Is it a way for RTA to extend E. 105th and Quincy station? Not having the platform long enough to open the doors on both trains really slows things up they should at least extend the train to situate 3 cars.

 

The short platform at E. 105 is one of the more sensless moves by RTA; it only slows service by forcing everyone to go out the front door.  Why RTA did this while it was implanting POP fare payment to speed service is a befuddling, and just plain dumb.  RTA officials need to explain themselves on this one.

 

Iirc, this started as a city issue re: new e105 bridge over tracks that necessitated a shorter (couched as a partial platform) until bridge work was completed.  Not sure if bridge work is/was completed but I don't think this platform expansion is anywhere in the RTA capital plan, perhaps due to uncertainty around opportunity corridor construction/alignment.

^The bridges there have long since been finished.  I sure hope the (terrible) opportunity corridor isn't the cause of this, but it did come to mind.  The plan is, I think, to feed the freeway, er, opportunity corridor into E. 105, but that's at least a decade away.  I still don't get how RTA could spend the capital to rebuild a station like E. 105 and not budget to lengthen the station.  Heck, they could do so cheaply with a wooden platform exstension, which would be better than what exists now.  Really bad planning here.

What exactly is the story for these empy rail paths?  There is one along the green line too and it looks like it even has the rapid power lines over it but its clearly abandoned. 

 

I had originally posted a detailed message with photos here. But I could see a long, off-topic discussion ensuing. So instead, see the posting at:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,11674.msg636355.html#msg636355

 

too similar :P

 

 

Here you go. RTA is going to beef up its efforts to bring you clean air. Quotes are from Joe Calabrese

 

"The world is becoming less tolerant regarding smoking.  As a result, the people of the State of Ohio, like many other States, voted to ban smoking in public places.

 

Consistent with that vote of the people, the State Legislature passed laws prohibiting smoking in public places and the RTA Board adopted a smoking policy in 2006 which prohibits smoking “in all revenue and non-revenue motors vehicles, rail vehicles, indoor and outdoor areas of transit facilities, workplaces, and other buildings owned, leased or rented by the Authority”.   

 

Due to continued non-compliance of these rules by some, and the increasing number of complaints we are receiving regarding smoking on RTA property, I have asked Transit Police to increase the formal enforcement of the no-smoking policy.

 

Initially this will be a two-step process with an official warning to be followed by an issued Citation per O.R.C. 2917.41 – “Misconduct involving public transportation”. It is a non-waiverable misdemeanor of the 4th degree, with a maximum fine of $250.00 and court costs of $127.00."

 

He wants to start educatng both employees and customers.

 

RTA’s Personnel Policies and Procedures section 600.01 clearly spells out the Authority’s smoking policy and declaration as a smoke-free workplace.

 

Considering your keen interest in transit. I thought you would like to know. Thanks.

^Thanks Jerry, great to hear abut the new enforcement efforts.

^ What a joke.  Nothing but a money grab.

 

 

 

 

More good news about ridership: :clap:

 

* In July, total ridership was up for the 16th straight month -- an increase of 3.4 percent, or 120,000 rides :-D

.

* Average weekday ridership up 1 percent, or 1,600 rides. :wink:

 

* YTD total ridership up 5.7 percent :-)

.

* HealthLine ridership up 2 percent, or 6,500 more rides. :yap:

 

* ALL modes were up. Tops were heavy rail, up 11 percent, and Paratransit, up 15 percent. :wink2:

 

* Average daily trolley ridership is 4,000. :wave:

^Thanks Jerry, great to hear abut the new enforcement efforts.

 

Ditto. As a former smoker, I will be happy to point out those who are violating this.

 

Great news on the ridership. I can certainly attest to the Red Line's growing ridership. This was part of the crowd waiting to get on a Red Line at West 117th station -- at 10 a.m.!

 

^ What a joke.  Nothing but a money grab.

 

if you break the rule you pay the penalty.  if you don't like the penalty don't break the rules.

 

 

how complex is this to understand?

 

So all moving violations are a money grab too. or red light cameras? even though both are proven to save lives, it must be the Gubment trying trying to take your money, right?

 

It is hard to get a speeding ticket if you don't speed.  Stop acting like a child, there are consequences to everyone's actions.

<< What a joke.  Nothing but a money grab. >>

 

You are entitled to your opinion, but it is not supported by any known facts.

 

1. FACT: RTA's annual operating budget is more than $250 million a year. Even if Transit Police issue hundreds of tickets at $250 each, the revenue would hardly affect the budget. I am not even sure the funds go to RTA.

 

2. FACT: Ohio voters passed a law in 2006, saying that they wanted smoking banned in public places. RTA property is certainly a public place.

 

3. FACT: RTA is stepping up enforcement, because our customers asked us to.

 

4. FACT: Second-hand smoke is a health hazard. My opinion -- breathing smoke from your cigar or cigarette is just as bad (harmful) as getting punched in the stomach. If one is a crime, then so is the other.

 

I would love to hear the "facts" surrounding your opinion that this is all a money grab.

 

I wouldn't call it a money grab, but it is an overreaction.

 

The panic-mongering about "second hand smoke" attempts to completely ignore the effect on concentration, which is a lot like discussing electricity while ignoring the effect of voltage.  The reason for this:  the science clearly states that adequate ventilation keeps the concentration below what is actually hazardous.  Below these levels, it's a nuisance, not a hazard.

 

Outdoor platforms are, pretty much by definition, adequately ventilated. 

 

The 2006 law does not mandate that smoking be banned at bus stops or on outdoor platforms, any more than it bans smoking on a restaurant or bar's outdoor deck.

 

^ RTA's Board of Trustees passed a resolution several years ago that declared that all RTA property is now smoke-free, for the health of the customers and the employees.

 

Is it an overreaction of Transit Police to enforce the law? No.

 

Do I welcome cancer-causing smoke in my face as I wait on the Rapid platform? No.

 

Do I have a right to expect fresh air? Yes.

Wonder what Romney's policy will be toward public transportation in Cleveland?

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,7852.msg637770.html#msg637770

Lorain County Transit bus service between Elyria (Transportation Center, 40 East Ave.), Lorain (Board of Elections, 1985 North Ridge Road) and Public Square in downtown Cleveland

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,16502.msg638468.html#new

 

Not posted yet on LCT's page, but check back soon.....

http://www.loraincounty.us/getdoc/84874606-9a5f-4fd2-a303-eaa28922188d/LCT-Bus-Routes.aspx

how hard would it be to get free WiFi at major rail stations like downtown, UC , airport, and shaker square?

and in the future to have WiFi on the trains themselves?

 

If we want more drivers to chose transit have to offer amenities they can't get while driving.

Having wifi at the stations and in the trains could be huge for marketing.

Yep red light cameras and moving violations have become defacto money grabs in this day and age.

 

"So all moving violations are a money grab too. or red light cameras? "

 

Please stop with the hyperbole defending the fines.  The tobacco narrative in the US has clearly moved beyond reduction and into prohibition.  Congratulations to RTA on their new revenue stream.

A couple of years ago there were plans or at least discussion to add a third rail car to the red line. With ridership up 11 percent are those plans still being talked about or no?

Yep red light cameras and moving violations have become defacto money grabs in this day and age.

 

"So all moving violations are a money grab too. or red light cameras? "

 

Please stop with the hyperbole defending the fines.  The tobacco narrative in the US has clearly moved beyond reduction and into prohibition.  Congratulations to RTA on their new revenue stream.

 

So what exactly is your problem?  You think ticketing people who violate the rules is a money grab?  Did it ever occur to you that perhaps people shouldn't be violating the rules in the first place?  You actually want to be the guy who defends smoking in public?  Groan...

Ok, Can we get back to RTA please and leave alone the arguments about money grabs and what constitutes them?

<< A couple of years ago, there were plans or at least discussion to add a third rail car to the Red Line. With ridership up 11 percent, are those plans still being talked about or no? >>

 

RTA has and will continue to use three-car trains on the Red Line on days that demand it, such as St. Patrick's Day and Opening Day. They may be used for Browns' home games this fall.

Thanks Jerry. If you had to guess, what percentage increase would the redline need to necessitate a consistent third car?

^ I do not have to guess, so I won't. It's one of the cardinal rules of public information -- no guessing, no "what ifs". I have never heard such a number tossed around. Later this year, repairs on the west end of the Red Line signal system will be complete, and frequency will improve.

fyi, I am having trouble with "quote" key. Is this systemwide, or just me?

fyi, I am having trouble with "quote" key. Is this systemwide, or just me?

 

Just you. :)

From RTA's facebook. My guess is the new trolly?

 

"Big RTA announcement tomorrow - stay tuned for good news for residents and visitors to downtown!"

Arrgggh you beat me to it. Lol I was thinking the trolly too. Or the construction of the West Side Transit Center + 50 story tower. Just kidding

fyi, I am having trouble with "quote" key. Is this systemwide, or just me?

I can't do it on my work laptop, but can on my mac...

Looks like they were replacing the E-line signs with a new design

Jerry, I actually thought you'd once stated that RTA would add a 3rd Red Line, westbound, rush our car once Inner Belt bridge construction began in order to both have capacity for and encourage converted I-71 drivers, no?

fyi, I am having trouble with "quote" key. Is this systemwide, or just me?

I can't do it on my work laptop, but can on my mac...

 

Well there you go.  Macs really are worth double the price! :P

Re: 3-car trains westbound. I would never say that. Adding a third car is an additional fuel expense. It is not a slam-dunk. It's all based on demand.

The announcement will be posted here at 11 a.m. or soon thereafter. I will handle comments after I return, around noon probably.

As some of you very astutely surmised, we are extending and expanding the span and reach of our wildly successful, and extremely popular, downtown trolley service, effective Monday, Sept. 10.

 

Three new routes will be added, and coverage will now include destinations such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the developing NineTwelve District. Downtown hotels, the casino, and the soon-to-be-open Medical Mart & Convention Center will also benefit from the connectivity offered by these new services.

 

Release here: http://www.riderta.com/newsroom/releases/?listingid=1773

 

Trolley landing page here: http://www.riderta.com/trolleys/

As some of you very astutely surmised, we are extending and expanding the span and reach of our wildly successful, and extremely popular, downtown trolley service, effective Monday, Sept. 10.

 

Three new routes will be added, and coverage will now include destinations such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the developing NineTwelve District. Downtown hotels, the casino, and the soon-to-be-open Medical Mart & Convention Center will also benefit from the connectivity offered by these new services.

 

Release here: http://www.riderta.com/newsroom/releases/?listingid=1773

 

Trolley landing page here: http://www.riderta.com/trolleys/

 

The reincarnation of the old "loop bus" system, sans the Campus loop bus.

I'm glad to see the expanded service with the expanded hours/days. My only concern is the number of routes. Having two routes now confuses me as to which one to ride. I'm afraid that five routes will cause my brain to short circuit. Can the routes be consolidated/simplified?

I'm glad to see the expanded service with the expanded hours/days. My only concern is the number of routes. Having two routes now confuses me as to which one to ride. I'm afraid that five routes will cause my brain to short circuit. Can the routes be consolidated/simplified?

 

Agreed.  Personally, I thought this was one of the problems of the old loop bus system. 

I'm glad to see the expanded service with the expanded hours/days. My only concern is the number of routes. Having two routes now confuses me as to which one to ride. I'm afraid that five routes will cause my brain to short circuit. Can the routes be consolidated/simplified?

 

Actually, the routes are simpler than they might first look. The L-Line is a weekend-only route, and the C-Line is somewhat of a consolidation of the E & B Lines that only runs at times when those lines don't (evenings & weekends). The NineTwelve is its own creature, plying its trade along E 9th from Muny to Gateway during weekday morning and evening rush hours. In this scenario, there won't be more than 3 routes running at any given time, and each of those three (E, B, and NineTwelve) are distinctly different.

 

That being said, I'm sure we'll keep an eye on how the services are used, and where and when they do the most good, and make adjustments accordingly, within our budgetary limits.

Got a map?

Got a map?

 

Yup: http://www.riderta.com/pdf/Trolleys.pdf and http://www.riderta.com/pdf/NineTwelve.pdf

Thanks for the map. If I had to change anything, I'd run the C Line entirely on Euclid, not on East 9th/Prospect/East 14th. The reason is that the C Line will run until 11 p.m. Gateway events usually let out by then. So during evening events at Gateway and Playhouse Square, the bus-only lanes on Euclid would provide the trolley with a faster way around stopped traffic.

Jerry, are the layover stops for the trolleys going to be moved to public square?

 

I ask becuase catching a trolley from City hall to tower city usually require tranfering to antoher trolley at RTA HQ, which IMO is insane.

 

why don't they contiue all lines to public square and wait there since it is the #1 destination in downtown?

KJP, during the work day, you have two choices from Tower City, based on where you are going, the same as you have always had.

 

After 7 p.m., the C-Line is your only choice.

 

On weekends, you can choose either the C or the L, based on your desination.

 

The NineTwelve is for rush-hour commutes for employees who work on or near East Ninth Street.

 

The plan and funding is set for 3 years. There may be "tweaking", but I doubt if you will see wholesale changes.

The layovers are:

 

B and E, same as now, using RTA HQ, the most logical spot for operators to take a quick break.

 

C will also be the RTA HQ.

 

L will be the Great Lakes Science Center and the stop by the Horseshoe Casino.

 

NineTwelve will be Muni Lot and the parking lot near the arena on Huron Road.

The routes were designed to meet what is perceived as the greatest need for visitors who stay at hotels and locals who also use attractions.

 

Keeping the C Line on Euclid does not meet its goals. The route was developed with input from a lot of civic leaders, including DCA and the tourism business.

The L-Line does not make sense to me.  Why not just make the Waterfront Line service from TC to the Muni lots free?  Seems like a duplication of service. 

Is the 47 loop bus going to be discontinued? It's now going to be duplicated with the 9/12 route for everyone except people on/near public square that can take the Waterfront Line instead.

<< Is the 47 loop bus going to be discontinued? >>

 

Not at this time. Let's wait and see how things pan out before starting that discussion.

<<The L-Line does not make sense to me.  Why not just make the Waterfront Line service from TC to the Muni lots free?  Seems like a duplication of service. >>

 

Take a closer look at the destinations, including the hotels. The Waterfront Line is a continuation of the Blue/Green Line, with paying customers, so no, it cannot be free.