I have not seen those goofy machines in Chicago, at least not at the various red and brown line stations I've been using.

^We should conduct an informal survey of NYC, Boston, DC, SF, Chicago and other places represented by UOers.  I suspect the other systems do it through multiple machines, with one ADA accessible one and the rest normal height.  Someone mentioned way upthread (Jerry or urbanlife I think) that RTA couldn't afford multiple machines at every Red Line and Health Line station, so only one model of machines (the ADA accessible one) was purchased and deployed.  I'd be very curious to know the marginal costs of installing second machines at the stations and which stations already have more than one.

 

Most of the healthline stations have 2 machines. One should have had a higher screen and not automatically set to a handicapped ticket. Maybe to solve the problem the machines could have had a higher screen and an extra set of buttons down low for the handicapped. They would just have to look up slightly.

I actually think the D.C. Metro farecard machines are pretty simple -- it's the mileage-based fare system that's screwed up and complicated.  Also, there are few, if any, 30-year-old, unaltered Metro fare machines in use.  They've either been replaced and/or extensively retrofitted with a newer light-touch system.  They also now dispense smart cards and take credit or debit card payments...

 

... I don't like RTA's machines, but they're here to stay and, actually, I've gotten rather used to them by now ... I still feel sorry for visitors or other 1st time users, cause they can be extremely confusing and frustrating... and when you DO finally figure them out, you're rewarded by an ear-piercing chime from the machine as it spits out your farecard...

 

... hey, whatareyagonnado?

Questions for Jerry:

 

Can't RTA revise it's Rapid-driver, shift-change policy?  It really sucks that trains stop, and drivers change mid-trip at the E. 55 station.  The other day, the driver stopped/parked at the station; packed his satchel and departed our in-bound Green Line train at E. 55 without a word... The train sat unmanned for a good 7-10 mins until the next driver sashayed up to the train, got to the controls and we finally left... I can't believe it's SOP or even legal to leave an operational train like that -- the only good thing was that I got to eyeball the new E. 55 station for a good 10 mins... Philly's huge regional rail system makes shift/personnel changes downtown at the beginnings/ends of train route runs, where they should be.  Drivers and conductors then hitch rides on other trains to yards, like the Roberts train yard, to get to their autos... RTA could/should do this, too; E. 55 is on the busy stretch of rail in the RTA system, so drivers would not have to wait long to hop train rides to their cars at ... What say you, Jerry?

 

Re the rail Train Leaving LED signs:

is RTA planning on fixing them?  I'm disappointed the vendor-built signs in Tower City were removed.  On a rapid rail system that is less frequent/more schedule based than most, these signs are important... And the ones in stations beyond Tower City are all but useless -- they're almost never correct.  Jerry, isn't RTA going to tighten this up... Seems like even  busy subway systems like NYC and DC are geting into the time leaving/arriving sign act... Where the heck is RTA?

The other day, the driver stopped/parked at the station; packed his satchel and departed our in-bound Green Line train at E. 55 without a word... The train sat unmanned for a good 7-10 mins until the next driver sashayed up to the train, got to the controls and we finally left... I can't believe it's SOP or even legal to leave an operational train like that -- the only good thing was that I got to eyeball the new E. 55 station for a good 10 mins...

 

Wow, I've had that happen at E. 55 before, but never for quite that long.

 

Your story reminds me of the time I was taking the no. 81 bus, and the driver pulled over (onto the sidewalk, actually) at Denison and W. 67, hopped out, and ran into the Burger King across the street!  We sat there with the bus running and the door open for a bit more than five minutes while the driver ordered food, then came back, and started driving again without a word to any of the passengers.  That incident would be even funnier if it weren't so dangerous (for one) and didn't put the bus behind schedule (which is another issue that arises with trains stopping at E. 55.  What if people have to make connections?)

The other day, the driver stopped/parked at the station; packed his satchel and departed our in-bound Green Line train at E. 55 without a word... The train sat unmanned for a good 7-10 mins until the next driver sashayed up to the train, got to the controls and we finally left... I can't believe it's SOP or even legal to leave an operational train like that -- the only good thing was that I got to eyeball the new E. 55 station for a good 10 mins...

 

Wow, I've had that happen at E. 55 before, but never for quite that long.

 

Your story reminds me of the time I was taking the no. 81 bus, and the driver pulled over (onto the sidewalk, actually) at Denison and W. 67, hopped out, and ran into the Burger King across the street!  We sat there with the bus running and the door open for a bit more than five minutes while the driver ordered food, then came back, and started driving again without a word to any of the passengers.  That incident would be even funnier if it weren't so dangerous (for one) and didn't put the bus behind schedule (which is another issue that arises with trains stopping at E. 55.  What if people have to make connections?)

 

I've had that happen on MCTS in Milwaukee and Metro in Cincinnati on a VERY regular basis.  They usually leave the bus running but shut the doors and take the transfers with them though.  It does always shock me that the drivers don't communicate AT ALL with passengers when they go to do that.

^ Pure stupidity to not in the least say something! Not only is it unprofessional...its just plain rude.

I'm sure the union contract allows for this somehow.  It's in the fine print.  :whip:

 

Same goes for 55th changeovers.  Probably has something to do with driver contracts and pay for commute time.

 

Just my 2 cents...I'll let Jerry weigh in with the truth as RTA sees it.

I'm sure the union contract allows for this somehow.  It's in the fine print.  :whip:

 

Same goes for 55th changeovers.  Probably has something to do with driver contracts and pay for commute time.

 

Just my 2 cents...I'll let Jerry weigh in with the truth as RTA sees it.

 

With your approach, I doubt he'd weigh in. "Probably"? I thought you said you were "sure"?

Re: Train Leaving LED signs:

Is RTA planning on fixing them? I'm disappointed the vendor-built signs in Tower City were removed. On a rapid rail system that is less frequent/more schedule based than most, these signs are important... And the ones in stations beyond Tower City are all but useless -- they're almost never correct.  Is RTA going to tighten this up?

 

Here's the reply. "We continue to monitor and correct the Next Connect signs. Please ask which signs are incorrect so we can review them in more detail."

 

If you have questions about a specific sign, please write down the details and send them to me off-list. I will make sure they are forwarded to the proper person the same day, or the next working day. Thanks.

 

Any bus driver who would betray his passengers like that should be fired immediately - I can't believe this happened.

This is in response to several posters above, who asked about bus and rail operators.

 

RAIL -- Many rail operators change shifts at the East 55th Street Station. The rule is: If operator #2 is not there to take over, operator #1 makes another round trip.

 

BUS -- Operators usually take breaks at the end of their run, while they are parked (usually empty) at a transit station or a bus loop. They are not to take breaks while passengers are waiting on board and en route to their destination. There is one exception.

Downtown, trolley operators often take short breaks at RTA's Main Office Bldg. It is the end of their route. Sometimes riders who have just boarded have to wait a few minutes. Service is frequent, and I have near heard anyone complaining.

 

In each case, we need to have details, such as the date, time, place, operator ID (if you know it), and bus coach / railcar number. Please report it as soon as possible after it happens. Again, you can use my e-mail, [email protected]. We appreciate your cooperation and support.

This is in response to several posters above, who asked about bus and rail operators.

 

RAIL -- Many rail operators change shifts at the East 55th Street Station. The rule is: If operator #2 is not there to take over, operator #1 makes another round trip.

 

 

Thank you Jerry for your extremely professional response to my emotionally charged (admittedly) post on the 55th St shift change problem.

 

Obviously the driver in question did not adhere to the rule as stated and should have been reported. 

 

I wonder how many of the drivers stay in contact via cell phone ("I'll be right there just another 5 minutes buddy!")?

^Operators are peremitted to have cell phones on their person. If your phone is in your pocket and it rings, the reaction will be to answer it, and that is not permitted while operating a vehicle. Operators may carry cell phones in their personal bag, and use them only when they are outside the vehicle.

Questions for Jerry:

 

Can't RTA revise it's Rapid-driver, shift-change policy?  It really sucks that trains stop, and drivers change mid-trip at the E. 55 station.  The other day, the driver stopped/parked at the station; packed his satchel and departed our in-bound Green Line train at E. 55 without a word... The train sat unmanned for a good 7-10 mins until the next driver sashayed up to the train, got to the controls and we finally left... I can't believe it's SOP or even legal to leave an operational train like that -- the only good thing was that I got to eyeball the new E. 55 station for a good 10 mins... Philly's huge regional rail system makes shift/personnel changes downtown at the beginnings/ends of train route runs, where they should be.  Drivers and conductors then hitch rides on other trains to yards, like the Roberts train yard, to get to their autos... RTA could/should do this, too; E. 55 is on the busy stretch of rail in the RTA system, so drivers would not have to wait long to hop train rides to their cars at ... What say you, Jerry?

