And slow speed zones for the train operators during these clean up events--along with the mandated talking train announcements ;)

And slow speed zones for the train operators during these clean up events--along with the mandated talking train announcements ;)

 

"Caution, there is a train moving inordinately slow along the tracks... Caution!"

Okay, we've talked about the rapid luggage policy on here several times, but I need to gripe to an audience who understands, so

 

*start gripe*

 

I was on the rapid last night from the airport, and I sat down and held onto my suitcase in the aisle, which most drivers are okay with.  Dude got on the intercom and was like "Young lady you need to put your suitcase in the luggage rack."  So I picked up and put it on the seat next to me and sat back down.  And he said again "Young lady, I said you need to put your suitcase in the luggage rack."  My reply was a bit snarky, but I said something akin to "I'm not putting it in the luggage rack - people get their sh!t stolen from there."  He said, "Well, if the train gets crowded, you're gonna have to move your suitcase."  So I said okay.  Now, my responses were only snarky in the first place because all the airport employees that had gotten on the train were all hunched over two seats like people do all the time.  So, you're gonna tell me to move my suitcase taking up one seat to somewhere that's out of my reach and line of vision, but let all these people take up extra seats just with their bodies and not say anything to them?????  Bullsh*t.

 

*end gripe*

If a suitcase causes a hazard for other passengers it should be moved someplace where it won't.  Otherwise, it's none of RTA's fracking business where it goes.  Same thing with strollers.  Luggage racks should be provided as a convenience, not as an excuse for thuggish behavior on the part of the driver or anyone else.  As for people taking up multiple seats unnecessarily, well, I'm a bit overweight myself but I try to be considerate and to fit my fat a** into a single seat, and if I can then 99% of other people can as well.

The problem also is in the inconsistency with which these messages are delivered.  Why are some people picked on about luggage and others aren't?  Either it's a rule and has to be followed every time, regardless of the # of people on board, or it's not that important and is a judgment call that's only made when train is overflowing with people.

The problem also is in the inconsistency with which these messages are delivered. Why are some people picked on about luggage and others aren't? Either it's a rule and has to be followed every time, regardless of the # of people on board, or it's not that important and is a judgment call that's only made when train is overflowing with people.

 

I just feel that if they want to enact something like that, then there needs to be a one seat policy on every single train/bus at all times.  That would mean NOBODY is allowed to take more than one seat with their body or any of their stuff, which would be totally impossible to enforce.

The problem also is in the inconsistency with which these messages are delivered.  Why are some people picked on about luggage and others aren't?  Either it's a rule and has to be followed every time, regardless of the # of people on board, or it's not that important and is a judgment call that's only made when train is overflowing with people.

 

I just feel that if they want to enact something like that, then there needs to be a one seat policy on every single train/bus at all times.  That would mean NOBODY is allowed to take more than one seat with their body or any of their stuff, which would be totally impossible to enforce.

 

I would prefer better luggage storage.  The existing cutout areas are small, and accommodate at best 2 medium sized suitcases - total.

 

It has been proposed before that RTA remove 2 seats near the middle doors and install a "real" luggage rack that you see on rental car vans, hotel shuttles, and trains in many cities.  example: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/10/12/nyregion/luggagerack-480.jpg

 

This is a train that services the airport, afterall.

The problem also is in the inconsistency with which these messages are delivered. Why are some people picked on about luggage and others aren't? Either it's a rule and has to be followed every time, regardless of the # of people on board, or it's not that important and is a judgment call that's only made when train is overflowing with people.

 

I just feel that if they want to enact something like that, then there needs to be a one seat policy on every single train/bus at all times. That would mean NOBODY is allowed to take more than one seat with their body or any of their stuff, which would be totally impossible to enforce.

 

I would prefer better luggage storage. The existing cutout areas are small, and accommodate at best 2 medium sized suitcases - total.

 

It has been proposed before that RTA remove 2 seats near the middle doors and install a "real" luggage rack that you see on rental car vans, hotel shuttles, and trains in many cities. example: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/10/12/nyregion/luggagerack-480.jpg

 

This is a train that services the airport, afterall.

 

That would be good too - but only if you could actually sit next to it!

