Highest for the month of November just to clarify, but great news!

Ridership growth makes me very happy :) 

 

Rail, up 2.4 percent in Nov, 8.0 YTD

* Red Line ridership in Nov., 523,000, highest month in more than 40 years

 

Jerry, the monthly ridership data RTA has reported to the National Transit Database  (included in this doc: http://www.ntdprogram.gov/ntdprogram/pubs/MonthlyData/October_2012_Adjusted_Database.xls) shows several months in the past 10 years, including some Novembers, with higher ridership numbers (unlinked passenger trips) on heavy rail.  Does RTA use a separate counting method for internal ridership tracking from what it uses to report to the NTD?  I'm not trying play "gotcha", just wondering how to interpret the NTB numbers.  Thanks!

I have data going back to 1995 and for me that is the highest November.  That file is way to messy for me to read so I cant check what their data is.

^Go to the "UPT" tab (reporting unlinked passenger trips), then scroll down to row 951, which is for RTA's heavy rail ("HR") service.

 

Here's the glossary in case helpful: http://www.ntdprogram.gov/ntdprogram/Glossary.htm

^Go to the "UPT" tab (reporting unlinked passenger trips), then scroll down to row 951, which is for RTA's heavy rail ("HR") service.

 

Here's the glossary in case helpful: http://www.ntdprogram.gov/ntdprogram/Glossary.htm

 

Thanks. The main problem was that the first row wasnt locked so when I scrolled down, I lost the header for each row, but I fixed that. Yeah my numbers are different than those.

 

For instance, NTB reports that the ridership in November 2005 was 549,010.

My numbers show that ridership in November of 2005 was at 446,600.

 

I wonder what is throwing the number over 100,000 off

^Where is your data from, ClevelandOhio?

^Where is your data from, ClevelandOhio?

 

APTA.

 

Now im really confused.

 

RTA just posted this on their facebook.

 

"A RECORD -- RTA's Red Line carried more than 760,000 passengers last month -- the highest November ridership in more than 40 years. For the year-to-date, Red Line ridership is up 9.6 percent over 2011. Thank you for your support. We're happy to serve you."

^ You are correct. It was best November ridership. I believe we do use a different method from NTD.

^Where is your data from, ClevelandOhio?

 

Now im really confused.

 

 

Now :? ?  Honey, let me let you in on a lil secret!  Child, you've been confused for the loooooooongest!  OK?!

By my estimates, that outstanding performance brings the weekday "Rapid Transit" (rail and BRT) ridership to nearly 60,000 -- almost double what it was a decade ago.

I believe we do use a different method from NTD.

 

But aren't the NTD numbers from reports RTA sends in?  Any clarification you could provide would be greatly appreciated.  Sounds like RTA might be switching back and forth between the two sets of numbers itself based on the number in the facebook post quoted by ClevelandOhio and your earlier post.

I will be off-line for a few days...I'll pick this back up when I return.

^Where is your data from, ClevelandOhio?

 

APTA.

 

Now im really confused.

 

RTA just posted this on their facebook.

 

"A RECORD -- RTA's Red Line carried more than 760,000 passengers last month -- the highest November ridership in more than 40 years. For the year-to-date, Red Line ridership is up 9.6 percent over 2011. Thank you for your support. We're happy to serve you."

 

Wow, that's fantastic... So what's driving that sharp increase?  The casino?  Stronger dowtown, generally?  Stronger Ohio City? The bus line cuts? ... other?

^ Surely, some of it is the casino. Virtually every day, I see new riders -- usually more mature couples who don't want to drive downtown -- hopping on the Rapid at Puritas. More importantly, employment is up, and 60 percent of all trips are job-related.

^Do you have downtown employment numbers, currently and historically? It'd be nice to see the trend.

^I do not have these figures, but research can be done by anyone. Please know that overall employement, not just downtown figures, affect RTA ridership. We serve all of Cuyahoga County.

Looks like some new signage is up in the Tower City station to better alert passengers as to whether trains are Green or Blue. It hasnt been activated yet. I usually don't have an issue but got in the Unmarked (as always) center track and found out it was Van Aken. Then went to the Green road train and had a bunch of people realize they needed the blue line. The train almost left THREE times before everyone finally figured out where they were going and the driver never once announced what line it was. The announcer at TC was announcing the correct trains but obviously people weren't listening.  There HAS to be a better way, or at least put the dang sign up saying where you are goin!!!! Rant over. Still love taking the rapid. ;)

When are the renovations for the Red Line trains themselves to be started?

How are potential new routes evaluated?

 

If the agency ever wants to go the route of being a competing alternative rather than a "transportation safety net".....how about a line up and down the length of SR-91?  They could link up with MARTA at the Solon-Twinsburg line, and Laketrans at the north end, perhaps in the Progressive lot.  You'd want to charge extra on this line (with some kind of combined fare with the two other agencies), limit the stops to major intersections (though you could put a park and ride somewhere along the route, perhaps at Chagrin) and have a transfer center at 91 and Mayfield (Hillcrest) linking into the #9 going down into University Circle, Cleveland Clinic, and eventually downtown.

They could link up with MARTA at the Solon-Twinsburg line

 

Somehow, I don't quite think you meant MARTA -- although I have to admit that WOULD be impressive!  :-D

When are the renovations for the Red Line trains themselves to be started?

 

They've started. I've noticed many of the windows have been replaced as the Lexan coating on the old windows was getting pretty bad. There are also mechanical upgrades, plus wheel streamlining and brake re-facing on Central Rail's new lathe. You'll should notice a smoother ride and hopefully a cleaner view. As for the interiors, I'm not sure if that's part of this $6.7 upgrade. Given the low cost, I'd probably doubt it. This is just to keep the trains running until the rail fleet is replaced in about a decade or less.

When are the renovations for the Red Line trains themselves to be started?

 

They've started. I've noticed many of the windows have been replaced as the Lexan coating on the old windows was getting pretty bad. There are also mechanical upgrades, plus wheel streamlining and brake re-facing on Central Rail's new lathe. You'll should notice a smoother ride and hopefully a cleaner view. As for the interiors, I'm not sure if that's part of this $6.7 upgrade. Given the low cost, I'd probably doubt it. This is just to keep the trains running until the rail fleet is replaced in about a decade or less.

Thank you so they are doing the interiors as well still correct?

Thank you so they are doing the interiors as well still correct?

 

I don't know. Perhaps Jerry can confirm this.

 

BTW, for anyone at RTA reading this, please check the middle door on the south side of Tokyu car #200. It makes a terrible bang noise every time it opens and sometimes when it closes.

 

Also, I got on the 11:45 a.m. Shaker train from Tower City yesterday bound for a lunch meeting at Shaker Square yesterday. Because of my destination, I didn't bother to look at the train's destination sign. Unfortunately, neither did a well-dressed man bound for Green Road (which I subtly chided him for). The driver made no announcement of the train's destination prior to departing Tower City nor at any time prior to arriving Shaker Square.

 

The only way the man knew which train he got on is because I looked up a Blue/Green Line timetable on my phone and told him he had gotten on the wrong train. So he got off the Blue Line train with me at Shaker Square to wait for the Green Line train. He was not angry and instead kept busily chatting on his cell phone as he had been doing ever since before he got on the train.

When did RTA start to have the bus number (#2829 in this case) labeled all over the inside of the 2800 series? (I know it's minor but I was just curious) **Disregard the Picture**

I'm riding on the Eastbound rapid headed toward tower city and I must say its getting pretty crowded and that was just at the second stop!! (KJP I also see what you mean by the new windows...unless these were not in bad shape to begin with)

Heavy-rail vehicle cars are being done in two phases.

 

Phase 1 is the overhaul of the electrical and mechanical parts -- the things you don't see. That phase is almost done.

 

Phase 2 starts in 2013, and will include an overhaul of interiors and exteriors. I think you will like what you see.

Heavy-rail vehicle cars are being done in two phases.

 

Phase 1 is the overhaul of the electrical and mechanical parts -- the things you don't see. That phase is almost done.

 

Phase 2 starts in 2013, and will include an overhaul of interiors and exteriors. I think you will like what you see.

 

Thanks. And I've noticed how smooth the trains (all lines) are riding since you got that new wheel lathe and done track resurfacing especially on the west side!

Heavy-rail vehicle cars are being done in two phases.

 

Phase 1 is the overhaul of the electrical and mechanical parts -- the things you don't see. That phase is almost done.

 

Phase 2 starts in 2013, and will include an overhaul of interiors and exteriors. I think you will like what you see.

What all does Phase II include? What will be added/renovated

^ Phase 2 will include new seats, a new interior, and extra space in the front of each car for wheelchairs, bikes, strollers and standing room. A total of 4 seats on each side will be removed. This is also being done in other cities.

^ Phase 2 will include new seats, a new interior, and extra space in the front of each car for wheelchairs, bikes, strollers and standing room. A total of 4 seats on each side will be removed. This is also being done in other cities.

 

Thanks Jerry!

 

I noticed you mentioned exterior changes and am wondering what those changes will be?

 

Also if I recall correctly, is RTA still planning on having a model train(actual train, not a small model) in the Tower City station showing how the cars will look once renovated? And if so how long will we have to wait to see?!

^ Phase 2 will include new seats, a new interior, and extra space in the front of each car for wheelchairs, bikes, strollers and standing room. A total of 4 seats on each side will be removed. This is also being done in other cities.

Will this include a stop indicator that you find on the healthline and will the signs that show the final destination become digital or stay the same old way?

When I say stop indicator I mean something similar to this

A digital final stop indicators I mean something like this (Instead of having the sign in the window which is tacky) I doubt this part will happen though

What ever became of the situation with RTA and the fare card machines on the health line and redline?

