The signs for the trolleys are currently color coded.  Green for the E-Line, red for the B-line.  They are also colored as such on RTA's downtown map.  However the signs seem to be located pretty high on whatever pole they are attached to.  Ideally they would be more closer to 6-7 feet off the ground so they could easily be seen while walking. 

 

I never noticed they're color-coded -- I had to go down to the street to see for myself! Yep, you're right! But I don't see what color on the buses they correspond with. By looking at the bus, what is its color coding?

 

With the new trolley service RTA wants to introduce they were talking about including new and improved signs for all trolley routes.  Additionally, and I think this is most important, they were looking into using QR codes on the poles the signs are attached to.  Scan the code and it brings up a map and timetable for the stops.  I think this would be an amazing thing to use at all stops system wide.  Then any route changes could be immediatly posted to the embedded website as opposed to a physical map having to be replaced at all stops. 

 

Scan the code -- with what? A smart phone? What kind of device could do that? How many transit passengers could afford it? I don't even understand it, let alone be able to afford it.

The signs for the trolleys are currently color coded.  Green for the E-Line, red for the B-line.  They are also colored as such on RTA's downtown map.  However the signs seem to be located pretty high on whatever pole they are attached to.  Ideally they would be more closer to 6-7 feet off the ground so they could easily be seen while walking. 

 

I never noticed they're color-coded -- I had to go down to the street to see for myself! Yep, you're right! But I don't see what color on the buses they correspond with. By looking at the bus, what is its color coding?

 

Yeah that is the issue there is no color coding on the bus.  I think Baltimore has a similar system of buses that run around, and those buses do match the coloring.  Seems like there could be a few options for making the colors line up with the buses.

With the new trolley service RTA wants to introduce they were talking about including new and improved signs for all trolley routes.  Additionally, and I think this is most important, they were looking into using QR codes on the poles the signs are attached to.  Scan the code and it brings up a map and timetable for the stops.  I think this would be an amazing thing to use at all stops system wide.  Then any route changes could be immediatly posted to the embedded website as opposed to a physical map having to be replaced at all stops. 

 

Scan the code -- with what? A smart phone? What kind of device could do that? How many transit passengers could afford it? I don't even understand it, let alone be able to afford it.

 

Yes a smart(er) phone, an ipod (if its able to get a data connection), really anything with a camera and a data connection.  Also, you can get some of the older versions for fairly cheap, or free now that enough models have passed.  The biggest issue is going to be the data portion, but those can be managed.  Scanning the code is fairly simple in that with a free app you point the camera at the code, line it up and boom it takes you to the route schedule.  I actually think you are underrating most of the transit passengers and their understanding of technology. 

 

Its not the a solution for everyone obviously, but usually there is no silver bullet.  Don't let perfect get in the way of good.

^QR, or "quick response" Codes allow smart phones with the requisite app to be waved over the squiggly bar code and information (like the aforementioned map or timetable) and/or a video, will appear or run on the smart phone screen... It's a nice idea, but I agree w/ you, it's not a technology that's accessible to all people, esp. semi-technophobe, old (+40) foggies like me... Simple color-coded maps at key stops (Pub. Sq., Playhouse Sq., E. 4th or Rock Hall, to name a few), would make the most sense.  I know one of the lines lays over at the RTA building on W. 6th, and I've ridden it to Pub. Sq., to hop a Rapid, when I was too lazy to hoof it... But I couldn't tell you where that trolley came from, what line it was or where it was going (besides Public Sq.)... It was just there, I hopped it (with the requisite smile, of course) and got whisked to the Square, where I jumped off quickly at the stop just before West Roadway, lest I be carried off to never-never land...

 

... btw, I had the same experience as KJP, (running) catching the (I guess) B-Line; hoping to head up Euclid to CSU only to have the damn thing turn in front of the BP/Huntington building, to my wide-eyed angst.  Fortunately I quickly pulled the "call" chord and got off at East Roadway and Superior w/o too much damage being done... With a posted map and trolley destination sign, I would have saved the agony. 

Yes a smart(er) phone, an ipod (if its able to get a data connection), really anything with a camera and a data connection.  Also, you can get some of the older versions for fairly cheap, or free now that enough models have passed.  The biggest issue is going to be the data portion, but those can be managed.  Scanning the code is fairly simple in that with a free app you point the camera at the code, line it up and boom it takes you to the route schedule.  I actually think you are underrating most of the transit passengers and their understanding of technology. 

 

Its not the a solution for everyone obviously, but usually there is no silver bullet.  Don't let perfect get in the way of good.

 

My God, I'm turning into my parents! They once looked at me as if I was speaking Swahili when I explained to them what my Murata fax machine in 1990 could do, or my new 1mb computer with a 56K modem in 1995 could do! I just made the same face as they once did, and probably felt the same way as I did while reading your post. I haven't added an app to my phone since I bought it (er, traded in the old for the new) last summer. I won't pay for apps either, and I'm really not interested in using my phone for anything more than making phone calls, taking pictures and keeping from falling behind on work-related e-mails. So when someone says I can use my phone to scan something, that's just too bizarre for me to even contemplate.

 

And I'm 44 years old. How many transit riders older than me do you think would take to using their phones to scan something? And if you force technology on people who aren't ready for it or don't want it, expect an angry response.

Yes a smart(er) phone, an ipod (if its able to get a data connection), really anything with a camera and a data connection.  Also, you can get some of the older versions for fairly cheap, or free now that enough models have passed.  The biggest issue is going to be the data portion, but those can be managed.  Scanning the code is fairly simple in that with a free app you point the camera at the code, line it up and boom it takes you to the route schedule.  I actually think you are underrating most of the transit passengers and their understanding of technology. 

 

Its not the a solution for everyone obviously, but usually there is no silver bullet.  Don't let perfect get in the way of good.

 

My God, I'm turning into my parents! They once looked at me as if I was speaking Swahili when I explained to them what my Murata fax machine in 1990 could do, or my new 1mb computer with a 56K modem in 1995 could do! I just made the same face as they once did, and probably felt the same way as I did while reading your post. I haven't added an app to my phone since I bought it (er, traded in the old for the new) last summer. I won't pay for apps either, and I'm really not interested in using my phone for anything more than making phone calls, taking pictures and keeping from falling behind on work-related e-mails. So when someone says I can use my phone to scan something, that's just too bizarre for me to even contemplate.

 

And I'm 44 years old. How many transit riders older than me do you think would take to using their phones to scan something? And if you force technology on people who aren't ready for it or don't want it, expect an angry response.

 

Hee hee...Ah yes, that Murata fax machine...we were really cutting edge back then. I remember us faxing back and forth. Ah, memories...

The signs for the trolleys are currently color coded.  Green for the E-Line, red for the B-line.  They are also colored as such on RTA's downtown map.  However the signs seem to be located pretty high on whatever pole they are attached to.  Ideally they would be more closer to 6-7 feet off the ground so they could easily be seen while walking. 

 

I never noticed they're color-coded -- I had to go down to the street to see for myself! Yep, you're right! But I don't see what color on the buses they correspond with. By looking at the bus, what is its color coding?

 

Yeah that is the issue there is no color coding on the bus.  I think Baltimore has a similar system of buses that run around, and those buses do match the coloring.  Seems like there could be a few options for making the colors line up with the buses.

If I recall correctly (which is doubtful) when RTA started the trolleys, they looked into color coding them, but decided against it because it prevented them from having a bus switch back and forth between routes to cover breaks, lunches, breakdowns, etc. Having trolleys dedicated to a single route would be more expensive and reduce their flexibility. Besides, if they had Red trolleys for the B line, and Blue for the E line, would they need to get all new ones to run some sort of hybrid line on the weekends like they've proposed?

 

Now with that being said, they could probably do a better job communicating which line they are. For example, the B line sign could flip back and forth between "B Line" and "Public Square to E 12" instead of whatever if flips to currently.

 

As far as QR codes, they're not as helpful as a map for those elderly folks like KJP, ( :-P ) but because they wouldn't have to be updated as often if a schedule changes, they could be really useful for RTA, and I'm thinking RTA could use them at a lot more than just trolley stops. Would it be terribly expensive to put them at every RTA shelter system wide? There have been lots of times I was sitting at a shelter somewhere waiting for a bus but didn't have a schedule on me for it (or had a schedule but didn't know it was out of date till I'd been sitting there for 15 minutes) and it would be great to be able to quickly look up when the next bus is coming. Sure I could go to RTA's website, but it's not exactly the most mobile friendly site around.

Yes a smart(er) phone, an ipod (if its able to get a data connection), really anything with a camera and a data connection.  Also, you can get some of the older versions for fairly cheap, or free now that enough models have passed.  The biggest issue is going to be the data portion, but those can be managed.  Scanning the code is fairly simple in that with a free app you point the camera at the code, line it up and boom it takes you to the route schedule.  I actually think you are underrating most of the transit passengers and their understanding of technology. 

 

Its not the a solution for everyone obviously, but usually there is no silver bullet.  Don't let perfect get in the way of good.

 

My God, I'm turning into my parents! They once looked at me as if I was speaking Swahili when I explained to them what my Murata fax machine in 1990 could do, or my new 1mb computer with a 56K modem in 1995 could do! I just made the same face as they once did, and probably felt the same way as I did while reading your post. I haven't added an app to my phone since I bought it (er, traded in the old for the new) last summer. I won't pay for apps either, and I'm really not interested in using my phone for anything more than making phone calls, taking pictures and keeping from falling behind on work-related e-mails. So when someone says I can use my phone to scan something, that's just too bizarre for me to even contemplate.

 

And I'm 44 years old. How many transit riders older than me do you think would take to using their phones to scan something? And if you force technology on people who aren't ready for it or don't want it, expect an angry response.

 

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/cleveland-revs-up-for-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-festivities-20120406

 

RTA and Cleveland make it into Rolling Stones.

http://www.riderta.com/newsroom/releases/?listingid=1720

 

Press release with Rock Week preview

Hee hee...Ah yes, that Murata fax machine...we were really cutting edge back then. I remember us faxing back and forth. Ah, memories...

 

I think I still have some of those funny pictures we faxed back and forth, which were preceded with a call that started with something like "Hey, turn on your fax machine. I've got a great picture for you. Call me back after you get it."

 

 

 

 

Memo to MTS: You will always be older than I.

 

 

 

Until today, I had never heard of the term "QR code" before.

 

As for color-coding the trolleys, they don't need a paint job. All they would need is to use their destination signs to display text in the color of the route they are, so even when they are flashing their ads so we can keep riding for free, they could do so in the color of the route and let us know at first glace where they're going.

Yes a smart(er) phone, an ipod (if its able to get a data connection), really anything with a camera and a data connection.  Also, you can get some of the older versions for fairly cheap, or free now that enough models have passed.  The biggest issue is going to be the data portion, but those can be managed.  Scanning the code is fairly simple in that with a free app you point the camera at the code, line it up and boom it takes you to the route schedule.  I actually think you are underrating most of the transit passengers and their understanding of technology. 

 

Its not the a solution for everyone obviously, but usually there is no silver bullet.  Don't let perfect get in the way of good.

 

My God, I'm turning into my parents! They once looked at me as if I was speaking Swahili when I explained to them what my Murata fax machine in 1990 could do, or my new 1mb computer with a 56K modem in 1995 could do! I just made the same face as they once did, and probably felt the same way as I did while reading your post. I haven't added an app to my phone since I bought it (er, traded in the old for the new) last summer. I won't pay for apps either, and I'm really not interested in using my phone for anything more than making phone calls, taking pictures and keeping from falling behind on work-related e-mails. So when someone says I can use my phone to scan something, that's just too bizarre for me to even contemplate.

 

And I'm 44 years old. How many transit riders older than me do you think would take to using their phones to scan something? And if you force technology on people who aren't ready for it or don't want it, expect an angry response.

 

I honestly think you would be greatly surprised at what people, even those over the hill (hahaha), will and do do with their phones.  Yes there are some that will keep a simple "dumb" phone, or not use all the features of a smart phone (KJP), but having the option available to those that want to use it would be great.  The more important part for RTA is that there is not much upkeep than making sure that the pathway for the QR code is current.  This should be simple programming that an intern could do. 

 

Also, this is in no way to try and replace the hard copy maps.  And I do think, as others have made this point, that in larger tourist/congregation areas (TC, Rock Hall, CSU) a physical map would make sense.  But for stops inbetween I think the simple QR code would add a lot.  Additionally it is something that could add a significant amount of value if deployed system wide, at least at shelters not every pole.

 

 

Until today, I had never heard of the term "QR code" before.

 

As for color-coding the trolleys, they don't need a paint job. All they would need is to use their destination signs to display text in the color of the route they are, so even when they are flashing their ads so we can keep riding for free, they could do so in the color of the route and let us know at first glace where they're going.

 

I'm not sure their signage can do colors.  I thought it was monotone.  Maybe the lines need to be renamed in a way that makes more sense with their locations. 

Sure I could go to RTA's website, but it's not exactly the most mobile friendly site around.

 

Keith, have you tried http://m.riderta.com/, the mobile-optimized site? It's a bit more user-friendly to mobile phones, and distilled down to only the information an active rider would need (schedules, fares, alerts).

^^Actually, when I mentioned color coding, I only meant on maps... I'd be disappointed if RTA changed the dark green color of the trolleys, which is totally cool in my book.

I'm 43 and the app to scan QR codes was one of the first (and free, KJP) apps I downloaded when I got my smartphone last year (I have a Droid). I have used it to scan tons of stuff - whenever there is a code I see walking along, I might scan it - there's one on Euclid for the Positively Cleveland center. It's on product wrappers now, it's in brochures, you can even scan a QR symbol on a website on your computer monitor. I use them all the time. Many restaurant week participants handed out little cards with info on how to enter a survey online for a GC, and the simple way to pull it up (which I did) was to scan the code on the card.

 

I would further point out that I still have a RECORD PLAYER at home, hooked up and working and regularly listen to CDs. I only got rid of our VCR last year. While I am somewhat of an old fogey, I really don't think QR scan boxes are some lightning new technology that a lot of people won't understand. I gently suggest you are a little behind the curve on this one, KJP.

 

I myself hopped on the trolley last week hoping for a quick trip down to the warehouse district but when it turned E on Euclid, I realized it was the wrong one and I got off at the next stop. So this happens to a lot of people. And since it seems like inevitably when I am out for lunch someone from out of town asks me how to get somewhere, it would be helpful to be able to point that out or at least scan it myself and show someone the route.

I meant Superior in my 3rd paragraph. For some reason, my browser at work won't let me edit the post.

I gently suggest you are a little behind the curve on this one, KJP.

 

And proud of it!

 

Would it surprise you I still have Beta VCR?! Actually, it's connected to a DVR so I can transfer my 1980s tapes (personal and prerecorded) to DVD whenever I have some time and motivation.

 

BTW, the saddest day in history wasn't Dec. 7, 1941 or Sept. 11, 2001. It was Jan. 1, 1990 -- the day the 80s ended. ;)

I'm still back in the 70s in my mind, listening to my 8-tracks and driving my kid around in a station wagon full of fumes, but alas reality is far less interesting.

I'm still back in the 70s in my mind, listening to my 8-tracks and driving my kid around in a station wagon full of fumes, but alas reality is far less interesting.

 

I gently suggest you are a little behind the curve on this one, KJP.

 

And proud of it!

 

Would it surprise you I still have Beta VCR?! Actually, it's connected to a DVR so I can transfer my 1980s tapes (personal and prerecorded) to DVD whenever I have some time and motivation.

 

BTW, the saddest day in history wasn't Dec. 7, 1941 or Sept. 11, 2001. It was Jan. 1, 1990 -- the day the 80s ended. ;)

 

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawd!  The both of you are a hot mess.

I'm still back in the 70s in my mind, listening to my 8-tracks and driving my kid around in a station wagon full of fumes, but alas reality is far less interesting.

 

Don't worry, I had my brother transfer my Magic Kingdom LP to CD for my Christmas present this year after which I annoyed the crap out of my husband repeatedly for about a week with the Main Street Electrical Parade music.

 

And back on topic, I've been meaning to post to Jerry for a while that RTA should periodically check that the credit card slots in the fare machines haven't gotten stuff jammed into them.  The last time I was at the airport, the one fare machine that was working would barely take my credit card - had to give it quite a bit of elbow grease to make it work.  I almost had to..... GASP.....  Use cash.

I'm still back in the 70s in my mind, listening to my 8-tracks and driving my kid around in a station wagon full of fumes, but alas reality is far less interesting.

And back on topic, I've been meaning to post to Jerry for a while that RTA should periodically check that the credit card slots in the fare machines haven't gotten stuff jammed into them.  The last time I was at the airport, the one fare machine that was working would barely take my credit card - had to give it quite a bit of elbow grease to make it work.  I almost had to..... GASP.....  Use cash.

 

We are aware of this. Vandalism has been an issue. We have "roving" repairmen who go to machines as soon as they are reported. It is difficult to keep up with all the sick people in this society who have no brains and nothing better to do than interfere with good people trying to use public transit.

Jerry -- what about a new sticker for the machines, something along the lines of "Smile, you're on candid camera!"

^^first time I've ever seen that happen.. Lady on Public Square couldn't buy a Healthline ticket because one machine was out of order and the other wouldn't accept cash. My rapid was also egged today, altogether an interesting day!  Which brings to question, do the rapids/stations have cameras to find people who do these stupid things? (we got egged at E. 55 station around 1pm)

Could've been worse. I was on the Healthline from UC to downtown at 9 p.m. Monday and a lady with a stroller left her purse on the bus. The driver was notified by a passenger. The driver retrieved the purse and kept it up front on the dashboard, presumably to turn over to lost-n-found. At East 30th station, in front the Board of Elections, a passenger grabbed the purse as he got off. He ran off with the purse, heading east. The bus had to be idled there until RTA police  arrived (took about 10 minutes) to retrieve the bus security video and take a report. We passengers got off and waited curbside for the next HealthLine bus. Many passengers complained this jackass delayed their arrival at work while other passengers farther down the line (especially many CSU students) wondered why there was a 30-minute gap between buses on a chilly, windy night.

^Was it MTS?

^Was it MTS?

No, he steals purses on the Rapid.

^Was it MTS?

No, he steals purses on the Rapid.

 

Child boo!  Was the bag, Hermes, Prada or YSL?  I not I wouldn't wipe my boots on, let alone steal it!

 

 

In addition, why would I steal purses on your turf??

 

 

Clvlndr, I know lots of people and I said I wouldn't post this picture of you, but you've forced my hand!

I'm still back in the 70s in my mind, listening to my 8-tracks and driving my kid around in a station wagon full of fumes, but alas reality is far less interesting.

And back on topic, I've been meaning to post to Jerry for a while that RTA should periodically check that the credit card slots in the fare machines haven't gotten stuff jammed into them.  The last time I was at the airport, the one fare machine that was working would barely take my credit card - had to give it quite a bit of elbow grease to make it work.  I almost had to..... GASP.....  Use cash.

 

We are aware of this. Vandalism has been an issue. We have "roving" repairmen who go to machines as soon as they are reported. It is difficult to keep up with all the sick people in this society who have no brains and nothing better to do than interfere with good people trying to use public transit.

 

Not defending it, not saying it isn't vandalism... but are you sure the offenders have "nothing better to do than interfere" or were they perhaps transit riders who became terminally frustrated with the machines?  While we're on the subject, weren't these machines supposed to be fixed by the vendor at some point in the last few years?  Despite earlier assurances, I've seen absolutely no improvement since they were first installed... not even to the display lighting, which was so poorly done it looks unprofessional.

^ Reply to 327. Granted, some customers may become frustrated. I have been frustrated by many vendors during the last 59 years. However, that does not excuse  criminal act. It's still vandalism, no matter what your reason.

 

As foir your other question, RTA is in on-going negotiations with the vendor. We are keenly disappointed that the changes have not yet been made.

Thank you for the quick reply!

 

This should be well past the stage of negotiation and disappointment by now.  This is a multi-million dollar screwup that impairs the functionality and marketability of our transit system across the board.  The notion that we're still kindly begging them to provide an acceptable product after this much time is ludicrous.  I fear that RTA may have hampered its position by "making due" with these obviously defective machines for so long.  They should have been rejected and sent back to the vendor in as soon as the problems were discovered, i.e. as soon as they were first plugged in and tested.  Then again, these seem like design flaws that should have been obvious long before the vendor was even selected. 

Jerry, when you guys ordered the machines in the first place, were you, meaning RTA, surprised by their being .... of such quality? Did the vendor change the order on some level, or was RTA aware of their quality/difficulty to use prior to ordering?

 

In other words, did RTA get what it paid for or are there other issues here we're not privy to.

Very funny!!! The photo of the driver dressed as Gene Simmons is a bit freaky!

 

RTA trolley drivers assume rock legends' identities to mark Rock Hall's induction week

By JOEL HAMMOND

10:35 am, April 11, 2012

 

If you get on a downtown Cleveland trolley and your driver looks a little funky, don't worry.

 

Eight Greater Cleveland RTA drivers volunteered to dress up like rock stars this week in preparation for this weekend's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions at Public Hall, “in order to help all of Cleveland get ready for the inductions,” RTA said.

 

Aside from KISS' Gene Simmons, who was spotted on Wednesday morning, riders also will encounter Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley and Tina Turner, among others.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20120411/FREE/120419959

i appreciate the festiveness of this, but i would hate it if i were a driver

Correct link:  http://www.crainscleveland.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120411/FREE/120419959

 

i appreciate the festiveness of this, but i would hate it if i were a driver

 

I think its cool and shows how all of the city can unite for big events.  My only question is why rapid drivers at key stations were not involved with this ESPECIALLY at the airport!

 

Thanks for the correction.

That actually was Gene Simmons. He was promoting the newest in KISS Transit merchandise. That guy never misses a chance to make a buck.

That actually was Gene Simmons. He was promoting the newest in KISS Transit merchandise. That guy never misses a chance to make a buck.

I dont blame him, you can't knock his hustle!

Lights are finally back!!!!!!!!

Just in time for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies!

Didnt the lights used to go down to the base?

Two things....

 

1. Re: fare machines. Negotiations are between RTA and the vendor. We share all the disappointment that has been aired here and elsewhere.

 

2. Eight trolley operators dressed like rock stars from Monday-Friday. It was all over the TV stations, with major stories on TV-5, and shorter stories on TV-3 and TV-19. There is also a press release posted on our Web site.

 

The Rock Hall is free tomorrow, and the Waterfront Line runs until midnight. Enjoy the weekend.

Two things....

 

1. Re: fare machines. Negotiations are between RTA and the vendor. We share all the disappointment that has been aired here and elsewhere.

 

2. Eight trolley operators dressed like rock stars from Monday-Friday. It was all over the TV stations, with major stories on TV-5, and shorter stories on TV-3 and TV-19. There is also a press release posted on our Web site.

 

The Rock Hall is free tomorrow, and the Waterfront Line runs until midnight. Enjoy the weekend.

 

So what is the status. 

 

[*]Fare Machines:  Disappointment is putting it Mildy.  Why so long?  Isn't there some provisions in our contract?

[*]Rock-n-Roll Festivities:  Why wasn't this rolled out at train stations especially the airport?  A space that had direct tie-ins?  The airport, Windermere, University Circle, W117, Ohio City and Tower City should have had key people dressed up.  This was the perfect opportunity to introduce those to our system and to show others what an asset the rail system is.

Hmmm, Gene Simmons a Rock legend? When will Kiss get into the RRHOF?

Hmmm, Gene Simmons a Rock legend? When will Kiss get into the RRHOF?

 

When they sound more like Madonna, apparently.

Lights are finally back!!!!!!!!

 

WOW that was a loooong time...but a nice surprise to see them back!

^Was it MTS?

No, he steals purses on the Rapid.

 

Child boo!  Was the bag, Hermes, Prada or YSL?  I not I wouldn't wipe my boots on, let alone steal it!

 

 

In addition, why would I steal purses on your turf??

 

 

Clvlndr, I know lots of people and I said I wouldn't post this picture of you, but you've forced my hand!

 

Ahhhhh!  :-D  :evil: :yap:

Two things....

 

1. Re: fare machines. Negotiations are between RTA and the vendor. We share all the disappointment that has been aired here and elsewhere.

 

2. Eight trolley operators dressed like rock stars from Monday-Friday. It was all over the TV stations, with major stories on TV-5, and shorter stories on TV-3 and TV-19. There is also a press release posted on our Web site.

 

The Rock Hall is free tomorrow, and the Waterfront Line runs until midnight. Enjoy the weekend.

 

So what is the status. 

 

[*]Fare Machines:  Disappointment is putting it Mildy.  Why so long?  Isn't there some provisions in our contract?

[*]Rock-n-Roll Festivities:  Why wasn't this rolled out at train stations especially the airport?  A space that had direct tie-ins?  The airport, Windermere, University Circle, W117, Ohio City and Tower City should have had key people dressed up.  This was the perfect opportunity to introduce those to our system and to show others what an asset the rail system is.

 

We had a great time heading downtown and (me taking a friend who'd never) touring the R&RHOF which, of course, Sat was free -- and packed; with many people taking the Waterfront Line over... We coped (weren't in a hurry), but RTA somewhat fumbled the ball... They said on the website that they were running trains till midnight, but failed to specify what the schedule was:  same as usual (every 1/2 hour), which really sucks imho for a 2.2 mile wrap around line where you could walk there in less than 30 mins time... Secondly, nobody at Tower City had the answer -- 3rd there was nobody at the Info Center; really strange for a day when the City, otherwise, had it's Red Carpet out to the nation (and got tons of favorable news attention for the Induction)... RTA personnel had no clue of the extended WFL schedule or how frequently they were running... Really sloppy and inexcusable... Really, how many of these major flubs have to happen before people (not UOers) stop apologizing for RTA?  You just get the sense RTA doesn't care, which may or may not be fair; but you can't change people's impressions.

... Again, I must ask the Question; why do so many RTA cops congregate at Tower City station ... often socializing, but sometimes trying to help people pay their fares?  ... RTA has regular personnel for this so why are cops doing this?  Aren't they supposed to be riding the Red Line/Health Line checking POP fares and (equally, if not more importantly), keeping normally unmanned stations safe?  I don't know the stats, but I would guess that Tower City is probably among the safest Rapid station in the system -- obviously, it's by far the busiest... Also, because it's the only station with electronically controlled faregates, the (watched by regular RTA personnel on a computer screen at the 2 TC stations), the chances for fare scofflaws at TC seems very rare and unlikely; seems like a misappropriation of resources.

MyTwoSense had two questions:

 

Q1. Fare Machines:  Disappointment is putting it mildy.  Why so long?  Aren't there some provisions in our contract?

A1: In a contract for a project of this size, there are many provisions. I am not a lawyer, and have not been involved in the negotiations. There's not much more that I can say. We appreciate your support. We are doing everything possible to move things along.

 

Q2. Rock-n-Roll Festivities:  Why wasn't this rolled out at train stations especially the airport?  A space that had direct tie-ins?  The airport, Windermere, University Circle, W117, Ohio City and Tower City should have had key people dressed up.  This was the perfect opportunity to introduce those to our system and to show others what an asset the rail system is.

A2: You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but from where we (RTA) sit, this was one of our more successful promotions in recent years. The media coverage was huge, and the reaction of our riders was wonderful. The Rock Hall is downtown, many of the affected hotels are downtown, and most of the out-of-town visitors came to see the Rock Hall. From our point of view, downtown was the perfect place for this promotion, and trolleys are uniquely downtown. RTA has no staff at the Airport. If you think the Airport staff should have dressed up, send them a note. These operators volunteered to go this -- and that's the way it should be. You can't order someone to dress up -- the man who played KISS spent 45 minutes to get into his garb. The induction comes around again in 3 more years, and I'm sure we will do something unique.

 

... Again, I must ask the Question; why do so many RTA cops congregate at Tower City station ... often socializing, but sometimes trying to help people pay their fares?  ... RTA has regular personnel for this so why are cops doing this?  Aren't they supposed to be riding the Red Line/Health Line checking POP fares and (equally, if not more importantly), keeping normally unmanned stations safe?  I don't know the stats, but I would guess that Tower City is probably among the safest Rapid station in the system -- obviously, it's by far the busiest... Also, because it's the only station with electronically controlled faregates, the (watched by regular RTA personnel on a computer screen at the 2 TC stations), the chances for fare scofflaws at TC seems very rare and unlikely; seems like a misappropriation of resources.

 

You are correct. Tower City is the busiest station, and yes, there are many Transit Police there. Police resources are allocated where they are needed. I am in Tower City at least twice a day. I have seen many officers detain or arrest people there, and I have often reported things to Transit Police. Having a strong presence there helps prevent crime. Thanks for the comment.

This is a very innovative contract for the public sector...

 

4/18/2012 10:00:00 AM

GCRTA contract with ATU ties wage hikes to agency performance



 

On Monday, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) board approved a contract agreement with the agency’s largest union, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 268.

 

Union members voted on April 3 to accept the contract, GCRTA officials said in a prepared statement. ATU members have been working under the terms of the current contract since it expired in August 2009.

 

Under the new agreement, eligible ATU members will receive a 3 percent wage increase, consistent with the increase in GCRTA revenue between 2010 and 2011, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2012.

 

In February 2013, ATU members could receive a wage increase of up to 3 percent based on GCRTA’s realized revenue increase between 2012 and 2013; in February 2014, workers could receive a wage increase of up to 3 percent based on the agency’s realized increase in revenue between 2012 and 2013. No wage increases will be awarded if revenue does not increase.

 

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