I would never put my luggage in that ridiculous luggage area on the RTA trains... even if the train were packed!  I love how you were asked to do this, even as the train was more than likely littered with McDonald's wrappers and Coke cans.  Priorities, priorities.

 

(I really like the idea posted above with the luggage area moved closer to the seats!)

Okay, we've talked about the rapid luggage policy on here several times, but I need to gripe to an audience who understands, so

 

I've had a similar experience- barked at by a driver for having a suitcase on the seat next to me on an 80% empty train.

 

I'm pretty sure one of the older series of CTS/Red Line cars (the "Airporters"?) did have real luggage racks, but I can't find any interior photos on line.  I would definitely be in favor of better racks you could sit next to rather than watch nervously from a distance.

I had a similar experience in Honolulu getting on the bus at the airport.  The driver (nicely) went a little overboard about us having to put our small roller carry ons under the seats and that if they didn't fit we couldn't ride the bus.  Because of the way the seats were supported, only one bag could go under two seats so we had to split up.  Luggage racks were not available.  Now that I think about it I believe that they are worried about luggage becomming an interior missile in the event of a sudden stop or crash.  So the policy probably doesn't have anything to do with how many seats are empty, etc. is has to do with the vector of the luggage if it becomes a projectile. 

 

Also, the old CTS airporters did have luggage racks

I propose they change the sound recording to "Caution, Pedestrians, you should have looked both ways, bus has already turned and is now 2 blocks down the street, bus has already turned and is now 4 blocks down the street."

RTA, seriously, please update the system map on your web site:  http://www.riderta.com/pdf/maps/System_Map_Main.pdf

 

I understand you might not think it worth your while to update it after a subtle route tweaking; I know you guys were busy with the transition to the new routes and schedules; but it's been several weeks now since the largest route restructuring in years.  It's just really confusing to have a route map up there that is so, so out of date.  And it really shouldn't be this hard/expensive/time consuming to get something like this done.

Any official word on all the dead trees along the EC/HL?

well I did hear that the cause of the dead trees is that the irrigation system running under the sidewalks isn't working in some areas.  I was also told that said system is under warranty.  But as per usual I have not heard about what is being done to fix it.

I have to say - I appreciate the fact that RTA made an effort to make UrbanOhio part of their efforts with social media, however I'm a little disappointed in the follow through. I know it's hard for any public entity to keep tabs and be updated on every outlet but we've had some very legitimate questions posed lately with no response. And for the most part, this forum is far more supportive of RTA's efforts than say, cleveland.com.

well I did hear that the cause of the dead trees is that the irrigation system running under the sidewalks isn't working in some areas.  I was also told that said system is under warranty.  But as per usual I have not heard about what is being done to fix it.

 

This is sad. A big part of the eye candy for the street was the addition of the trees. Other trees thrive downtown and so this had me baffled. I knew something was not right. I hope they are replaced because dead trees only could only invite more negative image of the project and I even I do not want that...And yes..as MayDay indicates...  some good questions/concerned lately...not quite the feedback to be hoped for.

I have to say - I appreciate the fact that RTA made an effort to make UrbanOhio part of their efforts with social media, however I'm a little disappointed in the follow through. I know it's hard for any public entity to keep tabs and be updated on every outlet but we've had some very legitimate questions posed lately with no response. And for the most part, this forum is far more supportive of RTA's efforts than say, cleveland.com.

 

Maybe RTA is upset how everyone on this board unanimously opposed their automated announcements.  I'm not sure what the best venue is to provide feedback to RTA these days, because I have sent repeated emails to their website feedback form and those have presumably been lost in cyberspace.  There is no acknowledgment to our concerns on this board as of late.  Perhaps the best way is to simply march into their office and demand to be heard.

I'm guessing there are no good answers to some of this stuff. 

 

And it's apparent that there is a disconnect between upper management and the public they serve.  It's not just RTA.  Try getting answers from the Water or Sewer deparmtents.  Try getting answers from the county commissioners.  It's a symptom of a larger condition around here, one that is being addressed bit by bit by bit.  The county commissioners have been eliminated.  Who'd like to go next?

"Perhaps the best way is to simply march into their office and demand to be heard."

