arent all rapid stations non smoking? maybe they should get these cops at all stations to actually enforce this law. i get tired of being at a station and having someone light up right next to me when theres a sign that specifically states NO SMOKING. go far the hell away from me and smoke, i'm not trying to get second hand smoke from your cancer sticks.

 

Yes, all rapid stations, and in fact all RTA properties, are completely smoke-free -- I'm sorry you had to experience that. Feel free, if you are so inclined, to point this out to anyone who does light up. Most, if not all, shelters display "No Smoking" signs, as do all stations. This ban includes outdoor spaces, like platforms and ramps, as well as all indoor spaces.

 

I actually had a person on the Tower City platform once ask, after I requested he put out his cigarette, if I was a cop (my appearance and demeanor often lead people to ask this). When I responded that I wasn't, but that I was an employee, he complied, and then said aloud that he thought at first that I was, "justy some guy". My only reaction, which I didn't voice to him, was -- IT DOESN'T MATTER. ANYONE can be in a position to request compliance with the law.

:wtf:

With through running of the Blue and Green line trains to the WFL, would that do anything for the congestion of Red,Blue, and Green line trains using the same trackage?

 

If anything, it should improve traffic flow. But I doubt it would make a huge difference.

Last week, I went to the Cedar Lee theater for a movie.  I had to go to Shaker Square earlier so I decided to take the Shaker line to Lee and walk up Lee since it was  a nice day. After the movie, I took the Cedar bus to the University Circle Rapid station then after a five minute wait, I caught the rapid and went back to the W. 117th and Madison Rapid station near where I live. I couldn't believe how fast RTA got me home. It was a five minute wait for the Cedar bus and only about a ten minute ride on the bus. The rapid was about a 22 minute ride. Instead of dealing with traffic, I could read and relax on the RTA.  I did have a bunch of schedules with me and had planned my route going back based on the time the movie got out. I had an alternative route planned in case I needed it. (Lee bus to the blue or green, then downtown and transfer to the red line west.

Last week, I went to the Cedar Lee theater for a movie.  I had to go to Shaker Square earlier so I decided to take the Shaker line to Lee and walk up Lee since it was  a nice day. After the movie, I took the Cedar bus to the University Circle Rapid station then after a five minute wait, I caught the rapid and went back to the W. 117th and Madison Rapid station near where I live. I couldn't believe how fast RTA got me home. It was a five minute wait for the Cedar bus and only about a ten minute ride on the bus. The rapid was about a 22 minute ride. Instead of dealing with traffic, I could read and relax on the RTA.  I did have a bunch of schedules with me and had planned my route going back based on the time the movie got out. I had an alternative route planned in case I needed it. (Lee bus to the blue or green, then downtown and transfer to the red line west.

 

You just proved that Cleveland has a very good transit network... but it's always good to map out your route and have back-up plans (and schedules), as you did.

Is RTA or the city of Shaker Heights responsible for maintaining the Shaker and Green rapid station?  I feel since Shaker is the one that writes tickets and makes money off overnight parkers it should be their responsibility. I've been wondering because there has been glass scattered in one of the parking spots for about 6 weeks now and I imagine the Shaker police have passed it numerous timesaver done nothing. The stairwell on the north side also hasn't been lit for just as long.

 

RTA owns the property, builds and maintains the stations and provides the service. The police presence is cooperative.

 

I'll report this one now. Thanks.

Does anyone know if RTA will be announcing plans to overhaul or at least renovate the Red Line trains like they did to the Blue/Green line? The trains imo are past their shelf life and pushing 30 years old, I feel that the Red Line could use some new and innovative styled trains. This is necessary in my opinion because of all this new life being put into the East Side along with these new Rapid stations it would be nice to have new trains to go with it.

 

RTA announced a mid-life overhaul of the Red Line cars several years ago. It is being done internally. The exteriors are done on all but eight cars, and the interiors will be upgraded later on all cars. It's a multi-year project. The overhaul is designed to extend the life of the cars.

^ Any renderings of the interior?

^ None that I have seen. We are still concentrating on the exteriors.

RTA's ridership stats for April.

 

* Systemwide: Up 2.5 percent in April, 7 percent year-to-date. RTA has had 13 straight months of ridership growth. Average weekday ridership rose 3.5 percent, or 6,000 rides.

 

* Total Bus: Up 1.6 percent in April, up 6.2 percent YTD.

 

* HealthLine: Down 1.4 percent in April, up 2.6 percent YTD.

 

* Total Rail: Up 5.8 percent in April, up 10.2 percent YTD.

 

* Heavy Rail: Up 6.4 percent in April, up 10.8 percent YTD. This is the sixth straight month that ridership has been at its highest since 1988.

