Wednesday night, I attended a networking event in Brookpark for several hundred people, mostly from area chambers of commerce. We all had name tags, and a man came up to me with a big smile. "I know you!" He is on this forum, but would not reveal his user name. He was very complimentary of RTA's involvement here, and on cleveland.com. It was nice to see a real face, and have a nice chat, with a poster, and I thank him for taking the time to talk with me. It meant a lot. Although some of us have our verbal swords drawn and ready when we visit this site, it's great to talk to people who care, and who can usually express themselves with some articulation. Thank you.

 

Now, we return this Forum to its usual programming.

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?

 

I think it's a very good comparison.  I think both should be penalized harshly, however, as both are in essence stealing.

 

I also think they're correct ion expressing concerns about these opinions being racially motivated.  It's probably socioeconomically motivated as well, but I guarantee you for many people, it's racially motivated.  You just don't see the anger from people about a set of nonviolent crimes committed by a majority white people (such as unpaid parking tickets) as you do when it's a majority minority.

 

It really exemplifies to me what racism has become today.  When white people do something wrong, the public seems to be more lenient or apathetic.  When a minority does something wrong, society wants to stone them to death.  It's like it's the PC way of being racist, because then they can just say "they're the ones that did something wrong" and hide behind that.

It was sad to have a line of Indians fans forming last evening at the West 117th Station's fare machines as people were trying to figure out how to use them, while we could hear a train rolling into and out of the station. A train that we missed. It was exacerbated by the fact that I was one of them who was having problems -- I could not figure out how to get coins into either of the machines, and it wouldn't respond to the pressing of the button for "Accept other payment" so I could at least pay by credit card. So after the guy at the machine next to me figured out how to use it and left, I slid over in front of another patron (with their permission) and paid my fare by credit card -- which I could not do at the machine on the right. And of course everybody is having to lean far over to see the screens and to see how the buttons line up with the options on the screen.

 

Please replace these machines. They're horrible.

It was sad to have a line of Indians fans forming last evening at the West 117th Station's fare machines as people were trying to figure out how to use them, while we could hear a train rolling into and out of the station. A train that we missed. It was exacerbated by the fact that I was one of them who was having problems -- I could not figure out how to get coins into either of the machines, and it wouldn't respond to the pressing of the button for "Accept other payment" so I could at least pay by credit card. So after the guy at the machine next to me figured out how to use it and left, I slid over in front of another patron (with their permission) and paid my fare by credit card -- which I could not do at the machine on the right. And of course everybody is having to lean far over to see the screens and to see how the buttons line up with the options on the screen.

 

Please replace these machines. They're horrible.

 

It can be a horrible first impression on the system and the city.

Cannot this be simplified? I wonder if the designers ever used public transportation!

Just found out my brother and a few friends took the Healthline from University Circle to East 2nd last night to go to West 6th. It was there first time riding RTA. I asked my brother if he had trouble buying a ticket and he said that the machine wasnt working and that they all just bought tickets from inside the bus. They needed exact change which made it a little difficult. Luckily they are more laid back so it didnt bother them, but thats not what should be happening. RTA has to do something about those machines!

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?

 

I think it's a very good comparison.  I think both should be penalized harshly, however, as both are in essence stealing.

 

I also think they're correct ion expressing concerns about these opinions being racially motivated.  It's probably socioeconomically motivated as well, but I guarantee you for many people, it's racially motivated.  You just don't see the anger from people about a set of nonviolent crimes committed by a majority white people (such as unpaid parking tickets) as you do when it's a majority minority.

 

It really exemplifies to me what racism has become today.  When white people do something wrong, the public seems to be more lenient or apathetic.  When a minority does something wrong, society wants to stone them to death.  It's like it's the PC way of being racist, because then they can just say "they're the ones that did something wrong" and hide behind that.

 

The difference is that intent is more easily provable, and the loss of revenue more certain, and the impact greater. Downgrading fare jumping to the level of a parking ticket is kind of stupid. I don't think it should be an automatic criminal penalty, but it should be greater, and it should be enforced. It's just not as easy to enforce. What we've adopted is similar to the honor system used in a number of cities, like Berlin, where you can just walk onto public transit and there are no turnstiles etc., but a significant fine if you get caught when a transit officer checks tickets.