 

Unfortunately, it seems the "best way" is simply to quit using it, and quit supporting it via word of mouth to others.  Not possible for many people, which is even more unfortunate, but I know I've been a lot happier now that I've started driving to work again.  I'm not late every day, I don't have to hear the announcements that I hate, over and over and over again, I don't have to have the door shut in my face as I have sprinted up the platform to get to it, such that I have to lean back to avoid getting my nose snapped off, or witness a driver angrily berating someone for something like their luggage or bike location on the train.  And it's not costing me any more money, since I found a place to park that's cheaper than RTA's rate.  I used to have to pay even more than I do a month now because at least twice a month I have doctor's appointments during the day and taking RTA to them has proved less than realistic because of the time involved, so I would have to drive and park in my building's garage to have in/out privs, which is expensive.  This was on top of the monthly pass I'd already bought and paid for.  Now, if I have a doctor's appointment, I'm not out that daily rate, just the difference between my daily lot and the cost of the building's parking garage.

Sigh.

Public transit in NE Ohio is pretty expensive if you depend on it for your primary mode of transportation... and luckily, I don't either!

Which all brings us back to many of the reasons WHY ridership decreases lending not a very good argument to favor public transport that all of inherently want to support. The little things go unaddressed and culminate into the bigger things that see the drop in support. So, how is not addressing such in their best interest as an agency. Bit by bit, as 327 puts it.....we will see many working for RTA disappearing as well, the same way the country c's did, but I won't be sure its for the right reasons. 

I don't think it's fair to vilify the two RTA guys for not responding to inquiries within this particular forum.  These are informal channels that, as far as it seems, the RTA reps have been distancing themselves from lately.  Having read their earlier responses from when they were more active, both guys don't appear like they're lazy workers just going through the motions.  Perhaps Jerry and Jetdog are just incredibly busy and don't have the time to go through the dozens/hundreds of comments directed to them. Perhaps the RTA doesn't want them to comment on forums such as urbanohio any longer.  It would be nice for them to comment on what's going on, but I can't grudge them for not.

 

Now the RTA directly ignoring emails and phone calls - that's unconscionable and unprofessional.  But as to Jerry and Jetdog being criticized, I think you all should remember that they're on this site on their own time, and we were probably lucky that they did so at all.

 

And just to be clear, I am very upset with how the RTA has fallen apart in recent years and am not defending them in any way.  Just those two guys who would post off and on the last 5-10 years or so. 

I don't think it's fair to vilify the two RTA guys for not responding to inquiries within this particular forum. These are informal channels that, as far as it seems, the RTA reps have been distancing themselves from lately. Having read their earlier responses from when they were more active, both guys don't appear like they're lazy workers just going through the motions. Perhaps Jerry and Jetdog are just incredibly busy and don't have the time to go through the dozens/hundreds of comments directed to them. Perhaps the RTA doesn't want them to comment on forums such as urbanohio any longer. It would be nice for them to comment on what's going on, but I can't grudge them for not.

 

Now the RTA directly ignoring emails and phone calls - that's unconscionable and unprofessional. But as to Jerry and Jetdog being criticized, I think you all should remember that they're on this site on their own time, and we were probably lucky that they did so at all.

 

And just to be clear, I am very upset with how the RTA has fallen apart in recent years and am not defending them in any way. Just those two guys who would post off and on the last 5-10 years or so.

 

Agreed.  It's never been about those guys, who are consistently cool and helpful.  They have jobs to do like anyone else.  The folks on cleveland.com are sometimes very unfair to them... shooting the messenger, as it were.

Question... Does RTA still have a bus that goes to Chagrin Falls?

 

 

 

 

Also, if one cannot get responses from RTA's site ...or here..then where does one go? Not responding at all is what attracts the negative attention and I just end up having a limit with giving someone the benefit of the doubt. This is not personal...its all business. If they cannot respond and are busy...a quick notification is professional. If you have time to sit on the toilet..you have time to do that.

Question... Does RTA still have a bus that goes to Chagrin Falls?

 

 

The #5 used to go all the way to Chagrin Falls on Chagrin Road. Now it only goes as far east as Lander Road....