 

* Light Rail: Up 4.6 percent in April, up 9.1 percent YTD. Best April since 2008.

 

* Trolleys: Up 6.1 percent in April, average daily ridership rose to 4,439.

 

* Rack-N-Roll: 3,451, up 41 percent over 2011

 

Thanks Jerry. Can you clarify the Heavy Rail number? You posted "6.4.8 percent"

Clvndr, yes I did plan ahead on my trip. I think it's really important to plan the trip back before venturing out, too. I've often thought that we need classes or one on one instruction for using transit like we do for driving. No one would just expect a teenager to get in a car and drive without someone with them giving them tips. How cool would it be to have transit mentors. So many times people tell me that they don't take RTA because it's not reliable. They forget all the trips to the mechanic for their car and sometimes they go out and wait for a bus without looking at a schedule.

Thanks Jerry. Can you clarify the Heavy Rail number? You posted "6.4.8 percent"

 

It's correct now -- 6 point 4 percent.

Thanks.

 

EDIT: What's even more interesting is that this performance is occurring before the downtown casino opened this week to long lines all day/night and with lacklaster Cleveland Indians attendance so far.

Interesting article on a study that finds a natural evolution of subway systems.  This could be useful to someone at RTA for planning future rail systems.  As well as being pretty interesting in its own right.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18072627

 

 

Clvndr, yes I did plan ahead on my trip. I think it's really important to plan the trip back before venturing out, too. I've often thought that we need classes or one on one instruction for using transit like we do for driving. No one would just expect a teenager to get in a car and drive without someone with them giving them tips. How cool would it be to have transit mentors. So many times people tell me that they don't take RTA because it's not reliable. They forget all the trips to the mechanic for their car and sometimes they go out and wait for a bus without looking at a schedule.

 

RTA did something like this for Medical Mutual this past year.  They came in for a day and educated employees on how to use transit, set up routes for them to take, and offered free 5-day passes so people could try it out.  I don't know if they did this for any other downtown employers.

^ That's an awesome program. Educated them and let them try it out for awhile for free. Even I'd you only get a few of them to switch over permanently it's still worth it.

Clvndr, yes I did plan ahead on my trip. I think it's really important to plan the trip back before venturing out, too. I've often thought that we need classes or one on one instruction for using transit like we do for driving. No one would just expect a teenager to get in a car and drive without someone with them giving them tips. How cool would it be to have transit mentors. So many times people tell me that they don't take RTA because it's not reliable. They forget all the trips to the mechanic for their car and sometimes they go out and wait for a bus without looking at a schedule.

 

RTA did something like this for Medical Mutual this past year.  They came in for a day and educated employees on how to use transit, set up routes for them to take, and offered free 5-day passes so people could try it out.  I don't know if they did this for any other downtown employers.

From friends I've heard they did something similar at Sherwin Williams.

Those trains need to be replace they are literally 27 years old and the red line route needs to be fixed as well with the Graffiti getting cleaned.

McLovin, what's your beef with the red line trains? 

I think they're in fine shape and much more attractive than the blue and green line trains.

Those trains need to be replace they are literally 27 years old and the red line route needs to be fixed as well with the Graffiti getting cleaned.

 

The Blue/Green line trains are 32 years old.

 

I don't disagree about the graffiti but it's in every city, especially throughout Europe along the rail lines. Cleveland just passed a tougher anti-graffiti law....

 

http://www.cleveland.com/sunpostherald/index.ssf/2012/05/cleveland_city_council_toughen.html

The graffiti "along" the rail lines isn't the main problem. Actually, some of it is very cool. The real eyesore along the Red Line are the dumped tires, shopping carts, rusted fencing and tons of trash along the corridor. Really, if I was taking visitors into downtown I would avoid the Rapid for this reason.

 

Those trains need to be replace they are literally 27 years old and the red line route needs to be fixed as well with the Graffiti getting cleaned.

 

The Blue/Green line trains are 32 years old.

 

I don't disagree about the graffiti but it's in every city, especially throughout Europe along the rail lines. Cleveland just passed a tougher anti-graffiti law....

 

http://www.cleveland.com/sunpostherald/index.ssf/2012/05/cleveland_city_council_toughen.html

Those trains need to be replace they are literally 27 years old and the red line route needs to be fixed as well with the Graffiti getting cleaned.

 

The Blue/Green line trains are 32 years old.

 

I don't disagree about the graffiti but it's in every city, especially throughout Europe along the rail lines. Cleveland just passed a tougher anti-graffiti law....

