Some of you may find this link useful; it is updated every Monday. http://www.riderta.com/bc_contractopps.asp

 

This week's page includes information on improvements to the airport tunnel and the Lee-Van Aken station construction.

Thanks. I'll post a question on the Lee-Van Aken station in the Rapid transit construction thread.

Ha ha. I beat Jerry to it......

 

http://www.riderta.com/newsroom/releases/?listingid=1692

 

RTA news

January 17, 2012

 

RTA Ridership Soars in December – Up for all of 2011!

 

CLEVELAND -- The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA)  carried more than 46 million riders throughout 2011 – a nearly four percent increase since 2010.

 

This is just the start of the good news: In just December  of 2011, RTA had an increase of 12.5% more riders this year than the same month in 2010. On the Red Line specifically, more than half a million riders used this heavy rail service, making it the highest December Red Line usage since 1988!

 

“These numbers are phenomenal,” explained Joe Calabrese, CEO and General Manager, to the RTA Board of Trustees. “RTA is glad to serve more customers this year in every area of service. RTA appreciates that people trust us to get them where they need to go.”

 

The good news continues on the HealthLine, Cleveland’s Bus Rapid Transit System, with a 14% increase from last December, and for a year-long increase of nearly 8%!

 

Trolley ridership was up this December, an increase of 19% from last year.

 

December 2011 marks the eighth month in a row of increased ridership throughout the RTA system.

 

RTA provides quality, economic and safe public transportation via rail, bus and Paratransit throughout Cuyahoga County. Check www.riderta.com for timetables, schedules and route information or call the RTAnswerline at 216.621.9500.

Again, and I hate to be that guy because good news is something that shouldn't be scorned, but how - if at all - are the newly required transfers in University Circle and other places taken into account? Are they considered two separate rides or one? If the former, then I consider this artificial inflation to be somewhat unethical.

Again, and I hate to be that guy because good news is something that shouldn't be scorned, but how - if at all - are the newly required transfers in University Circle and other places taken into account? Are they considered two separate rides or one? If the former, then I consider this artificial inflation to be somewhat unethical.

 

Those are onto the Healthline, aren't they?

This is just the iceberg, KJP...here's the fujll story....all numbers are percentage increases, for December and year-end

 

* Systemwide: 12.5 in December, 3.6 year-to-date (or 1.6 million more rides)

 

* Bus: 14.1 and 1.7

 

* HealthLine: 14.3 and 7.8

 

* Total Bus: 14.1 and 2.4

 

* Heavy rail: 8.0 and 12.3

 

* Light rail: 4.2 and 2.0

 

* Total Rapid: 6.7 and 8.7

 

* Trolley: December up 19 percent, average daily ridership up 25 percent

 

* Red Line: 500,000+, best Dec. since 1988

 

* HealthLine: up 356,700 rides in December

I believe all transfers are considered separate rides, just as one traffic count at an intersection downtown doesn't distinguish double-counting of vehicles at another intersection at University Circle. Now if RTA did it with the purpose of getting additional rides counted, that's another matter and I would be the first one to say "shame on RTA." But unless we can cite a memo or other documentation to say that's why they did it, it's impossible to prove.

I'm not questioning RTA's motivations for the new transfer policy, but rather questioning the accuracy of their findings. For example, when comparing the 32x-->downtown in 2010 to 2011, the percentage increase is virtually meaningless if transfers to the Healthline count as separate rides. And so those numbers don't really tell us anything; that's why I was asking if these findings take into account the new policy, much like unemployment numbers factor in seasonal employment to give a "truer" statistic.

RTA train derails in Shaker Heights, no passengers on board

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio - An RTA train derailed Tuesday night in Shaker Heights.

 

According to RTA spokesperson Mary McCahon, the blue line train was heading westbound when it derailed at about 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Farnsleigh Road

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_cuyahoga/rta-train-derails-in-shaker-heights-no-passengers-on-board

 

Great and Not-So-Great Subway Logos

 

Unfortunately GCRTA is on the not so great list:

 

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/design/2012/01/great-and-not-so-great-subway-logos-world/943/#slide5

 

"The very heavy type treatment is not only uninteresting, but the ‘R’ and ‘A’ are shaped in a way that makes you anticipate something particularly interesting in the letter ‘T’. But there is not. One might also think there is meaning in the uniquely formed white spaces of the ‘R’ and ‘A’ but there apparently is not. "

^Yeah, RTA's computer chip-ish logo isn't the greatest.  It's not the worst, either, ... have you seen that blocky-pointy thing that purports to be the SEPTA "S"?... ugh!

I was just thinking yesterday that RTA's logo is pretty awesome.  I have no complaints.

Compared to most of them on the "not so great" list, RTA looks pretty good. Not great, but not bad IMO.

Okay, this is where I weigh in and mention that old phrase comparing opinions to posterior orifices. Just sayin'... admittedly, I'm biased.

eh I admit that the logo has some cool 80's look to it, but it isn't retro enough to be retro-cool. All RTA graphics are in serious need of an overhaul. (I was saying this a few pages back) It can really be a factor in user experience.

eh I admit that the logo has some cool 80's look to it, but it isn't retro enough to be retro-cool. All RTA graphics are in serious need of an overhaul. (I was saying this a few pages back) It can really be a factor in user experience.

 

I agree.  I think the system-wide map, with it's thick black lines and numbers on it (for bus routes), is really confusing and very user-unfriendly -- especially when a main street, like Detroit or Euclid, have portions that contain multiple routes and, then, one turns off onto another street.  Other cities have thin, color-coded lines (associated with route numbers) representing each bus route, so that when several lines run on one street and, say, one of them turns onto another street, it is easy to follow... unlike RTA's map.

 

Also, the graphics for the current Rapid Transit map on the RTA site is just terrible.  It's twisted and out of balance.  It makes the Waterfront Line seem as long as the Airport branch, and because it's so twisted, it makes the Health Line look like it travels a straight northeasterly diagonal, rather than the due-east, dogleg northeast (at U. Circle) the HL actually takes.  This Rapid map looks like it was either drawn by a child or an adult on drugs... it's an embarrassment to Cleveland.

btw, it is that twisted Rapid map that greets Cleveland travelers boarding at the Airport station (the map is posted on or near the former fare booth entering the station).  Not good.

The Rapid maps are fine.  It's of a style that isn't designed to accurately convey geography but display the destinations.  "I'm at X station I need to get to Y station" not "I need to head due east" or "I want to take the longest train ride I can."  While not having to create a giant scaled map. They're used all over the place for this purpose including Living in Gin's Cincinnati Metro project.

 

As far as true system maps go they're dinosaurs.  I hope RTA will always decide to devote more resources to improving their presence on internet/app resources like the Google Transit over improving a system map.

btw, it is that twisted Rapid map that greets Cleveland travelers boarding at the Airport station (the map is posted on or near the former fare booth entering the station).  Not good.

 

That should be fixed shortly, thanks.

^ I read too fast. When you said "twisted", I thought you meant it was not straight. Now, after reading the thread, I see you are stating an opinion. Sorry, I cannot fix your opinion, so please ignore the previous post.

The Rapid maps are fine.  It's of a style that isn't designed to accurately convey geography but display the destinations.  "I'm at X station I need to get to Y station" not "I need to head due east" or "I want to take the longest train ride I can."  While not having to create a giant scaled map. They're used all over the place for this purpose including Living in Gin's Cincinnati Metro project.

 

As far as true system maps go they're dinosaurs.  I hope RTA will always decide to devote more resources to improving their presence on internet/app resources like the Google Transit over improving a system map.

 

Loretto, I'm not referring to all the rapid maps... The ones in the trains (above the doors (all lines) and at the ends of Red Line trains are fine).  Ditto, the Rapid map depicted on the bus-train system-wide map... Most station maps are also fine (like the ones installed at the Shaker Heights stops which are replicas of the lighted ones on the ends of middle/stub tracks in both Red and Blue/Green stations at Tower City...

 

The rapid map I fine troubling is this one:

 

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/maps/System_Map_Rapid.pdf

 

... it is on the website listed under Rapid Transit system maps.  This map is also in RTA's blue-covered brochure devoted exclusively to how to use the Rapid.  And, as noted, it, its at the entrance of the Airport station. 

 

I'm aware that maps are not drawn to scale.  However, there's an art to it (I can't replicate it, but my eye discerns the difference btw good ones and bad ones).  They should have some kind of balance as well as some rough depiction of where the train lines go... Living in Gin must have a knack for drawing them, because his depiction of the dream Cincinnati rail system is excellent.  The New York subway, Boston T and Washington D.C. Metro, although done in different styles, are all visually balanced and pleasing... The above RTA rapid map does not have this balance or fluidity.  For a lack of better word, it looks twisted to my eye.  I know I can be a bit persnickety, but...

 

RTA's Citizen Advisory Board is seeking service-oriented transit volunteer advocates to fill several openings.

 

http://www.riderta.com/CAB/

 

NOACA and ODOT are doing a year-long survey of how and where people travel in NEOhio. You can help.

 

http://www.riderta.com/newsroom/releases/?listingid=1696

Jerry's post about the Blue Line extension public meetings was moved to:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17886.msg310647.html#msg310647

The February Rider's Digest has been posted at: http://www.riderta.com/pdf/RidersDigest/Feb-12-RD.pdf

 

For Paratransit customers, the winter issue of Moving People has been posted at: http://www.riderta.com/PDF/MovingPeople/MP-Winter11.pdf

 

 

What is involved with the service advisory board? Is it the same as being involved with the transit advocates?  I am interested in applying but would like to know a little more about it.

What is involved with the service advisory board? Is it the same as being involved with the transit advocates?  I am interested in applying but would like to know a little more about it.

 

Justine, the Web section and application form are fairly explanatory, they even include operating guidelines. If you have specific questions or want to talk more, please call me at 216-566-5173 or send e-mail to [email protected]. I hope you apply.

While there is much discussion about an express bus to University Circle in connection with the Bllue Line extension proposal, in the meantime, I hope RTA is considering an extension of the #48 bus that currently connects with Shaker Square, so that it extends to the soon-to-open Uptown development in U. Circle.

Jerry,

 

given the tremendous success of Red Line patronage last year (up +13%), coupled with the continued growth of the 2 core areas along Rapid Lines (downtown and Ohio City), might RTA consider expanding weekend service (Friday & Sat)beyond Midnight ... to at least 2-2:30p as existed prior to 2001?  Also, in 1.5 years, the Flats East bank development will open and is likely to stimulate residential and restaurant/entertainment growth along the WFL.  Since RTA plans (thankfully) to restore 15-minute Red Line base service, wouldn't the summertime/late night service make sense?

 

2 common gripes I hear from downtown weekend-evening patrons: parking/parking prices are ridiculous ... but there's little alternative because the ("damn") Rapids stop running so early...

^clvlndr, I will pass along both your questions to our Service Planners. There may not be an immediate answer, but at least the seeds of the ideas will be planted. A few comments:

 

* From what I know, late-night service was cut back because it was not being used.

 

* RTA's primary role is to connect people with jobs -- it is estimated that more than 60 percent of our trips are work-related.

 

Two other things, which you may already know.

 

* When the damage from the July 22 lighning strike is fixed later this year, the Red Line frequency will increase (not sure of actual minutes yet).

 

* When the Flats East Bank development becomes reality, the Waterfront Line operation will increase from 2 days to 7 days.

 

* From what I know, late-night service was cut back because it was not being used.

 

I thought it was because GCRTA needed longer "service windows" overnight so that station replacement work, especially around the overhead electric wires, could occur unimpeded. I can't swear to that reason, however.

 

I used the late-night Red Line trains at 2 a.m. a couple of times in the mid- to late-90s. They ran two-car trains and the ones I rode had almost every seat taken. Maybe I just got lucky and happened to ride some of the few busier trains.

 

EDIT: I was just thinking that, as the Flats East Bank died out at the end of the 90s and early 2000s, maybe there was a ridership decline that resulted? Perhaps with the rise of East 4th and its proximity to Public Square and the continued success of the Warehouse District, restoration of late-night service would be worth investigating?

 

* From what I know, late-night service was cut back because it was not being used.

EDIT: I was just thinking that, as the Flats East Bank died out at the end of the 90s and early 2000s, maybe there was a ridership decline that resulted? Perhaps with the rise of East 4th and its proximity to Public Square and the continued success of the Warehouse District, restoration of late-night service would be worth investigating?

 

I would also think that the casino - both patrons and employees - would provide added ridership, if not 24 hours a day on the trains, at least extended a few hours.

Here are the replies I received from the two suggestions made earlier:

 

#1 Thanks for the suggestion.  The Adelbert-Euclid stop on the #48 is a short walk from Uptown (or a very short HealthLine ride).  The #48 needs to continue running as it does today, serving major attractions such as CWRU, University Hospitals, and Cleveland Clinic.

 

#2  We thought late-night Rapid transit service would be successful, for the reasons you mentioned, but we were proven wrong.  Ridership was much too low to justify continuing the late-night service.  However, we did increase the number of all-night bus routes just a few years ago.

---------

 

Of course, times are a-changing. We've never had a downtown casino before, and no one can predict exactly what will happen. The large civic organizations are hoping to use the casino to bring people in, and urge them to stay and visit other attractions downtown, and in University Circle. We are adding trolleys to service hotels and downtown attractions (exact start date to be determined), and encouraging use of the HealthLine and Rapid to see the University Circle area.

 

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and on-going suggestons.

 

 

* From what I know, late-night service was cut back because it was not being used.

EDIT: I was just thinking that, as the Flats East Bank died out at the end of the 90s and early 2000s, maybe there was a ridership decline that resulted? Perhaps with the rise of East 4th and its proximity to Public Square and the continued success of the Warehouse District, restoration of late-night service would be worth investigating?

 

I would also think that the casino - both patrons and employees - would provide added ridership, if not 24 hours a day on the trains, at least extended a few hours.

 

Excellent point, Urbanlife.  I didn't even consider the aspect that casinos (all the ones I know) are 24-7, and ours literally will sit atop our transit up... Like KJP, during summer weekends we frequently used the late-night Blue/Green-to-Waterfront trains to the Flats in the late 90s... often-times, they were 2-car trains; there was always something going on in the Flats... The ultimate was when the Holy Moses Water Taxi charged you only $1 if you presented an RTA farecard -- IYRC, the Holy Moses had frequent 'ferry' trips (and those boats were a hoot) and they had a "stop" just a block (if that much) away from the Flats-East Bank station... So you could take the Rapid to the Flats and enjoy BOTH OF ITS BANKS... and party til' 2a without the worry of parking, traffic jams, etc .... trains would cruise right by the Old River Road back ups... Those were the days...

 

Help us bring 'em back, Jerry!

^btw, thanks for the response, Jerry... including about the #48.  I don't think the #48 serves Uptown or that Adelbert is a "short walk" away... but I appreciate the response.

Here are the replies I received from the two suggestions made earlier:

 

#1 Thanks for the suggestion.  The Adelbert-Euclid stop on the #48 is a short walk from Uptown (or a very short HealthLine ride).  The #48 needs to continue running as it does today, serving major attractions such as CWRU, University Hospitals, and Cleveland Clinic.

 

#2  We thought late-night Rapid transit service would be successful, for the reasons you mentioned, but we were proven wrong.  Ridership was much too low to justify continuing the late-night service.  However, we did increase the number of all-night bus routes just a few years ago.

---------

 

Of course, times are a-changing. We've never had a downtown casino before, and no one can predict exactly what will happen. The large civic organizations are hoping to use the casino to bring people in, and urge them to stay and visit other attractions downtown, and in University Circle. We are adding trolleys to service hotels and downtown attractions (exact start date to be determined), and encouraging use of the HealthLine and Rapid to see the University Circle area.

 

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and on-going suggestons.

 

 

Hey JMasek, I guess I am showing my age here, but I remember when the waterfront line opened up during the height of the flats popularity.  I remember a lot of my friends thinking they could go out and when the bars closed, hop on the new rapid, but it stopped running at 11pm (or there abouts)

That said, does the RTA ever do any market surveys to figure out if its worth trying a new service, and then having the customers follow?

^ RTA does surveys several times a year, for many different reasons. For instance, we do on-board surveys annually to determine if we are meeting the needs of our customers. Surveying non-customers is less reliable, as many people may say YES to an idea that sounds good at the moment, but in truth would never use it.

 

We will be watching the casino carefully, looking at the ridership needs of both the patrons and the employees.

Through March 2, take a on-line survey about the options for the Blue Line Extension.

 

http://surveymonkey.com/s/bluelineextension

 

PD story from Tuesday's Board meeting:

 

"RTA wants to help the city be a little friendlier to tourists by offering easy-to-use passes and discounted fares for large convention groups."

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/02/rta_wants_to_offer_easy-to-use.html

^Good stuff.  In the article it said "Under RTA's plan, visitors could buy a "Cleveland Pass" online at riderta.com or over the counter at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, at hotels and at welcome centers operated by Positively Cleveland and University Circle Inc."

 

Has there been any thought/exploration of selling passes at local drug/convenience stores as well?

The target is to get the passes in the hands of the tourists, so selling them at places tourists go (airport, hotels and attractions) makes the most sense.

The target is to get the passes in the hands of the tourists, so selling them at places tourists go (airport, hotels and attractions) makes the most sense.

Tourists usually do go to drug and convenience stores though. Especially since you can't bring liquids (soaps, shampoos, lotions) on planes anymore.

Jerry, I agree those are the most likely places to be hit by tourists.  I was just wondering if there were any thoughts/plans to extend this service.  It would up the convenience factor in general.  If I've got people coming to visit and they want transit passes its a lot easier to find a Walgreens than a station with a fare machine.

^ Like many programs, I think it will start with basics and grow from there. Having a casino here is new to all of us.  We are trying to predict tourism patterns and habits, but they may just surprise us all.

I think the casino is going to be like the airport to RTA. Most of the RTA users will probably be employees.

And now for something completely different:

 

http://www.theonion.com/articles/charlize-theron-hired-to-ride-struggling-cleveland,27382/

 

Charlize Theron Hired To Ride Struggling Cleveland Light Rail System Monday Through Friday

 

CLEVELAND—As part of an ongoing effort to rejuvenate its public transportation system, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority announced Wednesday that it had signed a three-year, $32 million deal hiring Academy Award–winning actress Charlize Theron to ride the city's light-rail lines eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. "Each work week, Ms. Theron will bring the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood movie premiere right to Cleveland's own RTA Rapid Transit trains," spokesperson Ted Reardon said of the agreement, which will also require the 36-year-old Hancock star to use Cleveland's public buses for 14 consecutive hours on the third Saturday of every month. "Who knows? You might just see Charlize on the Red Line, the Blue Line, or sleeping on a wooden bench in the Tower City station!"

 

**********

 

For those who didn't already know or pick up on it within nanoseconds, yes, it's satire.

Awesome.  But I'm not sure it's possible to ride RTA buses for 14 consecutive hours on a Saturday.

Maybe the extra time is the time she'd spend sleeping on a wooden bench at the Tower City station?

And now for something completely different:

 

http://www.theonion.com/articles/charlize-theron-hired-to-ride-struggling-cleveland,27382/

 

Charlize Theron Hired To Ride Struggling Cleveland Light Rail System Monday Through Friday

 

CLEVELAND—As part of an ongoing effort to rejuvenate its public transportation system, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority announced Wednesday that it had signed a three-year, $32 million deal hiring Academy Award–winning actress Charlize Theron to ride the city's light-rail lines eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. "Each work week, Ms. Theron will bring the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood movie premiere right to Cleveland's own RTA Rapid Transit trains," spokesperson Ted Reardon said of the agreement, which will also require the 36-year-old Hancock star to use Cleveland's public buses for 14 consecutive hours on the third Saturday of every month. "Who knows? You might just see Charlize on the Red Line, the Blue Line, or sleeping on a wooden bench in the Tower City station!"

 

**********

 

For those who didn't already know or pick up on it within nanoseconds, yes, it's satire.

 

It's nice to know we're worth their time to parody. You know what they say, there's no such thing as bad publicity.

 

And 327, many of our core routes run 24/7, so yes, riding for 14 hours straight is possible. Not encouraged, but possible.

By the way, congrats to RTA for having one of its park-n-ride buses at the auto show! Maybe that will get some of the folks from Generation Y to actually attend an auto show?!?!?!

 

Now if this development isn't screaming out for an Onion article, I don't know what is!