 

Sorry, I don't care who's jumping the fares. I don't see why we can't issue subsidized monthly cards to people who can show they need them, so that they're paying *something* and still have access to transit, enforce the policy evenly, and call it a day. If you're providing a public service to a mostly poor population that is mostly one race, and most of the offenders are of that group, that proves nothing either way. The ACLU and NAACP's position here is ridiculous, and they only have traction because it's politically difficult for the city leadership to tell them off. The answer is to make it politically difficult for them not to enforce the law, which won't happen as long as most of those complaining don't actually live in Cleveland and don't use the RTA anyway.

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?

 

I think it's a very good comparison.  I think both should be penalized harshly, however, as both are in essence stealing.

 

I also think they're correct ion expressing concerns about these opinions being racially motivated.  It's probably socioeconomically motivated as well, but I guarantee you for many people, it's racially motivated.  You just don't see the anger from people about a set of nonviolent crimes committed by a majority white people (such as unpaid parking tickets) as you do when it's a majority minority.

 

It really exemplifies to me what racism has become today.  When white people do something wrong, the public seems to be more lenient or apathetic.  When a minority does something wrong, society wants to stone them to death.  It's like it's the PC way of being racist, because then they can just say "they're the ones that did something wrong" and hide behind that.

 

The difference is that intent is more easily provable, and the loss of revenue more certain, and the impact greater. Downgrading fare jumping to the level of a parking ticket is kind of stupid. I don't think it should be an automatic criminal penalty, but it should be greater, and it should be enforced. It's just not as easy to enforce. What we've adopted is similar to the honor system used in a number of cities, like Berlin, where you can just walk onto public transit and there are no turnstiles etc., but a significant fine if you get caught when a transit officer checks tickets.

 

Sorry, I don't care who's jumping the fares. I don't see why we can't issue subsidized monthly cards to people who can show they need them, so that they're paying *something* and still have access to transit, enforce the policy evenly, and call it a day. If you're providing a public service to a mostly poor population that is mostly one race, and most of the offenders are of that group, that proves nothing either way. The ACLU and NAACP's position here is ridiculous, and they only have traction because it's politically difficult for the city leadership to tell them off. The answer is to make it politically difficult for them not to enforce the law, which won't happen as long as most of those complaining don't actually live in Cleveland and don't use the RTA anyway.

 

KJP, there is no need for you to be sorry!  Your entire answer ie legendary and right on point!

 

If a person KNOWINGLY boards a bus/train without paying their fare, the know EXACTLY what they are doing.  I'm not talking about people who tried to use a machine only to find out it inoperable, but those who just dont want to pay.  They should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

 

In the same breath, RTA should make it priority number 1 to make the use of the machine easier and make sure, come hell or high water, that machines are operation 24/7.  Right now, they should have roving personal on platforms to help/assist.

Honestly, I didn't have the horrible experience many have their first time using the fare machines. Perhaps it was the luck of the buttons I happened to push!

 

But despite not having difficulty (got my ticket within a minute my first time using the machine), I can definitely understand how it's confusing and I'm not a fan of having to crouch down to make sure I'm pressing the right button. I've also literally found myself performing a would-be RTA job when I came across a woman struggling to purchase a ticket. I helped her... Then the next person... And the next one... Not that I mind, but local citizens shouldn't have such a hard time operating their own transit!

^ I have passed along your fare collection comments. RTA is aware of the issues and is working on them with the vendor. I have often been in the same position as CLEJoe, often stopping to help persons who are first-timers. There are screen flow charts on most units, but people still have problems.

FYI, RTA operated three-car trains on the Red Line yesterday to carry sports fans. Both games -- Indians and Browns -- started at 1 p.m. I believe that this was third time this year that 3-car trains were used. The first was March 17, the second was Sept. 11. I boarded a Red Line train at Puritas at 11:30 a.m., and there was lots of room. After West 117th Street, people were standing, but it was not "packed."

Yes, thanks for operating the three-car trains. I saw two of them and, if I had a camera with me, I would have taken a picture!

Yes, thanks for operating the three-car trains. I saw two of them and, if I had a camera with me, I would have taken a picture!

 

It's hard to get a good angle from the rail platform. I tried on March 17, and only had so-so results.

 

It's hard to get a good angle from the rail platform. I tried on March 17, and only had so-so results.

 

Except I was on I-71 heading out to and returning from the suburbs to feed my mother's pets. :)

^ Speaking of photos, I am always looking for good (or great) photos of RTA riders, vehicles and facilities. If you have photos to share, please send them to [email protected]. I monitor that address, and I will add them to our collection. Please include your full name, so if the photos are ever published, you can get proper credit. We also appreciate knowing the date it was taken. If the full date is not known, at least put June 2011...summer 2009....or just 2010. Old photos (bw) are also welcome.