 

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/5.pdf

 

And up until the late 1980s there was a non-Greyhound intercity bus service than ran every five (except Mondays I think, and I think it was because it also carried mail) from Cleveland on old US422 (Chagrin Road), through Chagrin Falls, Warren, Youngstown and all the way to State College, PA on two-lane roads, serving every little town. And there was another bus line that ran from Cleveland east on US6 that did the same thing across Pennsylvania.

 

We had a very European transportation system in this country, and it wasn't just the rail service that diminished. Our bus services, intercity and intracity, are a mere shadow of what they were not too long ago.

I have a lot of respect and empathy for Jerry and JetDog.  Unfortunately, they are part of an institution that has become as self absorbed and people unfriendly as any in Greater Cleveland.  People have screamed that people like me are being petty, but when you have dirty buses and trains, filthy right-of-ways, even out in Shaker Heights, coupled with the bigger blunders like the bus-turning-honking debacle, HL pavement issue, the horrible POP Rapid fare machines, the lousy, totally annoying train station announcements (why we're having so much trouble with GPS-activated train announcements when much bigger cities have them and move right along, no trouble, is beyond me) and way-too-often nasty drivers and booth personnel, and much, much more.  And then you plaster your vehicles with (now) 3-year-old, view-blocking "Best in North America" posters ... well, you understand the resentment and disillusionment of a riding public who, given the economic troubles of this city, should be extended the greatest courtesy by a public institution like RTA...

 

Oh yeah, the money... it sure would generate a lot of public sympathy and good will toward our Transit Agency's obvious, and widely shared (with TA's around America) funding problems.  The public relations wedge between it and  its ridership, and public in general (including the distubringly growing number of ex-riders like rockandroller), may not be solvable, totally, but could be largely healed with a lot less than the hundreds of millions of dollars RTA continues to cry that it needs.

"But as to Jerry and Jetdog being criticized, I think you all should remember that they're on this site on their own time, and we were probably lucky that they did so at all."

 

Yes, we are always lucky and we're absolutely appreciative when someone in a position like that is willing to field concerns. No one is vilifying anyone but it would be nice to know via a short "sorry folks, we're completely swamped" post. Not asking for apologies or anyone to engage in self-flagellation here ;-)

 

If I recall correctly, their presence here was given RTA's blessing so I'm not 100% sure about the "on their own time" part. In no way shape or form am I lambasting them, but it would be helpful for us to know if something is preventing them from providing responses. I'm not talking about some of the silly or snarky comments made; but when I hear someone extended an offer to help RTA with getting grant money and that person was never given the time of day? When I hear some of the most ardent public transit supporters on this forum voice genuine frustration about poorly designed/maintained/operated components, and nothing is addressed? We (the forum) were given a commitment which we've always been thankful for, but I don't think it's too harsh for us to be disappointed with the recent level of participation.

"But as to Jerry and Jetdog being criticized, I think you all should remember that they're on this site on their own time, and we were probably lucky that they did so at all."

 

Yes, we are always lucky and we're absolutely appreciative when someone in a position like that is willing to field concerns. No one is vilifying anyone but it would be nice to know via a short "sorry folks, we're completely swamped" post. Not asking for apologies or anyone to engage in self-flagellation here ;-)

 

If I recall correctly, their presence here was given RTA's blessing so I'm not 100% sure about the "on their own time" part. In no way shape or form am I lambasting them, but it would be helpful for us to know if something is preventing them from providing responses. I'm not talking about some of the silly or snarky comments made; but when I hear someone extended an offer to help RTA with getting grant money and that person was never given the time of day? When I hear some of the most ardent public transit supporters on this forum voice genuine frustration about poorly designed/maintained/operated components, and nothing is addressed? We (the forum) were given a commitment which we've always been thankful for, but I don't think it's too harsh for us to be disappointed with the recent level of participation.

 

Thats right, they werent doing it on their own time, that was part of their job as it would fit (Jerry anyway).  But then I started to wonder if Jerry served any purpose at all.

 

Jetdog on the other hand seemed to go out of his way to try to provide some information or feedback.  Jerry, not so much.   

Does the RTA have like a 2030 map of all the dreamed lines they hope to build?

Does the RTA have like a 2030 map of all the dreamed lines they hope to build?