 

http://www.cleveland.com/sunpostherald/index.ssf/2012/05/cleveland_city_council_toughen.html

I was talking about the Red Line but they should at least be refurbished like the Blue/Green Line was it's a much more pleasant ride visually.Your right about graffiti but it's also so much trash down there that it's disgusting at times. I attended a presentation by Cleveland Urban Designers though (that's my dream) but they were proposing ideas to beautify but naturalize the Red Line area at the same time. So what they proposed was get rid of the "non art" graffiti and replace it with natural graffiti and bird houses. The natural graffiti idea was kinda cool because that would do something to the walls along the red line trip and moss would grow in the shapes of the skyline, people, etc. It was pretty unique. The ideas by the way were created by the students of Kent's CUDC students in downtown Cleveland in case people were curious.

There are thousands of tires. It's pathetic

McLovin, what's your beef with the red line trains? 

I think they're in fine shape and much more attractive than the blue and green line trains.

Outside the red line trains are more appealing than the blue/green line but I just wish that they would refurbish the interior like they did the blue/green lines and bring it into the 21st century is all if they do that it would be nicer visually. I just feel like it's time to update them and staying the same since 1985 is unacceptable. I like how the red line looks like subway trains it gives it a true urban feel and look but the interior is just to old. If they just replace the seats, change the lighting and aisles, fix the doors (sometimes only one opens), also fix the navigation (the computer over the loud speaker always yells out the wrong next stop), and also TRY to make the screen that shows the destination on the outside and inside electronic instead of manual that would be great (the manual destination screens sometimes aren't even shown because they have been removed or something else) I'm not saying get an entirely new group of trains like Chicago but a 21st Century renovation would be great.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/CTA-Springs-for-New-Trains-84131767.html

^ That's an awesome program. Educated them and let them try it out for awhile for free. Even I'd you only get a few of them to switch over permanently it's still worth it.

 

Go to http://www.riderta.com/commuteradvantage/

 

Commuter Advantage program

 

629 employers participated in 2011

13,029 commuters

$7,500 estimated savings per commuter

$13 million annualized revenue

 

Ready to Ride is a program designed by RTA to increase participation in Commuter Advantage.

 

Let's not confuse the issues of trash, graffiti and rail cars.

 

TRASH: The RTA right-of-way roughly extends the width of the overhead poles. Yes, there are thousands of illegally dumped tires on the private property next to RTA. Because we carry the passengers, people assume the property is ours. It is not. We have already had long debates over this earlier on the thread. Please do not start it again. My time is short, and I will not respond to comments I have covered earlier.

 

GRAFFITI: RTA cracks down on these "artists" when they are found. Cleaning graffiti is time-consuming and expensive, and if you wait a week, it will magically re-appear. RTA aims its cleanup efforts at offensive artwork first.

 

RAIL CARS: Someone wrote, "I just wish they would clean up the interior of the Red Line trains." I addressed that in an earlier post. We are.

 

Thanks for your comments.

Let's not confuse the issues of trash, graffiti and rail cars.

 

TRASH: The RTA right-of-way roughly extends the width of the overhead poles. Yes, there are thousands of illegally dumped tires on the private property next to RTA. Because we carry the passengers, people assume the property is ours. It is not. We have already had long debates over this earlier on the thread. Please do not start it again. My time is short, and I will not respond to comments I have covered earlier.

 

GRAFFITI: RTA cracks down on these "artists" when they are found. Cleaning graffiti is time-consuming and expensive, and if you wait a week, it will magically re-appear. RTA aims its cleanup efforts at offensive artwork first.

 

RAIL CARS: Someone wrote, "I just wish they would clean up the interior of the Red Line trains." I addressed that in an earlier post. We are.

 

Thanks for your comments.

 

With all respect, the experience of using RTA should very much be on topic. The complexities of solving the problem are real, as you've kindly expressed earlier. But it is a problem associated with RTA whether it owns the property or not.

I was talking about the Red Line but they should at least be refurbished like the Blue/Green Line was it's a much more pleasant ride visually.

 

I understand. I was using the age of the Blue/Green line cars to show that the age of a railcar isn't so much the issue, but if/when it was updated, refurbished or completely rebuilt down to the carbody shells. But I see that you do recognize that the Red Line cars aren't necessarily in need of replacement. They are getting overhauled at a cost of $6,745,000 according to GCRTA's 2011-15 capital improvement plan....

 

The mid-life overhaul of the Authority’s Light Rail (LR) Vehicle fleet neared completion at the end of 2010 and the Heavy Rail (HR) Vehicle fleet mid-life overhaul remains underway, through at a slower completion rate than anticipated. Both projects were initiated to economically extend the useful life of the Authority’s rail vehicle fleets approximately 12 years beyond their normal expected operating life of 25 to 30 years. The cost of a new heavy or light rail vehicle is between $1.5 and $3.0 million, while a mid-life rehabilitation of the vehicle, costs much less.

 

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/budget/2011/6-CapitalImprovementPlan.pdf

 

Lots of good stuff in that document, BTW. Lots of rail projects (construction contract let dates assume the availability of funding by that time).....

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Substation Replacement - West 117th Street @ $151,000  due for 2015

Substation Replacement - West 65th Street @ $3,312,200  due for 2014

Sectionalize Tower City Catenary System @ $694,000  due for 2013-14

Substation Replacement - Fairhill Avenue @ $3,074,500 due for 2012

Second Independent Feed for E. 55th Street Substation @ $66,000 due for 2015

Substation Replacement - Puritas Avenue @ $3,859,600 due for 2015

 

TRACK REHABILITATION

Rail Infrastructure Program @ $7,858,105 due for 2011-15

Light Rail Retaining Wall - Buckeye/Woodhill to Shaker Square @ $1,800,400 due for 2013-14

S-Curve (west of West Bvld) Reconstruction on Heavy Rail Line @ $1,798,000 due for 2013

Airport Tunnel Rehabilitation @ $1,187,700 due for 2012 (will result in substitute bus service)

Light Rail Crossings Improvements @ $11,433,782 due for 2011-15

Replace Shaker Square Grade Crossing @ $2,415,000 due for 2012-13

 

RAIL STATION REHABILITATION

Mayfield Road HRV Station @ $12,367,000 due for 2012-14

University Circle Station Rehabilitation @ $16,802,000 due for 2011

Lee Road/Van Aken Blvd. LRV Station Rehabilitation @ $4,325,000 due for 2011

Light Rail Station Platform Reconstruction @ $1,249,710 due for 2012-15

Woodhill Road LRV Station Rehabilitation @ $322,723 due for 2011

Brookpark Road HRV Station Rehabilitation @ $13,401,100 due for 2015

Replace Tower City Escalators @ $1,624,000 due for 2014

East 116th Street LRV Station Rehabilitation @ $5,566,200 due for 2013-14

 

TRAIN CONTROL / SIGNAL SYSTEM

HRV Microprocessor Replacement - Engineering Study @ $338,125 due for 2013

Cab Signal System Replacement Program @ $2,880,750 due for 2013-15

Signal System Replacement - Red Line @ $1,000,000 due for 2013

 

RAIL EXPANSION

Blue Line Extension to Warrensville Intermodal Center @ $33,770,500 due for 2013-15

 

RAIL VEHICLE FLEET

State of Good Repair - LRV Fleet Reliability @ $2,731,000 due for 2014-15

Tokyu Car (HRV) Overhaul @ $6,745,000 due for 2011-12

 

TOTAL - RAIL PROJECTS (2011-15) = $140,773,395

 

Not considered part of rail are these rail projects......

 

FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS

BRIDGE REHABILITATION

 

Track Bridge Rehabilitation - East Boulevard @ $1,996,250 due for 2013

Track Bridges Rehabilitation - E. 81st & 83rd Streets @ $4,663,000 due for 2011/2014

Track Bridge Rehabilitation - CSX & East 92nd Street @ $3,378,000 due for 2015

Track Bridge Rehabilitation - Mayfield Road @ $2,180,100 due for 2014 (same time as new station construction)

 

System-Wide Facilities

Bus & Rail State of Good Repair @ $2,850,000 due for 2012-15

Central Rail Roof Replacements @ $2,267,900 due for 2012

 

EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES

Event Recorders - Rail @ $1,852,000 due for 2012-13

 

TOTAL "OTHER RAIL" CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS: $17,520,450

 

TOTAL ALL RAIL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS: $158,293,845

 

###

OBTW....

 

On page CIP-38 are these:

Brecksville Transit Center (for express buses to downtown and UC) @ $6,660,900 due for 2013-15

West Side Transit Center (for the Warehouse District) @ $12,524,400 due for 2013-15

Clifton Transit Enhancement Program @ $10,755,000 due for 2011-12

 

:)

Let's not confuse the issues of trash, graffiti and rail cars.

 

TRASH: The RTA right-of-way roughly extends the width of the overhead poles. Yes, there are thousands of illegally dumped tires on the private property next to RTA. Because we carry the passengers, people assume the property is ours. It is not. We have already had long debates over this earlier on the thread. Please do not start it again. My time is short, and I will not respond to comments I have covered earlier.

 

GRAFFITI: RTA cracks down on these "artists" when they are found. Cleaning graffiti is time-consuming and expensive, and if you wait a week, it will magically re-appear. RTA aims its cleanup efforts at offensive artwork first.

 

RAIL CARS: Someone wrote, "I just wish they would clean up the interior of the Red Line trains." I addressed that in an earlier post. We are.

 

Thanks for your comments.