I think the PD addressed the fare machine issue last week.

I have not seen a comprehensive list of all that will be added during the Red Line overhaul. When more is announced, I will let you know.

I think the PD addressed the fare machine issue last week.

 

Here is a link to that article, which spells out a "handshake" deal but still no written commitment.  Yet it does appear to be close.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/12/rta_xerox_close_to_resolving_l.html

I think the PD addressed the fare machine issue last week.

 

Here is a link to that article, which spells out a "handshake" deal but still no written commitment.  Yet it does appear to be close.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/12/rta_xerox_close_to_resolving_l.html

Thanks I appreciate it

I have not seen a comprehensive list of all that will be added during the Red Line overhaul. When more is announced, I will let you know.

 

BTW, anything has to be better than this -- this is what the current Red Line trains (the Tokyu cars) replaced in 1984-5. These are the Airporter cars, as seen in 1980 by photographer Steve Zabel and one of many great photos posted at.......

 

http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Cleveland,_Ohio

 

I have not seen a comprehensive list of all that will be added during the Red Line overhaul. When more is announced, I will let you know.

 

BTW, anything has to be better than this -- this is what the current Red Line trains (the Tokyu cars) replaced in 1984-5. These are the Airporter cars, as seen in 1980 by photographer Steve Zabel and one of many great photos posted at.......

 

http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Cleveland,_Ohio

 

Were Tokyu cars American made?

Were Tokyu cars American made?

 

Their components were manufactured in Japan and assembled in America. I believe they were assembled at General Electric's apparatus shop at Cuyahoga Heights, just south of Cleveland. But I may not be remembering that correctly.

Were Tokyu cars American made?

 

Their components were manufactured in Japan and assembled in America. I believe they were assembled at General Electric's apparatus shop at Cuyahoga Heights, just south of Cleveland. But I may not be remembering that correctly.

Okay thanks, hopefully the new rail cars can be all American made that would be great!!!

When are the renovations for the Red Line trains themselves to be started?

 

This is just to keep the trains running until the rail fleet is replaced in about a decade or less.

 

Are you sure they will be replaced that soon. According to RTA, they are planning on replacing busses.

 

"RTA has created a Rolling Stock Replacement Fund, to help purchase 175 buses and 60 Paratransit vehicles over five years. This will cost more than $105 million"

A major rebuild of rail cars typically extends the useful life of rolling stock by about a decade. The Breda cars underwent a $5.9 million, mid-life overhaul in 2007-08.

 

It appears that the two phases of the Red Line Tokyu car overhauls will total $9.8 million. Since there's about a five-year time difference between replacing the two different types of rail car, that adds an interesting wrinkle to all of this. GCRTA has a rail fleet of 108 rail cars. If GCRTA does a one-for-one replacement (though I doubt they will), that's a lot of rail cars to replace. So not all would come off the assembly line at one time. Depending on who their supplier will be, it could a year or more for all the rail cars to be delivered, from the first to the last.

PD reports on Red Line overhaul today

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/01/rta_red_line_trains_to_get_a_w.html

Good news to hear. I was just wondering if this was in the works last week when I was riding the rapid over the holidays. The interiors of the Red Line cars looked so bad. Granted I've become accustomed to the DC Metro, but nonetheless.

 

Are there any renderings of the rehab plans online anywhere?

 

Also, didn't see this posted yet. PD editorial about the fare machine debacle: http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/01/rta_stuck_with_bad_ticket_mach.html

PD reports on Red Line overhaul today

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/01/rta_red_line_trains_to_get_a_w.html

 

The time for friendly handshake agreements is well passed.  RTA should take Xerox to court.

PD reports on Red Line overhaul today

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/01/rta_red_line_trains_to_get_a_w.html

 

The time for friendly handshake agreements is well passed.  RTA should take Xerox to court.

 

On the phone so can't double check for facts but IIRC, hasn't RTA paid $2 million out of the $10 million deal? If so can't they sue Xerox for not following the requirements of the bid, stainless steel, and then run. Buy completly new machines from a different vendor. Why sink any more money/time in these current machines.

^According to the editorial, RTA has withheld $2M (implying they have paid $8M) and has assessed $1.8M in fees (who knows under what contractual authority).  I understand RTA's reluctance to litigate, but this has gotten ridiculous.  At the very least, I hope the reputation of this Xerox subsidiary is ruined in the industry now.

PD reports on Red Line overhaul today

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/01/rta_red_line_trains_to_get_a_w.html

 

The redesign was based on feedback from customers and RTA's Citizens Advisory Board.

 

That board is still pushing for some design tweaks. Members would like to see clearly marked areas for luggage and bikes, along with a bike rack, said board member John McGovern.

 

The advisory board pushed for seating parallel to walls, rather than row seating, but was told the change would be too expensive, McGovern said.

 

 

John Mc GOV ern...that name sounds familiar ha ha.