 

Why, of course I do! :) Some low-res samples are here:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26251.0.html

FYI, RTA operated three-car trains on the Red Line yesterday to carry sports fans. Both games -- Indians and Browns -- started at 1 p.m. I believe that this was third time this year that 3-car trains were used. The first was March 17, the second was Sept. 11. I boarded a Red Line train at Puritas at 11:30 a.m., and there was lots of room. After West 117th Street, people were standing, but it was not "packed."

 

The three car train leaving TC around 4:30 was most definitely packed.  I think at this point you had both games riding home and was much more congested than in the morning (9:30 am train for tailgaiting is usually full but not packed).  But it was good to have the three car trains, otherwise it would have been absolute chaos getting home, as opposed to only minor chaos ;)

Are there any plans to replace the Heavy Rail Trains ?

Are there any plans to replace the Heavy Rail Trains ?

 

No. They are in the process of being overhauled right now.

RTA upgrade in the City of Euclid

 

EUCLID -- The newly-opened RTA waiting area at the intersection of Lake Shore Blvd., Babbitt Road and Bliss Lane will be dedicated on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m.

 

RTA CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese, along with City of Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik, brought the project to Euclid, thanks to a $50,000 grant from The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and its Transit Waiting Environment (TWE) program.

 

The project is a prominent feature of the redevelopment of the downtown Euclid area.

 

The large shelter is served by the #30 and #94 bus routes. Upgrades include two new covered areas, seating, trash receptacles, landscaping and planters, along with additional electronic signage.

 

Media: Parking will be available at the CVS adjacent to Bliss LANE Avenue for the event.

 

I believe that everyone should be giving back during these tight financial times at GCRTA -- Calabrese, the unions, everybody -- to restore service cuts. About 75% of GCRTA operating costs are labor, far more than the 50% at the airlines or Amtrak. How ironic that, when GCRTA executives asked the ATU several years ago for givebacks to save jobs and keep buses running, the ATU refused....

 

RTA chief Joe Calabrese gets $20,000 bonus, pay hike for job well done, board says

Published: Monday, September 26, 2011, 10:00 PM

  By Tom Breckenridge, The Plain Dealer

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- RTA's top boss has received a pay bump and a $20,000 bonus for an "outstanding job" in tough financial times, the agency's board president says.

 

General Manager Joe Calabrese's salary now stands at $216,880 a year, after a 1.75 percent increase.

 

"Joe is doing a great job," Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority board President George Dixon said Monday. "His leadership, his delegating with great people around him. ... Morale is pretty high right now."

 

But the head of RTA's largest union says the pay increase is "ridiculous,'' given cuts in RTA service last year and that workers with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 268 haven't had a new contract for two years.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/09/rtas_general_manager_gets_a_20.html

For once the cleveland.com bombers are on the money. The fact that this guy is getting a raise speaks volumes about RTA's blindness, or perhaps corruption. Just take a walk before an Indians game at the people scratching their heads over those unbelievable fare machines -- and we're going to reward the guy who signed off on them?

^The fare machines are one issue I will not argue you on. There are so many others that are critical to RTA's basic survival, such as balancing the budget every year, despite huge cuts in state aid, despite huge increases in fuel costs, despite a poor economy that has depleted sales tax revenue -- the foundation of our budget. I know a lot of you complain about service cuts. We have looked at many other cities, and we are doing far better than most. Several years ago, we totaled up the savings from changes that the GM initiated, and it was more than $25 million a year.

 

Your statement about "blindness and corruption" is waaaay off base, totally unfounded and unfair, and calls for an apology. If you have facts about corruption, put them on the table. If you don't, then why should anyone listen to you? There are sooo many errors in the comments on cleveland.com, I just shake my head and walk away.

Jerry, I don't have a problem with you, and you should expect a little hyperbole on any message forum. Obviously I'm not privy to knowing if there truly is corruption, though based on the RTA's behavior and actions during the last 15-20 years, I wouldn't be surprised

 

My issues, and there are some substantial ones, with the RTA are many:

 

1. The aforementioned fare machines debacle.

2. This acquiescing to race mongering groups regarding fines.

3. Everything about the Flats line

4. The many many issues with the Health Line. 3 years later and the lights still don't line up? Plus the concrete issues?

5. The massaging of data i.e. transfers now count as a second ride?

6. The questionable behavior and lack of professionalism of some of the drivers.

7. I actually don't take umbrage with cutting some lines and fare increases, though I question some of them (the 55 on weekends comes to mind). Budget has to be balanced somehow, though I know how $20g could have been saved.

8. The lack of station maintenance

9. The enormous rise in thefts of converters at unsecure Park n Lots

 

When you're paying more for less, then yeah, you get ticked off when the top dog gets an extra $20g

^ Agree that those are all issues, but aren't most of them primarily issues of insufficient resources as a result of pretty recent budget cuts? How is it Calabrese's fault that his budget has been hacked to pieces? I would LOVE to see the budget numbers of RTA compared to other mass transit organizations and compare the dollar-for-dollar expenses as compared to revenues and tax funding. My suspicion is that RTA is, in fact, doing well to maintain most of its system on the budget it has available to it. 200k is not chump change, but honestly, a 20k bonus is nothing. If he is in fact doing a good job, he should be retained, and you retain good managers by rewarding them.

 

From what I've seen, many people object to bonuses because they think it's anathema to receive a 'bonus' during tough times. In the case of golden parachutes for the CEOs of failed banks or grossly mismanaged companies, I agree - nobody should have license to destroy either the public's tax dollar or shareholder value to the insane degree we saw during the post-Lehman collapse of many firms, such as Washington Mutual, etc. I don't think RTA belongs in that category.

 

This hinges on whether or not Calabrese is doing the best job he can with the resources available to him. I am not in the know, but I'd give him a certain deference until it can be shown that Calabrese is even capable under the current circumstances of remedying the problems we all know about and recognize. The service level certainly isn't what I'd like, and I still drive rather than take the RTA (mostly), and I think station maintenance is a huge issue, but how much money do these guys really have? If Calabrese gets up and decides he's going to be an inspirational leader to his union employees, but he can't afford to give them a new contract, do you think their attitude will change? I know most of us here want to avoid the 'go along, get along' culture that has pervaded the public sector in Cleveland for many years, but I'm not sure that's what's happening here.

 

The one thing I agree on - he shouldn't have caved to the NAACP/ACLU, but again, litigating costs money, and losing might cost a lot of money.

1. RTA agrees changes need to be made and is working with the vendor.

 

2. Your opinion about an emotional topic.

 

3. TheWaterfront Line opened when Flats were strong, and everyone hailed it as a great idea. Then Flats went belly-up, and logically, service was reduced. When Flats East Bank returns in two years, service will be restored, and it will be hailed again.

 

4. HealthLine: I drove to Cleveland Heights for a rare night meeting last week. I am continually impressed with all the construction I see. The HealthLine service is not perfect, but we (RTA and the City, our partners in the project) are working to make it better every day.

 

5. Your use of a question mark means what?

 

6. Agreed. Management can 1). Crack down on offenders. 2) Add more language to the contract. 3) Add customer service training. 4). Screen applicants better, so problems never enter the system. 4). Recognize role models. .... RTA has done all that, and will continue to.

 

7. RTA went 13 years without a fare increase, and then the economy caught up. Service reductions were made with the care of a surgeon, but in the end, every cut affects someone.

 

8. I am certain maintenance could be better, but know that the same budget that pays for operationsr pays for maintenance. How the budget is divided between A and B is a management decision each year.

 

9. There was one story on TV, and it mentioned the thefts were happening all over the area. Our Transit Police are addressing the issue. "Enormous?" I guess I will have to go back and check the meaning of the word.

 

In my opinion, accusing someone of corruption is hardly "a little hyperbole."

 

Thanks for caring.

Joe is from Syracuse NY, and never worked in Cleveland until Feb. 2000. I am sure all people are related, if you want to go back to Adam and Eve.

 

If you want to see elephants, go to the Zoo. Never be afraid to ask questions here. I would rather that than see people wallow in inaccuracies.

 

If you see any other elephants, open the door and let them out.

 

One more word -- I do not work for criminals. Never have. Never will.

From 4-9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, all Red, Blue and Green Line service east of Tower City will be replaced with bus service to allow for work on the innerbelt project. The bus stop will be on Public Square, in front of the former Higbee Building. Please allow extra time for your morning commute.

To all forumers, please ask a question first about who is related to who before suggesting someone has done wrong by being related to a convicted felon. I think if you ask first, you will save yourself and others a lot of precious time and energy. And any posts that declare that assumption will be deleted immediately.

Joe is from Syracuse NY, and never worked in Cleveland until Feb. 2000. I am sure all people are related, if you want to go back to Adam and Eve.

 

If you want to see elephants, go to the Zoo. Never be afraid to ask questions here. I would rather that than see people wallow in inaccuracies.

 

If you see any other elephants, open the door and let them out.

 

One more word -- I do not work for criminals. Never have. Never will.

 

imo, this post doesn't really answer the poster's question.  a clearer answer, if it was true, might be "there is no relation within at least a couple of degrees."

 

however, i'm pretty sure they are actually cousins.  so the correct answer might be that, yes Joe is from Syracuse, and yes, he did move to Cleveland in 2000, and he is a cousin, but he is not corrupt.

 

think about your own families and how different brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. are.

For once the cleveland.com bombers are on the money. The fact that this guy is getting a raise speaks volumes about RTA's blindness, or perhaps corruption. Just take a walk before an Indians game at the people scratching their heads over those unbelievable fare machines -- and we're going to reward the guy who signed off on them?

 

I don't have a problem with at 1.75% pay increase for Calabrese. He has a nice salary compared to the average person, but that increase is still pretty insignificant. It isn't even a cost of living increase.

$4,000 isn't anything to flip out over. And it certainly won't do much to restore service.

 

Now the bonus is another matter, but boards generally don't just give them away. Some goals must have been met. If the budget is healthy, then he probably deserved it.

I'm sure many people would consider any kind of bonus or raise tone def and politically dangerous given that RTA's income is from tax receipts, but if RTA really has been performing well compared to peer agencies, you might risk losing him to other another transit system unless you recognize/reward his work.  Any ad hominen stuff based on people who happen to share a last name is way off base, IMHO.

I'm related to a famous/notorious, cult hero, serial felon, and "kingpin" of the Midwest marijuana trade. So if the Calabreses are related I feel for Joe on that account.

 

I'm not a fan of Joe's as I believe that point #1 is a sign of incompetence and #3 is an inability to get something done that I wouldn't reward (I know City of Cleveland blah blah blah, he's the CEO and he didn't get it done on his premiere project).  However, this is a small bonus and modest pay increase and I believe not something to get all that upset about.

 

 

No one deserves flack over their name, even when there is an issue with it.  I don't think there is here.  But the man should be on thin ice at RTA, not getting praise and bonues.  I've lived on less than $20k.  The timing on this is not cool.  If some other transit agency shows interest, we should throw in Brian Robiskie and a 6th round pick.

 

People at the stops and on the buses are complaining about him, and that was before this story came out.  It's not just the service cuts.  His signature project is not as popular as he thinks it is, and those fare machines are more of a problem than he thinks they are.     

Viaduct to close Oct. 8-12, buses replace trains from W. 25th to Tower City

 

CLEVELAND -- From Saturday through Wednesday, Oct. 8-12, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will close the Cuyahoga River Viaduct for track maintenance. The viaduct carries Red Line passengers from the West 25th Street Rapid Station to Tower City.

 

Replacement buses will transport all Red Line passengers between West 25th and Tower City for these five days, including Columbus Day. There are slight changes for some Blue/Green riders, see below.**

 

The work on the viaduct is not routine and trains cannot be single-tracked around construction. For safety of passengers and workers, the entire Viaduct must be closed during construction.

 

“Because the track is on top of the Viaduct, elevated above the Cuyahoga river, the location makes the work unique,” says Joe Calabrese, CEO and General Manager RTA. “Some of the track is hard to access, meaning an entire closure. We selected a weekend that included Columbus Day, which many of our customers have as a holiday, to limit inconvenience to customers. To ensure quality and integrity of the line, we want to complete the work before the snow flies.”

 

The replacement buses will operate between the West 25th Street Rapid Station, 2350 Lorain Ave., and Tower City, where buses will stop on the south side of West Prospect Avenue. This is only about 1.5 miles, but delays can be anticipated due to traffic and the large number of buses needed to carry each train-load of passengers.

 

** Blue/Green customers on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings only may be dropped off at an alternate location at Tower City. Please follow directions from RTA personnel and Transit Police to stairs and an elevator, holding 6-8 people. Afternoon trains are not affected.

 

RTA apologizes for this necessary inconvenience and asks customers to plan an extra 30 minutes for their commutes during this time, or to plan alternate transportation. Some ideas for alternates are:

* Carpooling with friends.

* Planning ahead with OhioRideShare , a carpool service sponsored by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA). After you register, you will receive a list of persons who want to carpool whose commuting needs are compatible with yours.

