I am pretty sure they're replacing the windows (or at least the lexan coating) as needed.

Baltimore's cars have been rehabbed!?!  I was in Baltimore in June 2012 and rode it from State Center to Shot Tower. The screen telling which stop was next was malfunctioning and there were no overhead announcements or even maps to compare with in the car. I would've been screwed if I didn't have someone else in the car to let me know which stop we were at.

I too, am disappointed for the long timeframe.  Baltimore's Metro cars, which are roughly contemporary with the current Red Line cars, have been rehabbed for nearly a decade...

 

Meanwhile, I sure hope we don't have to wait for the total rehab of cars in order to get those gunky/foggy, shredded insulation windows on the Red Line replaced.  There are Red Line cars in service whose entire bank of windows are is foggy that everything seen through them outside is a blur...  RTA, pre-car rehab, has smoothed out rapid transit wheels with (according to KJP) and new lathe, and the positive effect on ride quality has been tremendous.  Can we similarly get those awful Red Line windows replaced Jerry?  JetDog?

 

As KJP mentioned, the windows are being replaced already. I've been on a number of trains with crystal-clear windows recently. YMMV

 

Your other statement perplexes me a bit. You complain about the length of time the mid-life rehab will take, then mention that Baltimore's cars were upgraded about a decade ago - comparing duration to time of occurrence. One point to note - Baltimore's upgrade, which likely was NOT a true mid-life rehab (since their cars only began service in 1983, with the full system build-out being completed in 1995), took from 2002-2005, a period of 3+ years. By that standard, another 2 years to complete our work doesn't seem out of line. Remember, rehabs of this type involve physically transporting the HRVs to an off-site location for teardown and rebuild.

^Glad about the window replacements... Yes, some are clear, while others..., well.  Glad their all being replaced.

 

I rode Balto's HRVs about 7-8 years ago, and they clearly had been updated/upgraded since I lived in the DC area when they were still new in the early 90s... The updates had new upholstery, GPS-activated audio and, IIRC, digital display of station stops.... I'm not complaining about the time needed to rehab; I just thought it had been announced before... actually I don't have a real problem with the current cars so long as their clean, the ride is good (which I noted has been excellent generally of late) and you can see out the windows.

 

This is a good read. "Why Denver said NO to natural-gas buses."

 

http://www.ngtnews.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.9079

This is a good read. "Why Denver said NO to natural-gas buses."

 

http://www.ngtnews.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.9079

Aren't the RTA stations already equipped with CNG fueling stations from their last CNG run? (Although they probably need replacing) Isn't the infrastructure there and wouldn't that cause the cost Denver is facing to not be as high with RTA?

^ I think you mean "garages", not "stations." The Hayden garage is equipped with CNG fueling. But the fixed cost of upgrading a garage in not nearly as significant as the cost of maintaining a large fleet of buses that have a life span of 12 years of more. RTA is still examing its options. I just tossed this to the group because it is a good explanation of the issue.

Ride Report: 22 WB, Health Line EB, and Red Line WB.  Rode each of these Sunday, 9/8/2013, beginning around 5:15pm, starting and ending at West Park Station.  Overall an EXCELLENT experience, greatly exceeding my expectations.

 

The wait for the 22 was longish (it runs every half hour on Sundays and was a bit late, probably due to Browns traffic).  The ride in was fast and pleasant.  The driver did his best to get back on schedule, but did nothing overtly dangerous.

 

I had just missed a Health Line vehicle, but they run every 15 minutes on Sunday afternoon.  The next one showed up exactly on time, left exactly on time, and was very smooth.  Traffic light prioritization appears to have greatly improved since my previous ride.  The driver exceeded the posted automobile speed limit of 25mph (which I assume does not apply to the BRT vehicles, with their own signaling and dedicated lanes), but did nothing that felt or appeared unsafe.  There were minor delays around E. 55, E. 105, and the turn into Windermere Station.  Nonetheless the vehicle also arrived exactly on time, to the minute.  For the first time in my experience (maybe 8 trips total, but the previous was probably a year ago), this really does feel like true BRT and not just a slowish express bus.  Signal prioritization definitely makes a difference!

 

I noticed significant new and/or revitalized development along Euclid since my last trip that way, and some vacant lots where abandoned buildings had been.  (An improvement, but I'm looking forward to further ones . . . I think the Midtown neighborhod is coming along nicely, thanks in part to the HL.)

 

The Red Line trip back from Windermere was similarly pleasant, aside from one problem not of RTA's doing (a guy who passed out and could not be roused in spite of the operator's best efforts).  There was a shift change at East 55.  The train did leave and arrive on time, in spite of significant traffic earlier in the day from the Browns game.

 

I've complained in the past of sub-optimal RTA experiences.  This one, however, was great.  Kudos both to the RTA staff directly involved, as well as the many behind the scenes who all had to play their part as well.  Keep up the good work!

^ Your feedback is appreciated. It has been shared with RTA leaders.

Some updates from today's RTA board meeting...

 

"@GCRTA: The Trolleys keep rolling w/ more than 170,000 rides in August...99,000 on the E Line alone! That's up more than 50% from last year!"

 

Little Italy station contract OK (see RTA construction projects thread)

Megabus will stay at STJ transit ctr (see Ohio-Midwest intercity bus discussion)

^ I am glad to see that you are following us on Twitter. Going forward, we plan to tweet more from "breaking news" events.

^ I am glad to see that you are following us on Twitter. Going forward, we plan to tweet more from "breaking news" events.

 

Sounds good. @AllAboardOhio follows all of Ohio's transit agencies, and even some in other cities.

Red Line ridership down by about 8.5% is June 2013 compared to June 2012. Was this due to line closures?

As usual, ridership is a combined of many factors. June 2012 saw:

* An additional weekday

* The first full month of operation at the Horseshoe Casino

* Marine Week.

Thus ridership was VERY high in June 2012

 

June 2013 saw

* Red Line shutdowns due to ODOT construction.

* Two weeks where East Side Red Line riders used shuttle buses, because of Cedar-University Station construction.

 

As usual, ridership is a combined of many factors. June 2012 saw:

* An additional weekday

* The first full month of operation at the Horseshoe Casino

* Marine Week.

Thus ridership was VERY high in June 2012

 

June 2013 saw

* Red Line shutdowns due to ODOT construction.

* Two weeks where East Side Red Line riders used shuttle buses, because of Cedar-University Station construction.

 

 

Are the ridership summary reports posted somewhere on the website?  I looked at the board page and the media/news page, but it doesn't appear that any of the meeting handouts are online.  The monthly reports (provided in paper copy if you attend a board meeting in person) provide a good summary of what is going on, including the context of ridership, and should be available as a PDF somewhere to post.

^ PowerPoint presentations made at Board Committee meetings are linked to the press release summarizing the meeting, and sometimes to a Major Project page, if applicable. The Web site is a work in progress, and ridership reports may find a home, after other sections are completed.

ODOT's revenge again??

 

"@GCRTA: Sat 9/28, all EAST SIDE rail serv replaced w/ shuttle buses btwn Tower City & Windermere, Green Rd & Van Aken. Reg rail serv resumes Sun."

What's the status on the retaining wall situation downtown? I see it's still broken is their a plan to fix it soon?

A firm has been hired by Board resolution.

ODOT's revenge again??

 

"@GCRTA: Sat 9/28, all EAST SIDE rail serv replaced w/ shuttle buses btwn Tower City & Windermere, Green Rd & Van Aken. Reg rail serv resumes Sun."

 

I just saw this on Twitter and came here to ask what is going on with all of these "shut down 75% of the rail system" closures.  It's really annoying to feel like you can't rely on the rapid running on the weekends.

 

ODOT's revenge again??

 

"@GCRTA: Sat 9/28, all EAST SIDE rail serv replaced w/ shuttle buses btwn Tower City & Windermere, Green Rd & Van Aken. Reg rail serv resumes Sun."

 

I just saw this on Twitter and came here to ask what is going on with all of these "shut down 75% of the rail system" closures.  It's really annoying to feel like you can't rely on the rapid running on the weekends.

 

 

Do the operators still get paid for their shifts when ODOT shuts down the service?

ODOT's revenge again??

 

"@GCRTA: Sat 9/28, all EAST SIDE rail serv replaced w/ shuttle buses btwn Tower City & Windermere, Green Rd & Van Aken. Reg rail serv resumes Sun."

 

I just saw this on Twitter and came here to ask what is going on with all of these "shut down 75% of the rail system" closures.  It's really annoying to feel like you can't rely on the rapid running on the weekends.

 

 

This continues to rankle me.  With due respect to Jerry and JetDog, it still smacks of a cavalier, F-you attitude RTA management displays toward rail and rail riders…. I’ve seen bigger ODOT highway projects (note: I’m not talking about the entire Innerbelt bridge project, but just those much shorter/smaller bridges over the RTA tracks) where ODOT works entirely at night, sometimes over several nights.  I wonder whether RTA ever made a serious pitch to ODOT for a more agreeable timetable that would be less disruptive to rail service… Given the frequency of these rail closures, and the generally perceived  feeling management has toward rail, I don’t  think that doubt would be an unfair conclusion. 

ODOT's revenge again??

 

"@GCRTA: Sat 9/28, all EAST SIDE rail serv replaced w/ shuttle buses btwn Tower City & Windermere, Green Rd & Van Aken. Reg rail serv resumes Sun."

 

I just saw this on Twitter and came here to ask what is going on with all of these "shut down 75% of the rail system" closures.  It's really annoying to feel like you can't rely on the rapid running on the weekends.

 

 

This continues to rankle me.  With due respect to Jerry and JetDog, it still smacks of a cavalier, F-you attitude RTA management displays toward rail and rail riders…. I’ve seen bigger ODOT highway projects (note: I’m not talking about the entire Innerbelt bridge project, but just those much shorter/smaller bridges over the RTA tracks) where ODOT works entirely at night, sometimes over several nights.  I wonder whether RTA ever made a serious pitch to ODOT for a more agreeable timetable that would be less disruptive to rail service… Given the frequency of these rail closures, and the generally perceived  feeling management has toward rail, I don’t  think that doubt would be an unfair conclusion. 

 

It's the inevitable result of a captive audience.  If you want to take transit in Cuyahoga County, you have to take RTA.

 

I recall this sort of stuff happening during the 1980s when I regularly rode the rail lines.  It's nothing new.  Then, they didn't even bother posting notices at the stations.

A few Rapid pics......

 

 

 

And if I had taken the Waterfront Line instead of walking from Public Square, I might have jumped to the front of this long line into the stadium......

 

Once again, I was impressed with how RTA got people out of the game and onto trains very quickly.

 

On my way down to the game, a middle aged man sitting in front of me was going on and on to an older man he was sitting with about how the train was the best way to get to the game.  It's nice to see a lot of people using it to get there.

Once again, I was impressed with how RTA got people out of the game and onto trains very quickly.

 

 

My inbound train seemed to have some mechanical problems with it. It kept dumping air and locking up the air brakes every few minutes. We stopped probably 20 times from West 117th to Tower City. I was hoping this three-car train would be taken out of service and go back east to Central Rail, but we went into the pocket track at Tower City, suggesting it would turn back west to protect the schedule.

 

We weren't stopping because of traffic ahead of us. I waited for about 10 minutes at West 117th for this train, so we should have gotten clear signals all the way in.

The Browns and other big downtown events clearly shows that Clevelanders will turn to the trains if they perceivve a driving, parking hassle.  This hasn't changed for decades.

I have a question, I apologize if this doesn't belong here but KJP will know I'm sure:

I've always been curious. On blue or green trains approaching 55 or Tower City especially, why do they constantly jolt suddenly and several beeps come from the cabin? Is this like an automatic sensor triggered response or what?

I have a question, I apologize if this doesn't belong here but KJP will know I'm sure:

I've always been curious. On blue or green trains approaching 55 or Tower City especially, why do they constantly jolt suddenly and several beeps come from the cabin? Is this like an automatic sensor triggered response or what?

 

That's a cab signal which is tied in with the train's operating controls (called automatic train stop or ATS). All signaled rail lines are divided into "blocks" with signals protecting each block. When a train equipped with ATS enters a block with a yellow signal preceding it, the ATS will beep -- notifying the train's operator to slow the train. If he/she does not respond within a few seconds, then the train is stopped automatically. If a train enters a block protected by a red signal, the ATS will beep longer/more loudly, stop train and usually pretty quickly.

I have a question, I apologize if this doesn't belong here but KJP will know I'm sure:

I've always been curious. On blue or green trains approaching 55 or Tower City especially, why do they constantly jolt suddenly and several beeps come from the cabin? Is this like an automatic sensor triggered response or what?

 

That's a cab signal which is tied in with the train's operating controls (called automatic train stop or ATS). All signaled rail lines are divided into "blocks" with signals protecting each block. When a train equipped with ATS enters a block with a yellow signal preceding it, the ATS will beep -- notifying the train's operator to slow the train. If he/she does not respond within a few seconds, then the train is stopped automatically. If a train enters a block protected by a red signal, the ATS will beep longer/more loudly, stop train and usually pretty quickly.

 

While on this subject of signals and operations, what do the flashing lights facing northbound on the bridge over W117 indicate?  I thought it may mean a train is approaching to alert transfers from the buses, but they always seem to be flashing?

While on this subject of signals and operations, what do the flashing lights facing northbound on the bridge over W117 indicate?  I thought it may mean a train is approaching to alert transfers from the buses, but they always seem to be flashing?

 

I don't know. Your explanation sounds as rational as any! BTW, these lights exist at other stations.

I have a question, I apologize if this doesn't belong here but KJP will know I'm sure:

I've always been curious. On blue or green trains approaching 55 or Tower City especially, why do they constantly jolt suddenly and several beeps come from the cabin? Is this like an automatic sensor triggered response or what?

 

That's a cab signal which is tied in with the train's operating controls (called automatic train stop or ATS). All signaled rail lines are divided into "blocks" with signals protecting each block. When a train equipped with ATS enters a block with a yellow signal preceding it, the ATS will beep -- notifying the train's operator to slow the train. If he/she does not respond within a few seconds, then the train is stopped automatically. If a train enters a block protected by a red signal, the ATS will beep longer/more loudly, stop train and usually pretty quickly.

 

That's a good explanation... I see mrclifton's point, those cab signals can seem hyper sensitive at times.  They've always had some issues since RTA installed them in the late 80s.  And you'd think that new Blue/Green cars would have to come to a dead stop at E. 79, so driver's would have to use a skelton-like key to switch over from the new to old system that controls the eastern sections of these lines.

 

 

And if there's any question as to why we have so many safety mechanisms in place,yesterday's incident in Chicago speaks VOLUMES to that: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-two-cta-trains-crash-on-blue-line-in-forest-park-20130930,0,1375440.story

And if there's any question as to why we have so many safety mechanisms in place,yesterday's incident in Chicago speaks VOLUMES to that: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-two-cta-trains-crash-on-blue-line-in-forest-park-20130930,0,1375440.story

 

That's one reason. There are reports that this "ghost train" may have been hijacked. But moreso, GCRTA safety systems are a good backup to the everyday imperfections of the human being.

I wouldn't make light of a possible terrorist attack for RTA brownie points, Jet.

I wouldn't make light of a possible terrorist attack for RTA brownie points, Jet.

 

Whoa! No one said terrorism. There have been other times in the past when trains in NYC and other cities were "hijacked" out of a yard by kids on a dare. Is that what happened here? No one yet knows why this CTA train collided with another. There are a million possibilities that could explain why this may have happened. Point is, this incident probably would not have happened if that section of track was equipped with ATS. That's all JeTDoG is saying.

^Yeah...where the hell did that come from.  I did not read that post as making light of anything.

Chicago radio was reporting that yesterday, at least there were/are concerns of it.

I wouldn't make light of a possible terrorist attack for RTA brownie points, Jet.

 

Excuse me? You're not new around here, so I'm going to chalk up that comment to a momentary lapse of reason. Anyone who knows me knows that I am DEADLY serious when it comes to transit safety.

I saw your post as trying score pro-RTA brownie points, which in themselves are a response to some recent bad PR for safety-related delays, by bringing up yesterday's tragedy (and presumably Chicago's lack of safety mechanisms). I didn't care for the comparison when it's looking like this was intentional and not really a mechanical matter.

 

If I misread your point, that's a lapse on my end.

I saw your post as trying score pro-RTA brownie points, which in themselves are a response to some recent bad PR for safety-related delays, by bringing up yesterday's tragedy (and presumably Chicago's lack of safety mechanisms). I didn't care for the comparison when it's looking like this was intentional and not really a mechanical matter.

 

If I misread your point, that's a lapse on my end.

 

Your presumption was your failing. The article clearly stated the NUMEROUS safety mechanisms CTA had in place, and is at a loss to explain how they ALL failed. I sympathize with them, because a situation like this, where you've done all that you seemingly can do and tragedy is still the end result, leaves one dumbfounded.

 

It is my sincere hope that their investigation roots out the ultimate cause, and that reasonable steps are taken to prevent such an event from recurring.

And with that, we move on.

I've noticed, of late, that RTA cops have all but disappeared from stations (other than TC) and Red Line cars.  Why is that?  About 6 months ago, they were everywhere, including on every Red Line run.  So what happened?  Was RTA only making a public display after the convictions of those thugs that beat the young man on the Red Line -- which was graphically filmed by surveillance cameras and played on all the news stations?  Down here in Miami where I'm vacationing currently, there are several transit cops at each Metrorail station.  Yes, Metrorail carries considerably more people than the Red Line and, so, there is no POP like on the Red Line and each Metrorail station is staffed by a guard (carrying heat)... this despite the fact that, like the DC Metro, Miami-Dade's rail system has fully automated fare collection with swipe cards – it’s 10 times better than when I’ve ridden Metrorail before ... the guards, much like station personnel in DC, are mainly there to help riders with the card vending machines (and trust me when I tell you, these puppies are every bit as confusing, if not more so, than RTA’s before the recent simplification by RTA ... But often there are 2 or 3 guards patrolling  Miami stations and platforms, including the outstanding Brickell Metrorail/Metro Mover interchange station in the heart of the highly dense, restaurant/retail/condo highrise area, Brickell – btw, this area should be a national  TOD model.

 

So Jerry or JetDog, can you tell me what's going on with RTA security?  The comfort level is so much higher when these guys are patrolling stations and cars.  And once again, the only place where I see them usually, is hanging out around Tower City, which is a busy yet very controlled and safe-seeming environment.

 

I see them everyday at the w65th station.

I've noticed, of late, that RTA cops have all but disappeared from stations (other than TC) and Red Line cars.  Why is that?  About 6 months ago, they were everywhere, including on every Red Line run.  So what happened?  Was RTA only making a public display after the convictions of those thugs that beat the young man on the Red Line -- which was graphically filmed by surveillance cameras and played on all the news stations? 

 

Assuming your experience is accurate, I think we have a winner.  W. 65th is a higher profile station due to growth in that area, along with W. 25th. 

 

I noticed this even during my Red Line days during the mid 80s.  E. 34th and E. 55th had no securirty, and probably needed it more than Tower City.

I see them everyday at the w65th station.

 

That's a good thing.  I just know in my recent jaunts back n forth to W. 25, including after-dinner Ohio City trips back to TC and the East Side, RTA cops have been about as visible as Sasquatch.

Fire at substation shuts down Red Line east of downtown during rush hour and 3 hours before Indians playoff game

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/21592

Fire at substation shuts down Red Line east of downtown during rush hour and 3 hours before Indians playoff game

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/21592

 

A chance to shine and establish themselves as a viable option, and instead stereotypes are reinforced.

Fire at substation shuts down Red Line east of downtown during rush hour and 3 hours before Indians playoff game

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/21592

 

A chance to shine and establish themselves as a viable option, and instead stereotypes are reinforced.

 

Which stereotype, the one that says when you drop a CEI power line onto the overhead catenary, you'll get a power surge that will cause equipment damage, and possibly a fire? Yes, that's true.

Not

Fire at substation shuts down Red Line east of downtown during rush hour and 3 hours before Indians playoff game

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/21592

 

A chance to shine and establish themselves as a viable option, and instead stereotypes are reinforced.

 

I'm not seeing how this is supposed to be RTA's fault.