 

Re the rail Train Leaving LED signs:

is RTA planning on fixing them?  I'm disappointed the vendor-built signs in Tower City were removed.  On a rapid rail system that is less frequent/more schedule based than most, these signs are important... And the ones in stations beyond Tower City are all but useless -- they're almost never correct.  Jerry, isn't RTA going to tighten this up... Seems like even  busy subway systems like NYC and DC are geting into the time leaving/arriving sign act... Where the heck is RTA?

 

I'm going to disagree with you slightly.  I'm sure you ride the Philly trains more than I do, but I - just coming from Philly - witnessed rail operator changes at stations other than Suburban or Market.

 

Having said that, having a train wait for 10 minutes backs up the entire line.  I hope there was a report made to RTA, not just here on UO, so that a proper investigation can be made.

Just got sent this event from someone at RTA that will be hitting CLE: http://supporttransit.org/

Just got sent this event from someone at RTA that will be hitting CLE: http://supporttransit.org/

 

Also was posted at:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,7852.msg576834.html#msg576834

 

I'm trying to get more details. Cleveland is one of 10 locations where this nationwide rally will be held, but I don't yet know where in Cleveland (I assume Public Square?) or what time.

This was sent out just minutes ago

 

^Don’t “X” Out Public Transportation Events next week in Cleveland!!

 

Monday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 20 at noon.

 

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) General Manager and CEO, Joseph Calabrese, alongside Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) President, William Nix, will join together in a visual message: Don't "X" out Public Transportation.

 

On Monday, 1:30 p.m. at Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center (Prospect Ave, between E. 21st and E. 22nd), Calabrese and Nix will paint large Red Xs on several RTA vehicles to show what the elimination of funds would mean to RTA, if proposed federal budget cuts take away a possible 30 percent of transportation funding.

 

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, Cleveland residents will see dozens of buses and trains around the system with the huge Red Xs. At Noon, on Public Square, there will be 'Don't "X" Out Public Transportation Rally on the northwest quadrant. 

 

Cleveland is one of more than a dozen public transit agencies participating in 'Don't X Out Public Transportation' around the U.S. to highlight what massive cuts would mean to transit systems and customers. For more national info, go to http://supporttransit.org/

 

'Don't 'X' Out Public Transportation' is being coordinated around the U.S. by the American Public Transportation Association: www.APTA.com

 

 

"I'm going to disagree with you slightly.  I'm sure you ride the Philly trains more than I do, but I - just coming from Philly - witnessed rail operator changes at stations other than Suburban or Market."  - MyTwoSense

 

Really?  I've never seen it... not doubting you, but in my many daily recruits on both Chestnut Hill Lines, I haven't seen it.  Engineers and conductors I've seen always change at shifts at Suburban then often hitch riders to one of the major storage/repair lots -- 30th or Roberts (near Wayne Junction) ... I'm sure the hop rides to other parts of the system, too...

 

 

"Having said that, having a train wait for 10 minutes backs up the entire line." - MyTwoSense

 

Actually, no.  We were on a westbound/inbound Green Line train on late afternoon Saturday (Sept. 4).  At that time Blue and Green trains run on 30 min intervals, meaning that on trunk/main portion of the line from Shaker Sq. westward, trains are every 15 minutes.  As you know, by 55th street, the Red Line trains have merged with us, though I did not witness any Red Line trains either ahead or behind us.  Red Line trains run on 20 min intervals at all times (generally) on the Stokes/Windermere branch, so if one had just gone by there wouldn't be one before the next Blue Line train: more than 15 mins.... our train sat unmanned about 7-10 mins.

Anyone else going to the rally mentioned above??

 

http://supporttransit.org/

^Maybe

Anyone else going to the rally mentioned above??

 

http://supporttransit.org/

 

You betcha! ;-)

Anyone else going to the rally mentioned above??

 

http://supporttransit.org/

I would love to, but I have class. :(

Anyone else going to the rally mentioned above??

 

http://supporttransit.org/

I would love to, but I have class. :(

I don't think having class should prevent you from ... oh, wait, you meant school didn't you? Nevermind.

Random... But a while ago I remember someone posting Cleveland's former rail network (KJP?). I'm putting together a project on transit and was hoping someone can help me get it. Any help is appreciated!

Random... But a while ago I remember someone posting Cleveland's former rail network (KJP?). I'm putting together a project on transit and was hoping someone can help me get it. Any help is appreciated!

 

I have numerous, numerous maps. What era do you want? How big is the geographic area you want covered? And do you want the railroads, the electric interurbans, the streetcar network, or all of them?

 

BTW, I have poster-size (3'x2' or thereabouts) maps of Cuyahoga County's public transportation system in 1938, showing all the railroads, interurbans (only one was left by then), rapid transit, streetcar lines, bus routes, stations, yards, steamship terminals, etc. They get down to the detail of where tracks and switches were. Since these are poster-size, they were costly for me to copy and to mail, so if you want one I'm going to have to charge $7 for one map, or two for $10.

Didn't get a chance to take pictures, but saw some red X's on Healthline buses and all E-line trolleys. I saw a Cleveland.com article this morning talking about the Support Transit rally on Public Square today (can't seem to find it now), which mentioned RTA putting the X's on buses that would be cut under a Congressional plan.

 

Although I live downtown, I was planning on using the E-line more frequently once it gets cold out and I use the Healthline to get back home from the CSU Rec Center. Perhaps our local Congressmen will be willing to give me a lift or lend me their car?

Perhaps our local Congressmen will be willing to give me a lift or lend me their car?

 

Fortunately, all of our local Congressfolk have been very supportive of transit funding. As Ohio's most transit-oriented metro area, and one of the top 20 metro areas with the greatest ridership (includes all transit systems that serve Cleveland including GCRTA, Laketran, Akron Metro and PARTA), Cleveland traditionally has had good support from its Congresspersons, including GOP Rep. LaTourette. I'm not sure about Senator Portman, however. He deserves to receive some letters from all of you who believe good public transit is essential for a healthy urban area.

True. I guess I'm still thinking of politicians who represented me during my time in the exburbs and Gov. Kasich's crew when I say "local."

• Ridership update for August and year-to-date:
   
  * System: Up 6.7 percent, or 243,000 rides, for month, 1.5 percent, or 440,000 rides YTD.  :clap:
  * Average weekday ridership: Up 3.3 percent, or 4,881 rides per day.
   
  * HealthLine: Up 8.1 percent, or 28,000 rides, in month; up 6 percent YTD.
   
  * Total bus (including HL): Up 7.3.3 percent, or 211,000 rides in month; down 0.5 percent YTD.
   
  * Heavy rail: Up 8 percent in month; 15.3 percent YTD.
   
  * Light rail: Down 1.4 percent in month; up 2.6 percent YTD.
   
  * Total rail: Up 4.6 percent in monthl; up 11 percent YTD.
   
  * Trolley: Down 14 percent, could be due to Avengers filming downtown. Average daily ridership was 3,400, down 17.5 percent from last year.
   
  * Rack-N-Roll: More than 5,400 bikes were boarded, a 12.2 percent increase over last year.]
  

Thanks! Love the red line stats!

 

Don't X Out Public Transportation Events next week in Cleveland!!

Kindof a pathetic event. It looked like RTA employees outnumbered everyone else 2 to 1. I didn't see any press at all. Then when the band across the street started playing I couldn't hear anything so I just went back to work. Sad since it's such a nice day out there.

Sad to hear. But there definitely wasn't any press.

 

One good thing, people are asking about the red X's on buses. A co-worker pointed it out during our walk to lunch and I explained what's going on with Congress. But then again, sucks how many people don't know how much they're trying to cut transit.

My predictions for RTA ridership by 2030 with TOD factored in...I think there reasonable.

 

System : 450,000

 

Regional Rail : 30,000

 

HealthLine : 45,000

 

Bus : 250,000

 

Heavy Rail : 40,000

 

Light Rail : 60,000

 

Trolley : 9,000

 

Rack-N-Roll : 20,000

 

 

 

 

The peak of transit riding in Cleveland was just after World War II (1946: 493,000 riders on the Cleveland Transit System -- didn't include Shaker Rapids or the suburban bus lines). That's when Cleveland had nearly 1 million residents, the immediately surrounding suburbs added another 400,000, and there weren't any suburbs beyond. Back then, metro Cleveland was a TOD. And many more Greater Cleveland households were car-free. Today, RTA is carrying less than 50,000 riders per year over a much larger area but similar population base as CTS did.

 

I'm an optimistic guy when it comes to transit and TOD. But there would have to be some tectonic shifts in Cleveland's, Northeast Ohio's, and Ohio's political, social and economic conditions, as well as some global shifts in petroleum supply to cause the kind of change you're talking about. I can't say something will never happen, because the history books are replete with quotes from intelligent people who said something would never happen but has. But Cleveland's population, land use trends, car ownership etc. would have to take an abrupt reversal from 60+ years of trendlines to reach the kind of numbers you've predicted.

Sad to hear. But there definitely wasn't any press.

 

One good thing, people are asking about the red X's on buses. A co-worker pointed it out during our walk to lunch and I explained what's going on with Congress. But then again, sucks how many people don't know how much they're trying to cut transit.

 

I never got a press release and no one forwarded a PR to me either.

 

I have seen quite a few buses and even a Rapid with the red Xs on them. So maybe that will get people talking.

Yikes, a Rapid, too? I wonder if RTA is basing their X's on anything or just trying to get people's attention. Either way, I think it is getting people talking.

As recently as about 1990, the Red Line used to run every 10 minutes off-peak and every 5 minutes peak. Now it's half that.

 

Before the budget cuts of 2008, the Red Line ran every 15 minutes. So yes, budget cuts haven't spared the Rapids either.

As recently as about 1990, the Red Line used to run every 10 minutes off-peak and every 5 minutes peak. Now it's half that.

 

You make me sad... :(

Sad to hear. But there definitely wasn't any press.

 

The main press event was on Monday at 1:30 p.m., when we painted the Xs on several vehicles at the STJ Transit Center. 3 TV stations, plus a photo in the PD. TV did not want to cover the same story two days in a row, and having video of applying the paint was more visually appealing than a rally. Also, Biden was in town at the same time.

September 20, 2011

 

Solar-powered lights entertain customers, provide lighting at two new RTA shelters in Cleveland Heights

 

CLEVELAND - The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and the City of Cleveland Heights will become a bit greener this week, with the introduction of two solar-powered bus shelters.

 

The first cool shelter, at the corner of Coventry and Mayfield roads, will be the focus of a lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22.

 

The second shelter is on Warrensville Center Road at Mayfield Rd. The shelters are a joint project with the City of Cleveland Heights, under RTA’s Transit Waiting Environment (TWE) program.

 

The shelters were designed by local business Solar Impact and fabricated by the Da Nite Sign Co. of Columbus.

 

‘The solar bus stops are a very exciting project for Cleveland Heights that ties in to our commitment to ‘go green’ and support sustainability projects,” said Cleveland Heights Mayor Edward Kelley. “The partnership with RTA, using a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant, has made this possible and a great visual way to promote solar energy.”

 

Joe Calabrese, RTA CEO and General Manager, agrees.

 

“Using public transit has always been great for the environment. Now, we have re-committed all of RTA to be more sustainable. It’s great to have this partnership with Cleveland Heights, and we appreciate the FTA’s support.”

 

The bus shelters feature lighting both inside and outside, powered by a rooftop solar-powered battery system, which doubles as art. The shelters are also energy efficient. The interior lights turn on only when customers are in the shelter.

 

http://www.riderta.com/newsroom/releases/index.asp?listingid=1650

 

Have you seen the red "X's" around town?

 

CLEVELAND- Have you noticed large Xs on Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) vehicles? September 20 is national 'Don’t X Out Public Transit' day. People can let their representatives know how they feel at www.supporttransit.org.

 

For 24 hours, one out of every three RTA vehicles will have a giant X displayed on the side of it to signify potential federal government 'cuts', affecting operations for all transit systems nationwide.

 

RTA General Manager and CEO, Joseph Calabrese, alongside Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) President William Nix led the painting of Xs on September 19 in the afternoon at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center, while the rest of the vehicles were painted in the evenings by various RTA employees.

 

The 'Don't X Out Public Transit' Rally followed on Public Square on Sept. 20, attended by not only members of the ATU and RTA non-union employees, but also representatives from the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) and Greyhound, along with the President of the Ohio Contractors Association and RTA customers.

 

"To someone like me, pubic transit is not an option, but a necessity," said Donna Prease, advocate, Linking Employment Abilities and Potential (LEAP). "I'm proud that I have a job to go to every day, but being in a wheelchair, I wouldn't be able to get there without RTA. It is vital we speak in support of increasing funding, not x-ing it out!"

Jerry, what is your response to the, in my opinion much deserved, criticism of RTA; for your fare jumper policy released 24 hours after the printing of the above article, your article about letting fair jumpers go, unpunished? As a taxpayer I find that extremely repulsive. In article A you are complaining about lack of funding, yet in article B you are telling everyone its OK to not pay your fare. IMO all that article did was tell people to not pay unless they get caught? And only when they get caught will they have to pay a 25 dollar fine? Do you not see this hitting your finances? As an average Joe taxpayer, I have NO sympathy for RTA cuts if this is your policy on people who don't pay.

As an average Joe taxpayer, I have NO sympathy for RTA cuts if this is your policy on people who don't pay.

 

How about sympathy for those who rely on RTA to get to work, the grocery store, etc.? Just because you don't agree with RTA's policy doesn't mean users of RTA should suffer.

September 20, 2011

 

Solar-powered lights entertain customers, provide lighting at two new RTA shelters in Cleveland Heights

 

 

Saw the shelter yesterday at Mayfield/Coventry and was surprised to see it, so I took a picture of it. I didn't realize it was THAT new!!

 

Kind of nifty... but if I had a big red X, this is what I'd put it on.  Is there some rule that requires imperiled transit systems to blow money on increasingly eccentric shelter designs?  This whole thread is a litany of stuff that RTA really needs to do but can't afford to.  How many RTA customers were clamoring for solar powered bus stops?  It seems odd that we can't afford decent fare machines, but we can afford solar powered bus stops.   

Question: How much did RTA pay for the shelters? Not including the federal TWE funds that could have gone to another metro area. But RTA?

Kind of nifty... but if I had a big red X, this is what I'd put it on.  Is there some rule that requires imperiled transit systems to blow money on increasingly eccentric shelter designs?  This whole thread is a litany of stuff that RTA really needs to do but can't afford to.  How many RTA customers were clamoring for solar powered bus stops?  It seems odd that we can't afford decent fare machines, but we can afford solar powered bus stops.   

 

this is the huge issue:  designated federal funds that can only be used for xyz purpose.  in this case, RTA passes through funds but potentially looks like it isn't focused on the big picture.  but, not sure it is any better if they let the money go away because they are worried about appearances.

September 20, 2011

 

Solar-powered lights entertain customers, provide lighting at two new RTA shelters in Cleveland Heights

 

 

Saw the shelter yesterday at Mayfield/Coventry and was surprised to see it, so I took a picture of it. I didn't realize it was THAT new!!

 

That one has actually been up for at least a month. I saw it in the middle of August, but didn't have a camera on me. Kindof cool.

Jerry, what is your response to the, in my opinion much deserved, criticism of RTA; for your fare jumper policy released 24 hours after the printing of the above article, your article about letting fair jumpers go, unpunished? As a taxpayer I find that extremely repulsive. In article A you are complaining about lack of funding, yet in article B you are telling everyone its OK to not pay your fare. IMO all that article did was tell people to not pay unless they get caught? And only when they get caught will they have to pay a 25 dollar fine? Do you not see this hitting your finances? As an average Joe taxpayer, I have NO sympathy for RTA cuts if this is your policy on people who don't pay.

 

I'm not a fan of the racial angle the NAACP/ACLU pushed, but I found their comparison to parking infractions was thought-provoking.  Is there a principled reason why fare jumping should be criminalized while parking without paying the meter isn't?  One reason might be that a parking scofflaw has a better chance of being caught and (via their car) properly identified, but is that enough of a difference?