* Using other RTA bus routes to get downtown, or one that already serves the area between West 25th Street and downtown.

Work will be done by Delta Railroad Construction Inc. , based in Ashtabula, including replacing track and a crossover section of the viaduct.

 

The 3,100-foot viaduct was built between 1929 and 1935. RTA acquired the bridge from the Cleveland Union Terminal (CUT) in 1988.

No one deserves flack over their name, even when there is an issue with it.  I don't think there is here.  But the man should be on thin ice at RTA, not getting praise and bonues.  I've lived on less than $20k.  The timing on this is not cool.  If some other transit agency shows interest, we should throw in Brian Robiskie and a 6th round pick.

 

People at the stops and on the buses are complaining about him, and that was before this story came out.  It's not just the service cuts.  His signature project is not as popular as he thinks it is, and those fare machines are more of a problem than he thinks they are.     

 

So you're bitter?  If his contract called for a raise, and the board approved his performance goals then it is what it is.

Should Joe Calabrese have gotten the bonus?

 

Plusses:

 

-          Balanced budget with severe service cuts and minimal service increases (but it could be worse; Pittsburgh is considering halving bus service and ending all weekend rail service… Ouch!)

-          finished the Health Line reasonably w/in budget and on time.

-          Continued Rapid station rebuilding program with nice-looking, efficient facilities

-          Pushing forward with the Blue Line extension study

-          Implemented the POP program on the Red Line, which was badly needed to speed boarding and economically allow for longer trains (but see, below)

-          RTA’s unique, transfer-less, 1-fare or all-day-pass program (implemented under Calabrese), overall, is smart, easier to use than most big-city transit systems

-          Downtown Trolley has been a hit

-          Rack-‘n-Roll program on busses, Rapids and bike racks at Rail stations is well done

-          Expanded Commuter bus program along freeways

-          Directed more bus lines into Rapid stations, esp on the West side.

 

 

Negatives:

 

-          Red Line POP roll out has been extremely problematic; just short of disastrous (terrible difficult to use, too-low to the ground farecard machines; poor monitoring of fare jumpers with too much flip-flopping re enforcement – it was too rough to begin with, now RTA’s flipping back)

-          Raggedy, goofy, disorganized facilities on Rapids, like the GPS station-PA system (which most drivers now unplug), broken, inaccurate train LEDs in stations, cheap-o rapid destination signs while others are broken (or where, when they're not broken, Rapid drivers don't even bother to change them at ends-of-lines), etc...

-          Bus turning/death disaster (horribly irresponsible driver which was poor PR for RTA, coupled with an – as usual – RTA overreaction with the noisy speaker/audible turning warnings)

-          Healthline concrete controversy

-          EACH OF THESE make it seem like RTA is flying by the seat of its pants

-          ^in each of these controversies (and others not noted), there’s been a lack of Calabrese up-front accountability.

-          Very poor maintenance of many stations (W. 25, West Blvd, among others), trains (many are very dirty),  Rights-of-way (the Blue/Green trenches, esp along Shaker Blvd are overgrown and often, strewn with lots of trash – a situation the Blue/Green (and it’s Shaker Rapid predecessor) has NEVER had.

-          Lack of support, planning or specificity for long-term rail expansion (including Rapid, Commuter Rail, CVSR expansion into Tower City – note that little Akron METRO took over and expanded CVSR south to Canton; where’s Calabrese?? )… this includes not speaking out more forcefully for the now-trashed (by Kasich) 3-C Amtrak program or the still-pending Midwest Hub system – RTA’s rail line would interface beautifully with most of these potential rail lines which, in turn, making Amtrak more accessible to urban (and even suburban) riders (again, where’s Calabrese).

-          TOD program – although it’s not RTA’s alone to champion (where’s Mayor Jackson, City Council, certain burbs, etc), RTA has not always pushed for TOD as hard or as smartly as it could (one exception appears to be the stalled Mayfield/Little Italy station program coordinated with UCI, among others)

 

THE VERDICT:  the bonus was a bad idea… Not that it broke the RTA bank, … but then again, RTA IS broke, and that’s the point.  It sends a bad message when the much-starved (by Ohio) transit agency has implemented many cuts that hurt riders (many un/under employed) riders in a very economically struggling city turns around and rewards its top man.  MERIT?  And even though, as noted, Calabrese as several plusses, many of his minuses are VERY bad, even inexcusable, which in my mind thwarts any idea of a public reward for the RTA GM.