 

I think the last director was fired for even suggesting such a thing.  I'm kidding... but only sorta. 

well if anyone knows the answer to this, I'd be very interested in hearing it...

 

I know lately they have been using stimulus funds to repair / replace infastructure at several at grade intersections of the green and blue lines.  They just finished coventry last week.  Every one of the intersections they have done look great, and makes life much easier on cars that cross them and easier for pedestrians as well.

 

But how did they select which interesections were to be upgraded?  Coventry certainly needed it, but I just saw they are working on Attleboro next.  Attleboro didn't seem to be in that bad of shape... meanwhile I saw that the Shaker / Van Aken intersection, which looks and feels like the surface of the moon, is not slated to be redone.  Nor are the crossings at shaker square which appear to be significantly worse off than attleboro.

 

So how were these interesections selected?

I have a lot of respect and empathy for Jerry and JetDog.  Unfortunately, they are part of an institution that has become as self absorbed and people unfriendly as any in Greater Cleveland.  People have screamed that people like me are being petty, but when you have dirty buses and trains, filthy right-of-ways, even out in Shaker Heights, coupled with the bigger blunders like the bus-turning-honking debacle, HL pavement issue, the horrible POP Rapid fare machines, the lousy, totally annoying train station announcements (why we're having so much trouble with GPS-activated train announcements when much bigger cities have them and move right along, no trouble, is beyond me) and way-too-often nasty drivers and booth personnel, and much, much more.  And then you plaster your vehicles with (now) 3-year-old, view-blocking "Best in North America" posters ... well, you understand the resentment and disillusionment of a riding public who, given the economic troubles of this city, should be extended the greatest courtesy by a public institution like RTA...

 

Oh yeah, the money... it sure would generate a lot of public sympathy and good will toward our Transit Agency's obvious, and widely shared (with TA's around America) funding problems.  The public relations wedge between it and  its ridership, and public in general (including the distubringly growing number of ex-riders like rockandroller), may not be solvable, totally, but could be largely healed with a lot less than the hundreds of millions of dollars RTA continues to cry that it needs.

 

Well said. I also still maintain that "funding" will not be a cure all for their problems like nasty drivers and filthy buses. This goes much deeper involving the vision/integrity/pride of those they hire. Money cannot always buy class....one either has it or they do not. It is a simple anecdotal bit of philosophy that really does go a long way. Cannot keep waiting for all the world to be made right when the funding ship comes in. It may never come in...so in the meanwhile, let's try to find other ways to achieve some of the things we need to achieve (such as dirty vehicles and trashy stations/right of ways) and get down to creative thinking. I offered my suggestions.

<<Thats right, they weren't doing it on their own time, that was part of their job as it would fit (Jerry anyway).  But then I started to wonder if Jerry served any purpose at all. Jetdog on the other hand, seemed to go out of his way to try to provide some information or feedback.  Jerry, not so much.>>

 

Both of us have a long list of duties and responsibilities. I visit this site as time permits, both at work and at home. I am on a salary, and on call 24/7, so to me, nothing is done "on my own time." In general, social media takes a lot of time if it is to be done right. At home, I use Twitter and Linked In (not related to RTA), and found that when I am really busy, those are among the areas that I do not get to as often as I would like. If a poster here asks a question that requires research on my part, then I may not get to that as quickly as the poster would like. Some weeks I am extremely busy, and other weeks, I have more breathing room.

 

As an aside, let me say that no one told us to monitor this site, or others. We saw a need and we moved to satisfy it, in additional to our regular duties. That will continue. Even if we do not comment, we read every post. Thanks for your input.

Oh ok, then your still working on RnR's and others questions....

I know lately they have been using stimulus funds to repair / replace infastructure at several at grade intersections of the green and blue lines. They just finished coventry last week. Every one of the intersections they have done look great, and makes life much easier on cars that cross them and easier for pedestrians as well. But how did they select which interesections were to be upgraded? Coventry certainly needed it, but I just saw they are working on Attleboro next. Attleboro didn't seem to be in that bad of shape... meanwhile I saw that the Shaker / Van Aken intersection, which looks and feels like the surface of the moon, is not slated to be redone. Nor are the crossings at shaker square which appear to be significantly worse off than attleboro. So how were these interesections selected?

 

RTA is working on four crossings a year for the next 3 years (4x3=12). The Shaker Square crossing you mentioned is on a different schedule, and is set for next year. The Rail Department inspected the "condition of the track" and set priorities. The condition of the road may be vastly different than the condition of the track.

^ahhh... that makes sense and good to hear.  thanks for letting us know.

FYI - This Friday, June 4 RTA's Transit Improvement Advisory Committee mtg takes place from 8:30-10am @ RTA's Main Offices @ 1240 W. 6th Street.  All are welcome to attend.

 

We will likely be hearing from Maribeth Feke & Beth Long on capital projects that are currently in the planning stages.  We will also likely hear from Rob Mavec (City of Cleveland Commissioner of Streets ) and/or his staff on the need to facilitate ped movements on E. 55 adjacent to the RedLine station w/ the use of a planted/concrete median on E. 55.  Last, we will definitely review RTA's plans for TWE Shelters on Coventry and long-term sheltered bicycle parking at 3 RedLine stations.

 

All are welcome to attend.

I hope people will use that opportunity to look to the future instead of harp on past service cuts. It's time to move on.

FYI:

 

 

Changes in Cleveland's RTA rail service begin this weekend

By Plain Dealer staff

June 03, 2010, 9:30AM

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/06/changes_in_clevelands_rta_rail.html

My Mom mended an old friendship with a HS friend of hers who worked downtown Cleve for many years.  She drove her downtown so she could hear the talking buses and told her about the cutesy announcements on the rapid.  The genteel 67 year old friend said that it was a good GD thing she wasn't working any longer to deal with this stuff or she'd spray everyone with bullets if she had to hear these things every day, over and over.  The PR on these things is just negative, negative, negative and is making us a laughing stock by visitors to downtown both local and from out of town.

My Mom mended an old friendship with a HS friend of hers who worked downtown Cleve for many years. She drove her downtown so she could hear the talking buses and told her about the cutesy announcements on the rapid. The genteel 67 year old friend said that it was a good GD thing she wasn't working any longer to deal with this stuff or she'd spray everyone with bullets if she had to hear these things every day, over and over. The PR on these things is just negative, negative, negative and is making us a laughing stock by visitors to downtown both local and from out of town.

 

Yes.  Please fix.

My Mom mended an old friendship with a HS friend of hers who worked downtown Cleve for many years.  She drove her downtown so she could hear the talking buses and told her about the cutesy announcements on the rapid.  The genteel 67 year old friend said that it was a good GD thing she wasn't working any longer to deal with this stuff or she'd spray everyone with bullets if she had to hear these things every day, over and over.  The PR on these things is just negative, negative, negative and is making us a laughing stock by visitors to downtown both local and from out of town.

 

Agreed, big time! Makes us look like we're a bunch of pre-schoolers who need basic instructions... "Now CLAAASSS...all together now"

The PR on these things is just negative, negative, negative and is making us a laughing stock by visitors to downtown both local and from out of town.

 

Problems with left-hand turns is a national bus issue, and RTA's talking bus has attracted a lot of attention, as we saw from the recent APTA bus conference here. We may have been the first city with a talking bus, but we definitely will not be the last. Stay tuned.

...but when you have dirty buses and trains, filthy right-of-ways, even out in Shaker Heights, coupled with the bigger blunders like the bus-turning-honking debacle, HL pavement issue, the horrible POP Rapid fare machines, the lousy, totally annoying train station announcements (why we're having so much trouble with GPS-activated train announcements when much bigger cities have them and move right along, no trouble, is beyond me) and way-too-often nasty drivers and booth personnel, and much, much more. And then you plaster your vehicles with (now) 3-year-old, view-blocking "Best in North America" posters ... 

 

Oh yeah, the money... it sure would generate a lot of public sympathy and good will toward our Transit Agency's obvious, and widely shared (with TA's around America) funding problems. The public relations wedge between it and its ridership, and public in general (including the distubringly growing number of ex-riders like rockandroller), may not be solvable, totally, but could be largely healed with a lot less than the hundreds of millions of dollars RTA continues to cry that it needs.

 

You have raised a lot of issues.

