December 13, 201014 yr Profiling does not occur because they check everyone. I dont know how anyone can bring race into this. I completely agree. In the artcle, it clearly states how the cops systematically check everyone.
December 13, 201014 yr I got checked on the Healthline this morning, and I'm white. So did all the blacks, indians, and whoever else was on the bus. End. of. story. I did pick up the new University Circle-E. 116th bus at Stokes this morning cause it pulled up right behind the Healthline, and I figured I'd take the free lift the rest of the way to work. I was talking to the driver cause I was the only one on the bus. He said he's had a few riders, but not many yet. Hopefully the ridership will increase, cause I think it's a useful route.
December 13, 201014 yr I got checked on the Healthline this morning, and I'm white. So did all the blacks, indians, and whoever else was on the bus. End. of. story. I did pick up the new University Circle-E. 116th bus at Stokes this morning cause it pulled up right behind the Healthline, and I figured I'd take the free lift the rest of the way to work. I was talking to the driver cause I was the only one on the bus. He said he's had a few riders, but not many yet. Hopefully the ridership will increase, cause I think it's a useful route. You're white?
December 13, 201014 yr I got checked on the Healthline this morning, and I'm white. So did all the blacks, indians, and whoever else was on the bus. End. of. story. I did pick up the new University Circle-E. 116th bus at Stokes this morning cause it pulled up right behind the Healthline, and I figured I'd take the free lift the rest of the way to work. I was talking to the driver cause I was the only one on the bus. He said he's had a few riders, but not many yet. Hopefully the ridership will increase, cause I think it's a useful route. You're white? I'm only partly Latina at heart ;).
December 13, 201014 yr I got checked on the Healthline this morning, and I'm white. So did all the blacks, indians, and whoever else was on the bus. End. of. story. I did pick up the new University Circle-E. 116th bus at Stokes this morning cause it pulled up right behind the Healthline, and I figured I'd take the free lift the rest of the way to work. I was talking to the driver cause I was the only one on the bus. He said he's had a few riders, but not many yet. Hopefully the ridership will increase, cause I think it's a useful route. You're white? I'm only partly Latina at heart ;) . Honey, I thouhgt you were just a celebutante. I dont look at color when I see you.
December 13, 201014 yr Author I dont look at color when I see you. Gee, what a coincidence! Neither do I!! :-D :oops: "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 13, 201014 yr I dont look at color when I see you. Gee, what a coincidence! Neither do I!! ;D :-[
December 17, 201014 yr In Chicago. CTA does a Holiday Train each year that runs as part of regular El service in November and December. The entire train is decorated and also has a sleigh with Santa on a flatcar. Something like this would be a great way to introduce new riders to RTA. Even if it was just done one day, maybe in conjunction with the holiday decorations on Public Square. What would it take to make this happen here next year? http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/holidaytrain.aspx
December 17, 201014 yr In Chicago. CTA does a Holiday Train each year that runs as part of regular El service in November and December. The entire train is decorated and also has a sleigh with Santa on a flatcar. Something like this would be a great way to introduce new riders to RTA. Even if it was just done one day, maybe in conjunction with the holiday decorations on Public Square. What would it take to make this happen here next year? http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/holidaytrain.aspx RTA used to do that. On weekends from Thanksgiving to New Years they would run the retrofitted shaker, the blue Cleveland rapids and old retrofitted buses. In addition, they would do this around independence day as well. I cannot remember why they stopped this.
January 4, 201114 yr Author Now if this doesn't generate discussion, then check your pulse. RTA has released its strategic plan for the next decade and wants public comment. There's some interesting stuff in it.... http://www.riderta.com/strategicplan/ Here's what I find most interesting..... Divide Service District into Core and Flexible Service Areas As shown in Figure B, RTA recommends dividing its service area into core and flexible zones. The core service area will be comprised of the City of Cleveland and inner higher ridership suburbs with larger populations. The peripheral areas of the county will make up the flexible service area. Core Area: Provide fast and frequent service along recommended priority transit corridors (Figure C). Stations, bus stops and transit facilities will gradually be improved along these corridors. There are many existing riders in this area, along with need, due to larger employers and residents. Flexible Service Area: With fewer people, but remaining need, RTA will provide these areas with a combination of fixed routes for network connectivity augmented by Park-N-Ride Express and paratransit service for the disabled. RTA shall work with local employers and others to assist in funding and operate non-base service options, such as shuttles or van pools. Establish Priority Transit Corridors Developing these Priority Transit Corridors along RTA’s most popular routes within the core service areas will increase the mobility of existing riders, while offering more amenities and improve the quality of service. This will require close collaboration with multiple municipalities. In addition to the existing rail and HealthLine services, RTA could potentially provide high-quality service and improved transit accommodations along nine additional corridors shown in Figure C below based on funding availability and coordination with local communities. The corridors and their improvements would be completed in collaboration with the individual cities where the corridors are located. This coordination will demonstrate to the community that these corridors are areas where RTA is committed to providing high-quality transit service and ideally, new development. The revitalization of these areas is an important part of building a more sustainable, transit-oriented future for the region. RE: DEVELOP – The time for change is now. The NE Ohio region was especially hard hit by the recession, and County government is in evolution. As we all look towards a revitalization from population loss and dispersion, RTA has a key role to play. Transit must take a step forward from reacting to redeveloping the new NE Ohio. True "Regional" Transit For many years, RTA has been brainstorming with other regional transportation agencies about the development of a multi-county regional transit system to better connect all of Northeast Ohio. There are a large number of commuters that traverse county lines for work each day and significant barriers exist for transit riders traveling between counties. RTA forming a team with the NOACA Transit Council benefits the entire northeast Ohio region. Coordinate Transportation and Land Use Projects at a Regional Level RTA and the other transit agencies need to work together with NOACA, the cities, counties, developers and various planning organizations throughout Northeast Ohio to make transportation and land use decisions. With coordination and cooperation among all these groups, urban sprawl — which has traditionally had a negative impact on transit service – can be leveraged. RTA can educate the public about how even small changes to development plans can make better transit environments. This, in turn, generates higher transit ridership, more attractive development and a higher quality of life for those who live, work and shop in these areas. Resource Coordination with Other Northeast Ohio Transit Agencies Costs for transit are rising; that includes wages, benefits, fuel, oil and tires, just to name a few. Resource coordination and outsourcing are two options to fight high costs and make public transportation easier for customers to use throughout the region. Items for consideration range from vehicle, fuel, and parts purchasing to fleet maintenance, human resources, and payroll functions. Universities within Ohio are finding synergy and cost savings through a similar concept of shared state contracts. Explore Privatized Transportation Providing contracted transportation services to other counties in the region would be beneficial for both RTA and the outer counties. Inter-county service would improve options for riders with no service or limited routes. There are many examples across the nation, such as Denver RTD, that combine privatized transportation services with union labor forces to provide a blend of operating strategies. Take the strategic plan questionnaire online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/rtastrategicplan Or print it out and mail it: http://www.riderta.com/pdf/stratplan/survey.pdf "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 5, 201114 yr "Transit must take a step forward from reacting to redeveloping the new NE Ohio." This is the most important sentence in the entire report. It'd sure be nice if Cleveland and NEO public officials took this to heart.
January 5, 201114 yr Author It'd be just as nice as more people commented here on this report. I can only hope that they are just saving their feedback keystrokes for the questionnaire. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 5, 201114 yr It's very promising. (folks are probably too wrapped up in an amazing OSU win in the Sugar Bowl!!)... A couple things I take away: - glad to see RTA committed to the future of Stokes/Windermere Red Line branch - also glad RTA's moving forward with the Blue Line expansion study... the TOD at the Chagrin/Warrensville intersection could/should be a model for others. - very good RTA has closely followed so many population and potential service growth corridors. - and, as I noted, very nice to see RTA committed to the transit-as-a-tool-for-growth paradigm. - the emphasis on a true (beyond Cuyahoga County) Regional transit system is great too... I'm a little disappointed that I didn't see more support for potential commuter rail corridors, especially given that the West Shore planning and study is moving forward, although I know you've mentioned RTA isn't interested in shouldering commuter rail operating costs without more dedicated funding (although Lorain County seems very interested in this rail line).
January 5, 201114 yr I am glad to see there is a regional plan (coming from Detroit, where there is much talk but really little or no planning). With the price of oil going up, more people will be utilizing transit and even making decisions on where to live and where to do business with transit in mind. These main lines could lead to more transit oriented development along the lines of the old "streetcar suburbs" concept, i.e. Shaker Square. I would like to see more dense infill housing and business closer to the core of the city with transit being a 24/7 option for leisure, not just as commuting to work. It will be interesting to see if there is more development along some of the main routes like Cedar, St. Clair, etc. It surprised me a little to see that both Clifton Blvd. and Detroit Ave. are considered to be main lines since they are so close together. Does this mean less service for the streets not listed? I am wondering about streets such as Mayfield, Payne Ave., Fulton, etc. The south areas seem a little lacking to me - areas such as Old Brooklyn for example. Since they don't have rail, to only have one major line (State/ W. 25th) seems like limited service for that area. With all the government cuts and talks about "austerity" those of us who want to use transit might need to consider living withing one quarter of a mile of one of these major lines. Are there areas that are transit oriented developments by default? Do families make decisions where to live based on major transit lines in Cleveland? I know they do in some cities like Chicago and New York? What do the rest of you think about transit corridors?
January 5, 201114 yr Broadly underwhelming. Nice to hear late night service mentioned, and regional cooperation is always good. I'm glad they're lookng high and low for funding. But not much there about long term projects. We should have a plan for future rail expansion even if the money's not there now. Without that I feel like we're destined for more questionable spending on things like BRT and these downtown "transit centers."
January 5, 201114 yr Thanks for your comments. I am glad you posted here, but please take the survey and come to a public meeting at 5 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Main Office Building. All surveys and comments are due by Jan. 31.
January 5, 201114 yr ^ I was disappointed that the survey didn't give me to the option on question 7 of choosing improving the extended Euclid Avenue by extending the Red Line parallel to Euclid. By doing that you could give riders from Collinwood and Euclid a better way to get to University Circle. It's disappointing that the idea of expanding rail is ruled out as an option by your survey.
January 5, 201114 yr ^I was also disappointed in the lack of rail oriented responces. I wrote in that Lakewood needs better rail service via a branch off the red line at West Blvd. Oh, and the downtown loop. And extending the Healthline to Euclid so I can take it to work!
January 8, 201114 yr Cliff Hanger Cleveland: ODOT awards RTA $2.2 million to create new services By Kim Wendel CLEVELAND -- The Ohio Department of Transportation awarded the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority $2.2 million for one year to create and operate some new services. These funds allow transit agencies in Ohio to invest in services that benefit economic development and job access in the state's urban centers. They include.... http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=168332&catid=45
January 8, 201114 yr The "C" Line and the "Rock" Line...interesting. I know, cant wait to hear more. And "Steelyard Direct" ...
January 8, 201114 yr OMG, I've been uber sick all week, and I totally thought I was hallucinating when I saw this news on cleveland.com this morning. This is very, very exciting. I hope I will still be excited when I see the exact routes!
January 8, 201114 yr Here is the pd version http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/01/post_415.html You get all the same content and also the great comments!!! :roll:
January 8, 201114 yr The only one that seems somewhat strange is the rock line. Serves Public Square to the Rock Hall and Science Center. Couldnt they just run the waterfront line during the hours they suggested for the bus route? Im not a transportation expert but for someone who is, which is cheaper to run? Bus or Train? or maybe they are just rebranding the waterfront line as the "Rock" line
January 8, 201114 yr Author Couldnt they just run the waterfront line during the hours they suggested for the bus route? Im not a transportation expert but for someone who is, which is cheaper to run? Bus or Train? or maybe they are just rebranding the waterfront line as the "Rock" line No, it's a new bus service. And while rail is less expensive per passenger-mile on high-traffic route, bus is less expensive on lighter density routes. Here is RTA's 2004 costs per passenger-mile for their four modes they operate: Heavy rail $0.42 (Red Line) Light rail $0.72 (Blue/Green lines) Bus $0.92 Demand response $8.68 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 8, 201114 yr I would also assume that it's not an "express shuttle" type deal in that it would make stops between PS and the Rock Hall, thus making it more useful than the waterfront line.
January 12, 201114 yr County Council member Julian Rogers will resign from RTA board to avoid conflicts of interest. http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/01/county_council_member_julian_r.html (which means there's an opening on the RTA board --- KJP! KJP! KJP!) :evil:
January 12, 201114 yr Cliff Hanger Cleveland: ODOT awards RTA $2.2 million to create new services By Kim Wendel CLEVELAND -- The Ohio Department of Transportation awarded the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority $2.2 million for one year to create and operate some new services. These funds allow transit agencies in Ohio to invest in services that benefit economic development and job access in the state's urban centers. They include.... http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=168332&catid=45 Just now seeing this. As a downtown resident I am absolutely ecstatic that the downtown trolley service will run until 11PM 7 days a week. This makes it much easier for me to get from my WHD apartment to a restaurant or bar on the east side of downtown and then back... for free! Opens up a whole new set of convenient dining options for a dinner any night of the week while leaving the car in the garage. Love it!
January 17, 201114 yr Here are the proposed route maps for the C-Line, Rock Line and Campus Connector services.
January 17, 201114 yr Author Thanks! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 17, 201114 yr The C line is almost like the C and E line combined. Think you me the B and E Lines combined, but I agree. The "hybrid" route is a good way to maintain service to most of downtown at a good frequency for extended hours. The only thing I would change is to make it a clockwise loop instead of counterclockwise. Those left turns at Euclid-E9th and E9th-St. Clair can be tricky and it takes the trolley away from the curb. How can we comment on these proposed routes to RTA? EDIT - Better idea. Keep the CCW loop, but use E12th instead of E9th. It's not MUCH farther and takes you right by Statler Arms, Chesterfield, and Reserve Square / Embassy Suites. And the left hand turns should be much easier. Plus this loop would connect all the major residential areas downtown.
January 17, 201114 yr I made all the routes to the best of my ability on a map here: http://tinyurl.com/4vc38mg Zooming in gives more detail It helps get an idea on what parts of downtown are served by the trolleys
January 17, 201114 yr Yeah, I don't understand why the C-Line stops at E. 9th. At least take it to E. 12th to get it closer to more residential as well as Playhouse Square.
January 18, 201114 yr Yeah, I don't understand why the C-Line stops at E. 9th. At least take it to E. 12th to get it closer to more residential as well as Playhouse Square. Well thats what the E line does. And no other route took you from East 9th to Euclid Avenue and East 4th so that is a gain for all of those workers.
January 18, 201114 yr I think it would be interesting to have a sports line which takes people from Progressive Field and the Q to East 4th, the Warehouse district, and why the hell not, parking lots. It would get them more familiar with public transportation and maybe they would even take a liking to it. It would only have to run on days when there is an event, even concerts.
January 18, 201114 yr I think it would be interesting to have a sports line which takes people from Progressive Field and the Q to East 4th, the Warehouse district, and why the hell not, parking lots. It would get them more familiar with public transportation and maybe they would even take a liking to it. It would only have to run on days when there is an event, even concerts. And since ive enjoyed making maps today... <b>Here is the route</b> http://tinyurl.com/47ygpay
January 18, 201114 yr Yeah, I don't understand why the C-Line stops at E. 9th. At least take it to E. 12th to get it closer to more residential as well as Playhouse Square. Well thats what the E line does. And no other route took you from East 9th to Euclid Avenue and East 4th so that is a gain for all of those workers. Right, but the E-Line doesn't run nights and weekends.
January 18, 201114 yr Yeah, I don't understand why the C-Line stops at E. 9th. At least take it to E. 12th to get it closer to more residential as well as Playhouse Square. Well thats what the E line does. And no other route took you from East 9th to Euclid Avenue and East 4th so that is a gain for all of those workers. Right, but the E-Line doesn't run nights and weekends. I thought with this money they will extend the service on all routes
January 18, 201114 yr ^That's what I initially thought as well, but it looks like the C-line will be the only late night / weekend route (along with the other new trolley routes). Hence the "hybrid" route design.
January 18, 201114 yr So the C line covers the B & C routes minus CSU, Playhouse Square and the Avenue district, because no one takes classes at CSU in the evening, goes to a play that doesn't end before dark, or wants to go home to the E 12th or 13th after dinner. That makes complete sense. :roll: I suppose it's better than nothing.
January 18, 201114 yr Author Cleveland is autocentric compared to what -- New York? Chicago? Philadelphia? Boston? Sure, but not compared to other cities in Ohio or the Midwest. All depends on how you want to write the article, and the PD wanted to write it with a hard spin on RTA..... RTA's future could hinge on strong bus routes, expanded rail for riders Updated: Monday, January 17, 2011, 8:07 PM By Tom Breckenridge, The Plain Dealer RTA's future lies in fortifying its busiest bus routes and using them to spur redevelopment, transit planners say. That's among strategies crystallizing in RTA's blueprint for the next decade. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority board is expected to adopt a new strategic plan this spring. The vision includes extending RTA's rail lines to the east and building a Park-N-Ride lot along Interstate 77, for growing suburbs to the south. READ MORE AT: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/01/rtas_future_could_hinge_on_str.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 18, 201114 yr I don't understand how this calls for extended rail lines to the east. Is that dotted blue lineto the SE going to be rail?
January 18, 201114 yr So the C line covers the B & C routes minus CSU, Playhouse Square and the Avenue district, because no one takes classes at CSU in the evening, goes to a play that doesn't end before dark, or wants to go home to the E 12th or 13th after dinner. That makes complete sense. :roll: I suppose it's better than nothing. My point exactly. RTA has a chance to connect the entirety of downtown, including CSU, and they want to stop at E. 9th? Makes no sense.
January 18, 201114 yr Author I don't understand how this calls for extended rail lines to the east. Is that dotted blue lineto the SE going to be rail? Yes, the Blue Line is proposed to be extended in two phases. The first is to the other side of The Intersection -- Chagrin and Warrensville -- as part of its reconfiguration. The next is to extend it east or south on Chagrin eastward, Northfield/Harvard to Chagrin Highlands, Northfield to Randall Park, or Warrensville to Randall Park. Check out: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17886.0.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 18, 201114 yr Why on this map do they classify the healthline as rail?! Wow its a long bus, but it still has wheels!!!! http://media.cleveland.com/metro/photo/18cgrtajpg-9773ef79d19569ee.jpg
January 18, 201114 yr So the C line covers the B & C routes minus CSU, Playhouse Square and the Avenue district, because no one takes classes at CSU in the evening, goes to a play that doesn't end before dark, or wants to go home to the E 12th or 13th after dinner. That makes complete sense. :roll: I suppose it's better than nothing. My point exactly. RTA has a chance to connect the entirety of downtown, including CSU, and they want to stop at E. 9th? Makes no sense. I like the C line during the day because it can transport workers on East 9th to East 4th and another way to get the warehouse district. It also serves several hotels. But I think, since you guys have said the C line will be the only one open late, That the E line should have been the one they decided to keep open late. That route seems to be the strongest. Im fine with the B line shutting down early though.
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