Well done, Clvlndr.  The heart of the issue is accountability.  Routes had to be cut, but money didn't have to be wasted on garbage.  The board sees grace under pressure... the people see bad policy after bad policy, followed by bad visions for the future.  There's a growing dissonance between these two views.

Well done, Clvlndr.  The heart of the issue is accountability.  Routes had to be cut, but money didn't have to be wasted on garbage.  The board sees grace under pressure... the people see bad policy after bad policy, followed by bad visions for the future.  There's a growing dissonance between these two views.

 

Care to place bets on how many of the board members use RTA services regularly?  :-P

 

Should Joe Calabrese have gotten the bonus?

 

THE VERDICT:  the bonus was a bad idea… Not that it broke the RTA bank, … but then again, RTA IS broke, and that’s the point.  It sends a bad message when the much-starved (by Ohio) transit agency has implemented many cuts that hurt riders (many un/under employed) riders in a very economically struggling city turns around and rewards its top man.  MERIT?  And even though, as noted, Calabrese as several plusses, many of his minuses are VERY bad, even inexcusable, which in my mind thwarts any idea of a public reward for the RTA GM.

 

I disagree with some of this only because we do not know what his employment contract listed.  What are/were his Bonus and Equity parameters/goal and did he achieve them ??  Again, it's not what we "think" it's what is written in black and white in his contract!

 

Should Joe Calabrese have gotten the bonus?

 

Plusses:

 

-          Balanced budget with severe service cuts and minimal service increases (but it could be worse; Pittsburgh is considering halving bus service and ending all weekend rail service… Ouch!)

-          finished the Health Line reasonably w/in budget and on time.

-          Continued Rapid station rebuilding program with nice-looking, efficient facilities

-          Pushing forward with the Blue Line extension study

-          Implemented the POP program on the Red Line, which was badly needed to speed boarding and economically allow for longer trains (but see, below)

-          RTA’s unique, transfer-less, 1-fare or all-day-pass program (implemented under Calabrese), overall, is smart, easier to use than most big-city transit systems

-          Downtown Trolley has been a hit

-          Rack-‘n-Roll program on busses, Rapids and bike racks at Rail stations is well done

-          Expanded Commuter bus program along freeways

-          Directed more bus lines into Rapid stations, esp on the West side.

 

 

Negatives:

 

-          Red Line POP roll out has been extremely problematic; just short of disastrous (terrible difficult to use, too-low to the ground farecard machines; poor monitoring of fare jumpers with too much flip-flopping re enforcement – it was too rough to begin with, now RTA’s flipping back)

-          Raggedy, goofy, disorganized facilities on Rapids, like the GPS station-PA system (which most drivers now unplug), broken, inaccurate train LEDs in stations, cheap-o rapid destination signs while others are broken (or where, when they're not broken, Rapid drivers don't even bother to change them at ends-of-lines), etc...

-          Bus turning/death disaster (horribly irresponsible driver which was poor PR for RTA, coupled with an – as usual – RTA overreaction with the noisy speaker/audible turning warnings)

-          Healthline concrete controversy

-          EACH OF THESE make it seem like RTA is flying by the seat of its pants

-          ^in each of these controversies (and others not noted), there’s been a lack of Calabrese up-front accountability.

-          Very poor maintenance of many stations (W. 25, West Blvd, among others), trains (many are very dirty),  Rights-of-way (the Blue/Green trenches, esp along Shaker Blvd are overgrown and often, strewn with lots of trash – a situation the Blue/Green (and it’s Shaker Rapid predecessor) has NEVER had.

-          Lack of support, planning or specificity for long-term rail expansion (including Rapid, Commuter Rail, CVSR expansion into Tower City – note that little Akron METRO took over and expanded CVSR south to Canton; where’s Calabrese?? )… this includes not speaking out more forcefully for the now-trashed (by Kasich) 3-C Amtrak program or the still-pending Midwest Hub system – RTA’s rail line would interface beautifully with most of these potential rail lines which, in turn, making Amtrak more accessible to urban (and even suburban) riders (again, where’s Calabrese).

-          TOD program – although it’s not RTA’s alone to champion (where’s Mayor Jackson, City Council, certain burbs, etc), RTA has not always pushed for TOD as hard or as smartly as it could (one exception appears to be the stalled Mayfield/Little Italy station program coordinated with UCI, among others)

 

Some of these are in not fault his, if he cannot coerce the region and those at the state/federal level to pony up the money then he cannot grow the system.