 

"Dirty buses and trains" -- all vehicles are cleaned at night, which from what I know, is the industry standard. If they are dirty at mid-day, they may be swapped out for a cleaner vehicle.

 

Filthy right-of-ways -- have been discussed here at length. RTA has made some strides this year, and I am seeking a summary to share here.

 

bus-turning-honking debacle -- a safety upgrade that other systems may implement soon. Again, left-turn accidents are a national bus issue.

 

HL pavement issue -- The pavement in question was poured four years ago. Take the square footage of the concrete involved and divide it by the total concrete poured for the project, and the resulting percentage is ....very, very minor.

 

the POP Rapid fare machines -- we agree that they could be better and should be better, and are working toward that end.

 

The train station announcements -- I have heard from many customers who like them. We are always striving to improve communications with our customers.

 

Nasty drivers and booth personnel -- There is no excuse for this. We take appropriate disciplinary action whenever we can.

 

The money -- from comments I have heard, I believe many customers still believe their fare pays for their ride. We will continue our educational efforts.

Jerry I know you're stuck between a rock and a hard place.

 

You listed varying issues.

 

When can you update the forum with plans for improvement or correction.

 

Thats what the group is really after.

 

Example the POP machines are not user friendly what is RTA's plan to correct that?  What is the timeline?  Why is this information not shared with the media (the PD only reports one side of the story) so it doesn't look like RTA is squandering money? 

 

Dirty Buses/Trains.  How about a volunteer day where Citizens can view trains and help clean them or atleast get a story into the PD on Bus operations and maintenance.

 

Dirty ROW.  A story on the tracks and why are located where they are. How often they are cleaned/maintaned along with information on what to do if people see illegal dumping, etc.

Jerry I know you're stuck between a rock and a hard place.

 

Example the POP machines are not user friendly what is RTA's plan to correct that? What is the timeline? Why is this information not shared with the media (the PD only reports one side of the story) so it doesn't look like RTA is squandering money?

 

 

By the way the other issue that RTA needs to be very aware of is that quite simply, at least with the red line, POP is NOT working.  Staggering, and I mean STAGGERING amounts of people never pay.

The train station announcements -- I have heard from many customers who like them. We are always striving to improve communications with our customers.

When my friends and I rode the train last weekend we overheard and saw many people making fun of the announcements; especially the "no one wants to hear what you are having for dinner" bit. I think, and many others that I have talked with think, that the announcements need to be shorter and to the point; announce the station, say a quick blurb about no food or drink on the train, quick blurb about noise related to cell and mp3 use, and if it is a touristy station (Tower City, 25th, and University Circle) mention near by attractions. Also, a lot of people dislike the guys voice. Overall, too much is trying to be said and I don't want to hear announcements the entire way to a station (like from Tower City to 25th and 25th to 65th).

Dear RTA, City, or whomever it may concern.....

 

One sight I saw today just made me shake my head in disgust. It was on Pearl Rd. on the last bus stop heading east bound before the I-71 ramp near Riverview Cemetery. The garbage can at this stop was literally JAM PACKED with trash jutting out the top at least well over 12". (nice to see many people discovering the use of a trash can, though....maybe we can take the next infant step and learn what recycling means) Add to this...there was crap strewn all around the stop/shelter.

 

I really don't know how long it takes for such a can to fill, but if quickly, means more priority needs to be lent to such. This is another example of not tackling smaller things that become the big stuff. This can looks like it hadn't been emptied in days....maybe weeks. Whatever the case, I find it not acceptable to have any stop looking like this at any time.

 

When I operated an aquarium shop, I did "dead fish patrol" on all the aquariums every few hours to make sure there were no dead fish in the tanks. Customers seeing dead fish was bad for business. (not that I had many die, anyway!)...But the same or similar concept of something needing more regular attention applies here. These areas should be checked as often as possible. Notice I say "AS POSSIBLE" If I were not late for a meeting, I was tempted to go out there and clean up this damn mess myself. But now hopefully RTA knows it and can do something about this...or the City, if this is their responsibility...we cannot "unknow it" now.

 

What the hell is this slack?

 

Regards,

 

Former heavy rider, continued advocate for public transportation.....but now occasional rider, wishing it could be more...but who won't support it until basics are given more detailed attention!