 

With all respect, the experience of using RTA should very much be on topic. The complexities of solving the problem are real, as you've kindly expressed earlier. But it is a problem associated with RTA whether it owns the property or not.

 

FYI, I think Jerry was only stating RTA's position and pointing out that happens off RTA property is to a large extent outside of RTA's control.  These things are certainly on topic here and I'd guess RTA would be cooperative with any larger effort to clean up the property around the ROW, especially if independently funded.

^^ that's a ton of work... Also, what about the Red, Blue & Green Line eastern approach, Huron subway tunnels into Tower City built in 1929-30.  They are badly deteriorated, to the point where the structural steel imbedded in the concrete is partially exposed... Shouldn't this concrete be built up/sealed at some point? Doesn't look too safe.

^^ that's a ton of work... Also, what about the Red, Blue & Green Line eastern approach, Huron subway tunnels into Tower City built in 1929-30.  They are badly deteriorated, to the point where the structural steel imbedded in the concrete is partially exposed... Shouldn't this concrete be built up/sealed at some point? Doesn't look too safe.

 

There's some infrastructure/state of good repair money in there, too. And we don't yet know what the Casino Phase II infrastructure requirements will be on GCRTA at that location. The Phase II Casino may need those foundations to be strengthened, which GCRTA can argue it does not need to address right now. So the casino ends up paying for it. ;)

Let's not confuse the issues of trash, graffiti and rail cars.

 

TRASH: The RTA right-of-way roughly extends the width of the overhead poles. Yes, there are thousands of illegally dumped tires on the private property next to RTA. Because we carry the passengers, people assume the property is ours. It is not. We have already had long debates over this earlier on the thread. Please do not start it again. My time is short, and I will not respond to comments I have covered earlier.

 

GRAFFITI: RTA cracks down on these "artists" when they are found. Cleaning graffiti is time-consuming and expensive, and if you wait a week, it will magically re-appear. RTA aims its cleanup efforts at offensive artwork first.

 

RAIL CARS: Someone wrote, "I just wish they would clean up the interior of the Red Line trains." I addressed that in an earlier post. We are.

 

Thanks for your comments.

 

With all respect, the experience of using RTA should very much be on topic. The complexities of solving the problem are real, as you've kindly expressed earlier. But it is a problem associated with RTA whether it owns the property or not.

 

FYI, I think Jerry was only stating RTA's position and pointing out that happens off RTA property is to a large extent outside of RTA's control.  These things are certainly on topic here and I'd guess RTA would be cooperative with any larger effort to clean up the property around the ROW, especially if independently funded.

 

It's plausible that RTA is well positioned to wield political muscle to have the city enforce fines on the property owners.

 

I would be much more optimistic if Jerry responded that RTA was working with the city to have the trash issue addressed.

 

Again I want to reiterate that it's certainly not fair to blame RTA for this problem. If your neighbors property is in such bad condition that it affects the value and enjoyment of your own house (or place of business) it may take vigilance in getting the city to act. IMHO it's bad PR if it even remotely sounds like the position of RTA is a powerless "shrug of the shoulders" type response.

Much of that is along Norfolk Southern's right of way, which parallels the Red Line from the airport to West Boulevard, and another NS line parallels the Red Line from West Boulevard to Ohio City, and again from east of Tower City to East Cleveland. So if you want to complain about vandalism, tire dumping, etc. etc. get lots of people to use the contact information on this page......

 

http://www.protecttheline.com/

 

To best use this resource, it's probably best to limit the graffiti/vandalism complaints to when you actually see someone trespassing on/near the NS right of way. I'm sure the RTA train drivers can contact RTA police faster than you can to report trespassers on their own rights of way.

Much of that is along Norfolk Southern's right of way, which parallels the Red Line from the airport to West Boulevard, and another NS line parallels the Red Line from West Boulevard to Ohio City, and again from east of Tower City to East Cleveland. So if you want to complain about vandalism, tire dumping, etc. etc. get lots of people to use the contact information on this page......

 

http://www.protecttheline.com/

 

To best use this resource, it's probably best to limit the graffiti/vandalism complaints to when you actually see someone trespassing on/near the NS right of way. I'm sure the RTA train drivers can contact RTA police faster than you can to report trespassers on their own rights of way.

 

Thanks KJP.

I was talking about the Red Line but they should at least be refurbished like the Blue/Green Line was it's a much more pleasant ride visually.

 

I understand. I was using the age of the Blue/Green line cars to show that the age of a railcar isn't so much the issue, but if/when it was updated, refurbished or completely rebuilt down to the carbody shells. But I see that you do recognize that the Red Line cars aren't necessarily in need of replacement. They are getting overhauled at a cost of $6,745,000 according to GCRTA's 2011-15 capital improvement plan....

 

The mid-life overhaul of the Authority’s Light Rail (LR) Vehicle fleet neared completion at the end of 2010 and the Heavy Rail (HR) Vehicle fleet mid-life overhaul remains underway, through at a slower completion rate than anticipated. Both projects were initiated to economically extend the useful life of the Authority’s rail vehicle fleets approximately 12 years beyond their normal expected operating life of 25 to 30 years. The cost of a new heavy or light rail vehicle is between $1.5 and $3.0 million, while a mid-life rehabilitation of the vehicle, costs much less.

 

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/budget/2011/6-CapitalImprovementPlan.pdf

 

Lots of good stuff in that document, BTW. Lots of rail projects (construction contract let dates assume the availability of funding by that time).....

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Substation Replacement - West 117th Street @ $151,000  due for 2015

Substation Replacement - West 65th Street @ $3,312,200  due for 2014

Sectionalize Tower City Catenary System @ $694,000  due for 2013-14

Substation Replacement - Fairhill Avenue @ $3,074,500 due for 2012

Second Independent Feed for E. 55th Street Substation @ $66,000 due for 2015

Substation Replacement - Puritas Avenue @ $3,859,600 due for 2015

 

TRACK REHABILITATION

Rail Infrastructure Program @ $7,858,105 due for 2011-15

Light Rail Retaining Wall - Buckeye/Woodhill to Shaker Square @ $1,800,400 due for 2013-14

S-Curve (west of West Bvld) Reconstruction on Heavy Rail Line @ $1,798,000 due for 2013

Airport Tunnel Rehabilitation @ $1,187,700 due for 2012 (will result in substitute bus service)

Light Rail Crossings Improvements @ $11,433,782 due for 2011-15

Replace Shaker Square Grade Crossing @ $2,415,000 due for 2012-13

 

RAIL STATION REHABILITATION

Mayfield Road HRV Station @ $12,367,000 due for 2012-14

University Circle Station Rehabilitation @ $16,802,000 due for 2011

Lee Road/Van Aken Blvd. LRV Station Rehabilitation @ $4,325,000 due for 2011

Light Rail Station Platform Reconstruction @ $1,249,710 due for 2012-15

Woodhill Road LRV Station Rehabilitation @ $322,723 due for 2011

Brookpark Road HRV Station Rehabilitation @ $13,401,100 due for 2015

Replace Tower City Escalators @ $1,624,000 due for 2014

East 116th Street LRV Station Rehabilitation @ $5,566,200 due for 2013-14

 

TRAIN CONTROL / SIGNAL SYSTEM

HRV Microprocessor Replacement - Engineering Study @ $338,125 due for 2013

Cab Signal System Replacement Program @ $2,880,750 due for 2013-15

Signal System Replacement - Red Line @ $1,000,000 due for 2013

 

RAIL EXPANSION

Blue Line Extension to Warrensville Intermodal Center @ $33,770,500 due for 2013-15

 

RAIL VEHICLE FLEET

State of Good Repair - LRV Fleet Reliability @ $2,731,000 due for 2014-15

Tokyu Car (HRV) Overhaul @ $6,745,000 due for 2011-12

 

TOTAL - RAIL PROJECTS (2011-15) = $140,773,395

 

Not considered part of rail are these rail projects......

 

FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS

BRIDGE REHABILITATION

 

Track Bridge Rehabilitation - East Boulevard @ $1,996,250 due for 2013

Track Bridges Rehabilitation - E. 81st & 83rd Streets @ $4,663,000 due for 2011/2014

Track Bridge Rehabilitation - CSX & East 92nd Street @ $3,378,000 due for 2015

Track Bridge Rehabilitation - Mayfield Road @ $2,180,100 due for 2014 (same time as new station construction)

 

System-Wide Facilities

Bus & Rail State of Good Repair @ $2,850,000 due for 2012-15

Central Rail Roof Replacements @ $2,267,900 due for 2012

 

EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES

Event Recorders - Rail @ $1,852,000 due for 2012-13

 

###

What does the Tokyu car overhaul include I see you said the cost per car is $1.5 million but the Tokyu car overhaul cost Is Only a little more than 6 million so is it just electrical refurbishing or interior refurbishing or a combination of both?

Just a little side note with an outsider's perspective.  This week, my parents were up from Florida.  On Thursday, they took the Green Line downtown to check out the casino and Indians game.  They told me that night that they were "impressed with how much has been done" to make riding the Rapid a nicer experience.  They went on to say that their driver on the way downtown was extremely personable and friendly, giving them plentiful and entertaining announcements over the loudspeaker about stops, weather, attractions, etc.  Just in case Jerry reads this, his name was Anthony (don't know any further information, I told them they should have gotten his Operator ID Number).  Also, they were pleased with the service at Tower City, as they were having some trouble with the machine to buy tickets, and they said a very friendly worker helped them figure it out.  With all we complain about things which are very hard to fix, little things like this are what really make an out-of-towner's experience with the Rapid more pleasant.

Just a little side note with an outsider's perspective.  This week, my parents were up from Florida.  On Thursday, they took the Green Line downtown to check out the casino and Indians game.  They told me that night that they were "impressed with how much has been done" to make riding the Rapid a nicer experience.  They went on to say that their driver on the way downtown was extremely personable and friendly, giving them plentiful and entertaining announcements over the loudspeaker about stops, weather, attractions, etc.  Just in case Jerry reads this, his name was Anthony (don't know any further information, I told them they should have gotten his Operator ID Number).  Also, they were pleased with the service at Tower City, as they were having some trouble with the machine to buy tickets, and they said a very friendly worker helped them figure it out.  With all we complain about things which are very hard to fix, little things like this are what really make an out-of-towner's experience with the Rapid more pleasant.

 

Its good they had a nice time and good experience!

 

But those infamous ticket machines...  ha!

Just a little side note with an outsider's perspective.  This week, my parents were up from Florida.  On Thursday, they took the Green Line downtown to check out the casino and Indians game.  They told me that night that they were "impressed with how much has been done" to make riding the Rapid a nicer experience.  They went on to say that their driver on the way downtown was extremely personable and friendly, giving them plentiful and entertaining announcements over the loudspeaker about stops, weather, attractions, etc.  Just in case Jerry reads this, his name was Anthony (don't know any further information, I told them they should have gotten his Operator ID Number).  Also, they were pleased with the service at Tower City, as they were having some trouble with the machine to buy tickets, and they said a very friendly worker helped them figure it out.  With all we complain about things which are very hard to fix, little things like this are what really make an out-of-towner's experience with the Rapid more pleasant.

 

Its good they had a nice time and good experience!

 

But those infamous ticket machines...  ha!

Lol but you know the thing is those ticket machines aren't that hard to work or figure out it tells you step by step. Could it still be simplified? Yes, but it isn't as hard to use as people make it out to be. I read somewhere on UO that RTA is looking at other ATM's (Automated Ticket Machines) especially the ones in Boston which are supposedly one of the easiest ones to use. (correct me if I'm wrong)

Just a little side note with an outsider's perspective.  This week, my parents were up from Florida.  On Thursday, they took the Green Line downtown to check out the casino and Indians game.  They told me that night that they were "impressed with how much has been done" to make riding the Rapid a nicer experience.  They went on to say that their driver on the way downtown was extremely personable and friendly, giving them plentiful and entertaining announcements over the loudspeaker about stops, weather, attractions, etc.  Just in case Jerry reads this, his name was Anthony (don't know any further information, I told them they should have gotten his Operator ID Number).  Also, they were pleased with the service at Tower City, as they were having some trouble with the machine to buy tickets, and they said a very friendly worker helped them figure it out.  With all we complain about things which are very hard to fix, little things like this are what really make an out-of-towner's experience with the Rapid more pleasant.

 

Its good they had a nice time and good experience!

 

But those infamous ticket machines...  ha!

Lol but you know the thing is those ticket machines aren't that hard to work or figure out it tells you step by step. Could it still be simplified? Yes, but it isn't as hard to use as people make it out to be. I read somewhere on UO that RTA is looking at other ATM's (Automated Ticket Machines) especially the ones in Boston which are supposedly one of the easiest ones to use. (correct me if I'm wrong)

 

They actually told me the machines weren't too bad, but that a worker offered them help before they really had any trouble so they let him help them.

I've seen doctors bewildered by them.  Seems like half the keystrokes could be eliminated.  There are more buttons than options at any given time, so why force people to move cursors around?  It's not supposed to be a video game.  If they're gonna look like ATMs, they should work like ATMs, which seems like a reasonable expectation.  Nobody complains about those being difficult.  One choice per screen, each option tied to clearly identified buttons.

Nice to hear, Jam40Jeff.  We went down to the casino last night on the Green Line, and had a great experience at the casino (both the casino and downtown, in general, were packed.  It was a carnival environment -- my SO stated it seemed like Times Sq.  Seems, too, that RTA has been on its best behavior since the opening on Monday.  We noticed, going in, that the driver announced "last trains" for all the lines and all 4 destinations.  I also noted a color-coded sign noting each line's last train...  The only downer was that we couldn't stay LONGER because of the early-to-bed service. 

 

Jerry/JetDog, I really think RTA should really think about all night, weekend service.  Hourly trains on each the Green and Blue and half-hourly (or at worst, hourly) on the Red Line makes sense.  (probably, if you did the DC Metro weekend schedule -- 3 am on all train lines), would probably fill the bill, if you start service at 4:30-5a).... RTA really needs to do this.  As Dan Gilbert noted, the casino is a "game changer" for downtown Cleveland.  The Horseshoe is open 24/7. Although there will be some crowd drop off, it's still going to draw lots of people to Public Square where all the trains go... The indoor rail connection (the only such casino connection in the nation, according to RTA's Mary McMahon, during a Channel 3 interview).  This means that, during the winter, the Rapid could be an even more significant player in the transport of casino goers, esp  given all the talk of parking issues.... I hope RTA doesn't decline such service based on nickels and dimes.

^ That would be a nice service to add. That way people who want to stay late at the casino aren't forced to take their car.

BTW, on Friday evening about 5 p.m., I had to go back downtown to the office at Euclid and East 9th to check mail before going out of town on Saturday. Since I just had to pop in and out of the office, I figured "no problem! It's after 6 p.m. and I'll get a parking space on the street with all the office workers gone for the day like I've always been able to do."

 

WRONG!! There were no on-street spaces to be had anywhere, and all off-street parking for several blocks in every direction was $10 or more regardless of how long I parked. And just trying to maneuver my car around downtown was a real pain with most intersections jammed, many left turns prohibited, and traffic cops trying to keep things moving.

 

So I could not get into the office to check mail. If I'm going to try to drive downtown to pop in and out of the office like that again, I'm going to have to do it like I did today -- on a Sunday morning. All other times, looks like I'd better take the #55 or the Red Line. Actually, I hope this is the new reality.

Friday night, all of lower Prospect Ave was a parking lot, even more than an hour after the Indians game (and fireworks) had ended.  Several RTA buses, like the #14 and 15, were sitting idly amongst a sea of stuck cars.  They actually had to close the E. 4th Street valet for a time; they were swamped; I'll bet their valet drivers couldn't even exit the valet area onto Prospect (and then to whatever lot or garage they take cars to) because of the gridlock -- so they simply blocked the E. 4th St. car entrance with bollards and stopped taking in cars.  Rarely has such a traffic jam seemed so glorious.... Nevertheless, glad we took the Rapid!

I really think RTA should really think about all night, weekend service.

 

I cannot speak to the future, but this should help you for now.

 

Casino customers who want to park free at a Rapid station but might leave the casino after the Rapid shuts down for the night should consider these stations that have sizable parking lots and all-night bus or HealthLine service from Public Square:

 

Red Line: West Park Station,  best choice, served by #22

 

Red Line: Windermere Station, served by HealthLine and #3

 

Blue Line: Farnsleigh Station, served by #14, Parking is in a city-owned lot on the NW corner of Farnsleigh and Van Aken; customers should ask the #14 driver to drop them off on Farnsleigh at Van Aken.

 

^that's great for those of us familiar with RTA, but for someone that's not as familiar, asking them to take a different mode of transportation that requires a bus ride through a "less desirable" part of town is probably going to be a non-option.

^^Thanks Jerry.  I personally was thinking of driving to the Farnsleigh Blue Line station, taking the Rapid downtown then returning on the #14.  Hopefully we can get the late night rail service because I really don't think a bus substitute is an adequate substitution for rail, esp on the weekends, where there are large numbers of people wanting to stay downtown late, and esp on weekends where there is inclement weather... Jerry, at least I hope RTA officials review what was done by the previous administration which ran rail service until 2:30a on weekend nights during the summer when the Flats was in its heyday.

^that's great for those of us familiar with RTA, but for someone that's not as familiar, asking them to take a different mode of transportation that requires a bus ride through a "less desirable" part of town is probably going to be a non-option.

 

Sorry don't buy this, as passengers are "riding" through a less desirable part of town when on the train. Especially the Blue/Green lines.  Or are you saying passengers perception is different when riding the train than riding on a bus?

^that's great for those of us familiar with RTA, but for someone that's not as familiar, asking them to take a different mode of transportation that requires a bus ride through a "less desirable" part of town is probably going to be a non-option.

 

Sorry don't buy this, as passengers are "riding" through a less desirable part of town when on the train. Especially the Blue/Green lines.  Or are you saying passengers perception is different when riding the train than riding on a bus?

 

I do think that's what he's trying to say, and I can actually see the validity of it. A train, especially heavy rail, riding on a grade-separated right-of-way, at a somewhat higher speed, with fewer stops (and generally a darker right-of-way that precludes seeing what's going on outside), might be perceived as safer to some. However, I don't think a bus ride to get back to one's car, regardless of what neighborhood one passes through, is inherently a "non-option".