 

In regard to the Shaker right of way, I've been riding the Shaker Rapid for 39 of my 45 years, and the Right of way was WORSE before the RTA take over.  I don't know how you cannot remember when people would dump tires on the track at 116 St.  Or what 93 Street looked like during and after a rain storm.  Or what the Shaker/Van Aken switch are was like.

 

Again, this isn't about our emotional check list, this is about whats is detailed in his contract.  Even if on the outside, due to the economy, it looks bad.  If RTA GM is entitle to a bonus, and the board approves it, he should get it!

I disagree with some of this only because we do not know what his employment contract listed.  What are/were his Bonus and Equity parameters/goal and did he achieve them ??  Again, it's not what we "think" it's what is written in black and white in his contract!

 

Who cares what his contract says?  What we care about is what we think his contract SHOULD say.

 

That being said, I don't have a big problem with this bonus.

Well done, Clvlndr.  The heart of the issue is accountability.  Routes had to be cut, but money didn't have to be wasted on garbage.  The board sees grace under pressure... the people see bad policy after bad policy, followed by bad visions for the future.  There's a growing dissonance between these two views.

Care to place bets on how many of the board members use RTA services regularly?  :-P

 

the current answer is 0.  some former board members of the past decade were occasional users of the system, but the current board does not ride the system on any sort of a regular basis, and i would guess that except for a special charter or event - like the HealthLine opening - haven't been on a bus or train in regular service in some time.  the RTA board makeup is also quite different from other major systems where there is often more representation from day to day riders and business interests on the board.

 

another issue, with respect to the fare machines, is that RTA employees - many which ride RTA everyday to and from work - don't use the fare vending machines because they show their employee id to board. 

 

internally i think it is now well recognized that there is fare machine problem, but the fix has been way to slow.  indeed, the main issue was that these machines were even allowed to be designed and placed at stations in the first place in their current state.  that was where the ball was dropped.  big time.

I disagree with some of this only because we do not know what his employment contract listed.  What are/were his Bonus and Equity parameters/goal and did he achieve them ??  Again, it's not what we "think" it's what is written in black and white in his contract!

 

Who cares what his contract says?  What we care about is what we think his contract SHOULD say.

 

That being said, I don't have a big problem with this bonus.

 

Then people need to contact the board of directors.  If he signed a contract years ago, saying he would get X $$$$ for completely x number or duties, and he has fulfilled that role, with approval of the board, then he should get the bonus.

Has anyone ever left a car at a rapid station when flying out of CLE?  I have a 4:30 flight on Thursday and wont be coming back until Mon. evening.  Usually when flying, my in-laws will drop me off (I live pretty close to the airport afterall), but most likely that wont be able to work due to the time.  Any one have any experience doing this?

RTA permits overnight parking at only a few stations for passengers going to the airport:

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/04/overnight_parking_at_some_rta.html

http://www.riderta.com/newsroom/releases/?print=1&listingid=1584

 

Looks like Puritas and Windermere are the only locations right now where this is offered. I wish it was offered at the Green Road station too.

 

Jerry, can you confirm this?

RTA permits overnight parking at only a few stations for passengers going to the airport:

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/04/overnight_parking_at_some_rta.html

http://www.riderta.com/newsroom/releases/?print=1&listingid=1584

 

Looks like Puritas and Windermere are the only locations right now where this is offered. I wish it was offered at the Green Road station too.

 

Jerry, can you confirm this?

 

KJP thanks, I had thought Puritas was one but could not find anything about it.  I have normally been parking there as construction along Brookpark Rd. makes getting out of the parking lot a pain.  I'll have to look around to see if there is a specific area tonight.

Here's the winning video entry for the Siemens sustainability competition!! (we hope!)

 

"One Cleveland"

by Joe Baur and Dave Kiss

 

Cleveland thrived throughout the early 1900's, boasting an impressive public transportation system. Now the city finds itself in the middle of a Rust Belt Renaissance thanks in large part to the latest addition to the transit system's roster.

 

http://mildlyrelevantthoughts.com/2011/09/cleveland-public-transportation/

Awesome video! ;-)

Excellent video, who's that well spoken Ken guy?  :-D

Then people need to contact the board of directors.  If he signed a contract years ago, saying he would get X $$$$ for completely x number or duties, and he has fulfilled that role, with approval of the board, then he should get the bonus.

 

Yes, because if the Board is anything like the Board of a large corporation, I'm sure they care what we say. :roll: