 7:23 a.m. train at Brookpark, and all seats were pretty much taken immediately. By the time we reached Tower City at 7:55 a.m., there were many riders standing, but it was not "packed." Some of the East Side Red Line stations cannot handle 3-cars, so at Tower City, the operator asked all persons left in Car #3 to come into Car #2.

A letter from RTA GM and CEO Joe Calabrese

 

Dear Customer;

 

I want to update you on important events affecting RTA rail service.

 

On Friday, July 22, the signal system at RTA’s Brookpark Tower (next to Hopkins International Airport) took a massive direct hit from lightning.

 

Essentially, this “fried” all RTA automatic signal equipment, from the Puritas Station to the Airport. As a result, all switches and signals are now being controlled manually, not automatically. The damage is severe. This could have permanently shut down the rail system, but it did not.

 

Working over the weekend, RTA staff put together a plan to offer a level of service that still allows us to safely get you to work, albeit with some delays. The plan was approved by RTA’s Safety Department. Safety is always our top priority.

 

All RTA automatic track signals and switches between the Airport and the Puritas Station are now being operated manually. This is similar to traffic lights being down after a power outage. Police must manually direct traffic at every intersection. It’s the same for us:

 

Operation Safe Transport includes

1. Operating trains at times at a slower speed than usual.

2. Operating all trains to Hopkins Airport. We can no longer turn around some rush-hour trains at the Brookpark Station.

3. Our goal is to continually operate trains at 15-minutes intervals. We realize that trains will be much fuller than usual, but safety will be maintained. We will be working to reduce this frequency to every 10-12 minutes.

4. On Wednesday, we added 3-car trains whenever possible. Some Red Line rail stations are not long enough to accommodate 3-car trains. Operators may direct you to sit in the first two cars only, especially east of Tower City.

 

How long will it take to repair all this? It’s impossible to determine precisely, but our best answer is: Weeks. Imagine that your home was struck by lightning. All wires would be burned out, and all electrical appliances would have to be replaced. That would take a significant amount of time to fix. If you consider the miles of signal wires between the Puritas Station and Hopkins, you can see the magnitude of our problem.

 

To stay updated, subscribe to Commuter Alerts at riderta.com/CommuterAlerts. Messages are sent directly to your phone or personal computer.

 

We are doing all we can to resolve these issues ASAP. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

Joseph Calabrese, CEO & General Manager, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority