Q. Return of the Van Aken Express trains? 

A. Local to Van Aken to Shaker Square, then non-stop to Tower City in either direction. Added convenience for some riders would be outweighed by inconvenience to riders at stops that would be bypassed by express trains.

What information is he using?  Since this service was discontinued when the line was rehabbed

Also given the train spacing and the high frequency of trains (i.e. during rush hour), any "express" would probably catch up and be slowed by the non-express train in front of it.

 

Q. Return of the "Square to Square" Service.

A. Not sure what you mean by that.

Back in the day, there was service that ran only between Public Square and Shaker Square.  The train would turn around in the loop on the square and head right back downtown.

 

aren't you answering your own question here?

1) lack of a loop

2) lack of extra tracks (see also previous answer, if you want express service, you're going to need your own tracks)

 

a) not sure how spacing/scheduling played a roll, but they did it in the past, and more trains per hour than now.  When the line was rehabbed, trains left Shaker square, in either direction every 10 minutes - 4/6 minutes during rush). 

 

Taking a note out of Clvnldr's playbook.  :wink2:

Not all trains ran express.  But every train was designated "local" or "express", until right around '78/'79 when the colors "green" & "blue" were introduced and Terminal was replaced with "downtown", etc.  If my memory serves me correct, a one car "train" was scheduled -  one Shaker and two (Moreland) Van Aken line trains an hour to run express.  Honestly that number could be wrong, since I don't know the schedule. 

 

Example:

If the train was running express eastbound, the train would stop at every stop Terminal Tower (it wasn't TowerCity back then) to Shaker Square, then Express to Warrensville on both lines.  The only stops between Shaker Square and Warrensville on the Van Aken were Drexmore and Lee Rd.  If it was a Shaker train, from shaker square east the train would stop at Lee and Warrensville then the last three stops Belvoir, W. Green & Green.

 

B)Ahh, Pope, you ride the Green line train, and what I'm going to say next, should be visible to even, your self described lazy a$$  :wink: :wink:.  The loop was eliminated when the line was rehabbed and "moved/replaced" with a stub track between Van Aken and Coventry, (see picture below) where the "then new" LRV trains changed direction.  A year or two later, a second cross over was built just to the west of the Shaker Square station.

 

God I'm old!

aren't you answering your own question here?

1) lack of a loop

2) lack of extra tracks (see also previous answer, if you want express service, you're going to need your own tracks)

 

See the picture MTS posted earlier (what the heck, I'll post it below). There is a pocket track between Shaker Square and Coventry where Downtown-Shaker Square trains can stop, reverse direction and had back downtown. Not saying I agree with the idea, just that the infrastructure allows it...

 

yes, but there is only two separate lines of track between the Coventry Cut and E. 79th. And the E 79th section only runs down to e. 55th.

 

When trains are running West of Shaker every five minutes during rush hour I don't see where these phantom express trains are going gain any real time on the current scenario.

 

Car spacing is releveant because the trains can only get so close to eachother (200ft?) and with no alternate to pass the non-express trains, you're going to be stuck behind them.

as i suspected the inside of euc brt bus looks exactly like any other articulated bus. meh. the platforms are pretty cool tho.

 

you were expecting maybe marble floors and maple wainscoting, or just gold-plated grab rails? </snark>  :-D

 

i expected what i was sold, that this is the silver line, which i take in relation to the local red, blue, etc. rapid lines. however, what i see in reality is the same old generic artic bus you see in every major city. it's the emporer's new clothes. you can go see one in action in pittsburgh if you like, they are the closest place that has them. i ride'm every day so i think i know them pretty well!

 

it seems the dedicated lanes will be the big deal with it --- it sure ain't the vehicle.

 

 

i can beat it -- i do the same train/bus thing to the airport for $2 where i live  :wink:

 

 

Dude, you're on crack if you think that's really the "same thing".  But for one-way trips, I agree you can't beat the value of MTA's free tranfer.

 

 

i think you're on crack for mis-quoting me!

 

seriously, i dont see where there is a difference in a train/bus ride to or from the airport in one city or another. its just cheaper to do in ny than cle....at the moment anyway.

 

heck, i can even easily get to the newark airport via rail/bus for $2.75. not bad.

 

With all due respect -- as I respect and much appreciate your input -- I couldn't agree less with your philosophy on this. 

 

It's not my "philosophy"...I was just explaining some things to you from an historical perspective...."here is what happened and why."

 

Sorry, Jerry, I should have clarified I meant Joe C's philosophy instead of yours... didn't mean to shoot the messenger.   :wink:

Speaking of free transfers, one of the biggest "downgrades" in customer service and convenience in recent years has been the ability to transfer on a one-way trip without purchasing a daily pass or having a multi-ride card.  On days where scheduling creates a conflict for me or my wife (we usually carpool) and one of us takes the bus home, we have to pay twice ($3.00): once in University Circle and once at Public Square, or purchase a daily unlimited ($3.50).  When they had the old tear-off transfers, you didn't have to do this.  I'd love to be able to purchase a multi-ride card at a station nearby, but they're hard to find and not exactly convenient to where we're located.  Not sure if this will be remedied at all as proof-of-payment systems are put in play.

 

You can buy a 5-trip farecard with transfer privilege built into each trip. These are available from the RTA Web site and many retail outlets.

i think you're on crack for mis-quoting me!

 

seriously, i dont see where there is a difference in a train/bus ride to or from the airport in one city or another. its just cheaper to do in ny than cle....at the moment anyway.

 

heck, i can even easily get to the newark airport via rail/bus for $2.75. not bad.

 

 

I totally agree there are some doable and very cheap public transit routes to NYC area airports.  I guess I just strongly disagree that they come close to matching the speed, efficiency and convenience of direct rail access, be it in Cleveland or in any other city with frequent rail- that's a big difference in my book.  Geez, I thought there was consensus among NY residents that airport access here is the pits (I want that lower manhattan JFK rail link!), but I'm happy to be corrected.

 

As for the Silver Line fleet: I guess there's only so much you can do with a bus, but operationally, in addition to the bus-only lanes, the low platforms (still a novelty here in NYC) and the POP system, which will allow boarding from all open doors, not just the front door, should lead to performance considerably better than most simple bus lines.

 

I would definitely have preferred rail, but to me, the biggest thing we're going to miss out on by not doing the dual hub is the direct connectivity to the west side.  A one seat ride from the airport and high volume western red line stations to CSU, Midtown and and Clinic would have been huge.  :(

Well I have the best situation, I can get to LaGuardia via the bus - no transfers! 

 

Now take that you lower manhattanites!

^Yeah, I was gonna mention that Harlem, Newark and Astoria residents are probably just fine with the current situation, even if most of us downtowners aren't.  I dunno though, from my SO's place on the UES, a cab to LGA costs only 20 bucks and (with no traffic) takes only 20 mins- that to me is a pretty sweet deal.

 

OK, no more airport transit stuff here from me, only RTA...

You can buy a 5-trip farecard with transfer privilege built into each trip. These are available from the RTA Web site and many retail outlets.

 

I know, but when you haven't planned your trip that far in advance, it would be nice to have that option either at the station or on the bus.  If the stations are getting new equipment, that problem will be solved (I would hope).  I don't know if the buses are limited, but I would imagine that if they can dispense an all-day card that the could dispense a card with a transfer built-in.  They used to anyway!

Does RTA plan to put any signage on top of the platform at W. 117th? 

 

The October Rider's Digest contains this story:

 

The new RTA Red Line rail station – Highland Square at West 117th Street – will be formally dedicated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16.

 

The new name is a reference to a neighborhood name used in the 1800s. The station’s red brick exterior reflects nearby manufacturing plants, and keeps the flavor of the neighborhood. The design was a joint effort of staff from the Cudell Improvement Corp., and city officials from Cleveland and Lakewood.

 

A bus loop entrance was moved 250 feet away from the busy intersection, increasing safety. The improved bus loop offers riders an easy, convenient transfer point.

 

The $5.5 million project was 80 percent federally funded. It includes:

* Public art.

* A larger parking area with 170 spaces.

* Handicapped parking places and an ADA-compliant elevator.

* A more open and spacious tunnel.

* New canopies for passengers who need to walk from the station to waiting buses.

* An energy-efficient LED neon light, with the RTA graphic, on top of the station will stay lit all night.

* A heated waiting area for up to 50 persons on the platform level.

 

Design work is progressing on new rail stations at, Puritas, Woodhill, East 55th Street and University-Cedar Stations.

 

 

...about Shaker Square....why aren't the waiting areas and the tracks covered to provide more comfort?

 

Shaker Square waiting areas ARE covered. That's the open-space building on each side of the tracks with white arch windows and an elevator for the disabled. I do not believe any of our tracks are covered, other than for the tunnels at the Airport and Tower City.

What is the status of the CSU/East Side Transit Center?

 

I am told that RTA is close to finalizing an agreement with CSU. Once that is done, we will start to work with an architect.

Since RTA has been declared North America's best public transit system...will RTA be doing any marketing to draw more riders to the system?  With this ranking, I would suspect that RTA will be using every chance they get to lure new riders on to our bus and rail lines.

 

You are correct. We carry the title for one year, and you will see it used extensively in new and on-going marketing efforts.

What is the status of the CSU/East Side Transit Center?

 

I am told that RTA is close to finalizing an agreement with CSU. Once that is done, we will start to work with an architect.

 

On our end:

 

We are waiting for the different lawyers from CSU, State, City, and RTA to "speak" the same language and get T's crossed and I's dotted. We strongly believe groundbreaking will be next spring.

Jerry. You say you want suggestions....well here is one for "North America's best public transit system".

 

What is today?  An indians playoff game.

 

Why are there no media alerts asking ticket holders, fans, those wanting to be apart of the excitement throughout downtown to take public transporation?  Why is there no communication, other than the "fans tips" on RTA?  I haven't seen or heard a thing.

 

These are all easy to impliment suggestions

How about posting train/bus schedule informaton on the front page of RTAs website.

• A special indians playoff webpage
  
• Ask drivers to wear an Indians cap or pin.
  
• Get some old Greater Clevelanders to talk about traveling to a game "back in the day" and how energy of the ride  to the stadium is today as it compares to taking one of many Clevelands trolley's.
  
• Get some key indians players to give short testimonials on why using RTA cool & reliable.
  
• Get owners or some of their favorite patrons to give a brief testimonial as to why taking public transporation downtow (to their establishment) is smart, especially if you plan to party after.
   
  

 

As the Indians get deeper into the Playoffs

Put a temporary Indians logo on all buses trains that enter downtown.

 

As a Cleveland resident and a heavy user of the RTA rail system I do not want to roast you but suggest way and give solutions on how to make "the nations best transit system" even better.

 

Regarding tonight can you tell me if you're at least running two car trains after the game?  I'm pushing it but can I request 3 car blue and 2 car green line trains.  :laugh:hey...if you don't ask you don't know.

You are correct. We carry the title for one year, and you will see it used extensively in new and on-going marketing efforts.

 

RTA wasted no time getting the accolades on stickers and slapped on every bus. In fact, I saw one early Monday before the press conference!

Regarding tonight can you tell me if you're at least running two car trains after the game?  I'm pushing it but can I request 3 car blue and 2 car green line trains.  :laugh:hey...if you don't ask you don't know.

 

do many of the stations even "fit" three car trains?

Regarding tonight can you tell me if you're at least running two car trains after the game?  I'm pushing it but can I request 3 car blue and 2 car green line trains.   :laugh:hey...if you don't ask you don't know.

 

do many of the stations even "fit" three car trains?

 

YES or I wouldn't have suggested it.

Three-car LRT trains?  How would that work?  Even though Blue/Green line trains are double-ended, the individual cars themselves are single-ended with an open space at the back (unlike individual Red Line cars with a cab at each end).

 

If they did run three-car trains on the Blue/Green, wouldn't there need to be some kind of a "middle" car between the two cab cars?

^you have to have an operator in each car (well to collect money, and I believe to operate the doors)

^you have to have an operator in each car (well to collect money, and I believe to operate the doors)

 

Correct.  But w/ the new POP fare system, they won't need drivers on the rear car(s) -- Baltimore runs its Light Rail in this fashion.  I've read here that the current cars can't run w/ a single driver even w/ this change... I sure hope RTA rewires those cars to allow this-doesn't seem like rocket science... I'm reeeeallly tired of seeing RTA forcing 1-car trains on crowds during big events.  It's borderline unsafe -- drivers have told me that -- and I can't believe their saving that much $$$$.

^you have to have an operator in each car (well to collect money, and I believe to operate the doors)

 

Correct.  But w/ the new POP fare system, they won't need drivers on the rear car(s) -- Baltimore runs its Light Rail in this fashion.  I've read here that the current cars can't run w/ a single driver even w/ this change... I sure hope RTA rewires those cars to allow this-doesn't seem like rocket science... I'm reeeeallly tired of seeing RTA forcing 1-car trains on crowds during big events.  It's borderline unsafe -- drivers have told me that -- and I can't believe their saving that much $$$$.

 

However, it still wont work on the Shaker line.  If the driver in the first car opens the door all the people (going eastbound) will just get on the car (s) without a driver and therfore not pay.

Here is a suggestion for "North America's best public transit system". What is today?  An indians playoff game. Why are there no media alerts asking ticket holders, fans, those wanting to be apart of the excitement throughout downtown to take public transporation?  Why is there no communication, other than the "fans tips" on RTA?  I haven't seen or heard a thing.

 

1. We worked with the Tribe head office to coordinate transit PR for Thursday and Friday.

 

2. Tribe VP Bob DiBiasio has appeared on most major radio stations -- AM talk shows -- talking Tribe and always mentioning to take RTA.

 

3. RTA's Chad Self was interviewed by TV-5, with maps showing where major parking lots are along the Rapid. Stories appeared on Tuesday and Wednesday

 

4. Chad Self was also interviewed by TV-19 on the best way for riders to get downtown. Rick Abel has mentioned it on every helicopter segment Thursday evening.

 

5. We have left transit info at all major hotels, to share with guests.

 

6. The downtown trolleys have signage promoting the games.

 

7. And, there is a press release on our Web site.

 

Please know that although the playoffs are new, RTA and baseball fans have already lived through 81 home games. Most fans who plan to use RTA have already used RTA. The Puritas lot was pretty full Thursday night...so fans were getting the message.

 

Thanks for asking.

 

 

Fox 8 gave an RTA shout-out this morning.

"Why are there no media alerts asking ticket holders, fans, those wanting to be apart of the excitement throughout downtown to take public transporation?  Why is there no communication, other than the "fans tips" on RTA?  I haven't seen or heard a thing."

 

Given Jerry's reply (and cle2032's follow-up), I think you owe him and the staff of RTA an apology. Asking "what media alerts or communication is going on in conjunction with the games?" would have been a lot less accusatory. Sorry - that kind of baseless b!tching is a major pet peeve with me, and the only thing it accomplishes is the perpetuation of misinformation.

I heard a rep (could've been DiBiasio) on AM 1100 this morning during rush hour, hyping up the events, but also reminding people to use common sense during these beautiful playoff days.  One of his pieces of advice, considering that the game will start at 5:00 tonight when most office workers are still downtown, was to ride RTA!  I'm always glad to hear non-RTA people giving that advice.

http://www.apta.com/media/releases/070104_ridership_increases.cfm

 

APTA has released national ridership figures for the first six months of 2007.

I also heard WTAM suggest people take RTA during any sports update or news on the games the past two days.... many, many times.

Today, I explored other threads on the Forum, and saw many of the same names. Some input on former topics:

 

1. The cost of building the Waterfront Line was $55 million for $2.2 miles. There is a LOT of misinformation out there on that one.

 

2. Someone asked: why doesn't RTA just "run more buses." Please consider the makeup of the operating fund -- approx 70 percent from a poorly performing one percent countywide sales tax, 20 percent from the farebox, and 10 percent from misc. sources -- including transit advertising, investments and limited state and federal funds. Speaking in private-sector terms, RTA loses money on every transit trip. That is why it is imperative that RTA monitor ridership on every route. The goal is to reduce sections of routes that perform poorly, so we can increase service on those routes that have more riders.

 

3. Assume that there is no "new money" or "extra money". If RTA wants to expand service in Parma, we have to reduce service in Euclid. That is a harsh reality.

 

As I write this, I am getting word that our parking lots at Puritas and West 117th are full, and Transit Police are directing Tribe fans to park at Brookpark, Triskett and West Park.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

 

Although I am a big proponent of public transit, I am not a regular user.  On my last (quite a while ago) attempt, I was very frustrated that the bus was not on time (about fifteen minutes late arriving at my stop in Cleveland Heights heading downtown).  If I could count on the bus arriving at the same time every day (within two minutes), I might try again.

 

I could not find the information on the RTA website -- what is the on-time performance of various routes?  I imagine that the rail lines have much better on-time performance because they don't generally share their right-of-way with other vehicles.  What is RTA doing to improve on-time performance for the bus routes? 

 

I am curious as to how well the new signals will affect performance on Euclid.  I don't think we'll really know until it is up and running, but the signal transponders that control/hurry the signals for the buses should help.  Will the non-Euclid-Corridor-dedicated buses with routes down Euclid also have signal transponders?

 

Thanks

 

 

Although I am a big proponent of public transit, I am not a regular user.  On my last (quite a while ago) attempt, I was very frustrated that the bus was not on time (about fifteen minutes late arriving at my stop in Cleveland Heights heading downtown).  If I could count on the bus arriving at the same time every day (within two minutes), I might try again.

 

a perfectly valid criticism... but don't let that deter you, the on-time performance can and does vary by route, time of day, day of week, etc...

 

I could not find the information on the RTA website -- what is the on-time performance of various routes?  I imagine that the rail lines have much better on-time performance because they don't generally share their right-of-way with other vehicles.  What is RTA doing to improve on-time performance for the bus routes?

 

if you look here: http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_reportcard.asp, you'll find the "report cards" for various time periods, and while they are not broken down by route or mode, they do include on-time statistics; unfortunately, this year has experienced a downturn, as the first six months declined from 82% to 73% on-time, but that may also be attributed to the increased construction...

 

I am curious as to how well the new signals will affect performance on Euclid.  I don't think we'll really know until it is up and running, but the signal transponders that control/hurry the signals for the buses should help.  Will the non-Euclid-Corridor-dedicated buses with routes down Euclid also have signal transponders?

 

Thanks

 

to the best of my knowledge, once Euclid Corridor is fully functional, all other buses will be moved onto parallel streets, i.e., the Silver Line and the E Line Trolley will be the only vehicles directly servicing Euclid Avenue....

I heard a rep (could've been DiBiasio) on AM 1100 this morning during rush hour, hyping up the events, but also reminding people to use common sense during these beautiful playoff days.  One of his pieces of advice, considering that the game will start at 5:00 tonight when most office workers are still downtown, was to ride RTA!  I'm always glad to hear non-RTA people giving that advice.

 

From the aerial shots of the Jake on Friday night, looks like there were empty parking spaces on the top level of the main Gateway parking garage, so I'm guessing folks got the message.

Congrats Jerry,

 

RTA's national award, at the very least, is causing current non-riders a reason to give RTA a 2nd look.  I know I've heard a buzz about it among friends, family and coworkers.

I imagine that the rail lines have much better on-time performance because they don't generally share their right-of-way with other vehicles.  What is RTA doing to improve on-time performance for the bus routes? 

 

You are correct that rail lines generally have a greater on-time performance than buses, because of the dedicated right-of-way and off-board fare collection -- two features that you will see when the Euclid Corridor is fully operational.

 

In early November, RTA expects to re-open Euclid Avenue from East 17th to East 55th, with passengers boarding on the center median strip. This will not have all the "bells and whistles" of the final BRT product, so judges, please do not mark your ballots.

 

All buses (all routes) will stop at all stations. When the project is complete, most routes will stop at the East Side Transit Center at CSU.

 

About the rail...some operators are proud of their on-time performance. I take the Red Line in from Puritas each day, and the operator reports on the PA system what is the scheduled arrival time vs the real time of arrival. She's almost always "on the money."

 

RTA's national award, at the very least, is causing current non-riders a reason to give RTA a 2nd look. I know I've heard a buzz about it among friends, family and coworkers.

 

Thanks. To respond to an earlier question..."How do I market thee?...let me count the ways."

 

1. Banners on Main Office Building, Tower City Station, West 117th Street Station, Windermere Station.

 

2. Interior and exterior signs on all rail cars, buses and trolleys.

 

3. Signs on kiosks along Euclid Avenue. The first one is at East 40th and Euclid Ave.

 

4. All employees are encouraged to wear stickers and/or pins.

 

5. A special letterhead has been created.

 

6. Some of us have added the award to our e-mail sig files.

 

7. All RTA publications for various audiences refer to the award.

 

8. And of course, there is news on the Web site.

 

FYI, the award is being formally presented at noon today in Charlotte.

I took the RTA Blue downtown for the Indians game on Friday.  I must say, i really enjoyed a relaxing ride to town for $1.75 versus wrestling with traffic to find a parking space for at least $10. 

 

I live in Parma but drive to the Brookpark station, catch the Red to Tower City and then the Blue to Van Aken/Warrensville with a two minute walk to my building.  I'll take an extra 15minutes of travel time vs. dealing with the clogged up river that is I-480.

 

Just mentioning a few pluses I've come to appreciate with riding the RTA  :-)

The October Rider's Digest has been posted on the Web site, with stories on the APTA award, Euclid Corridor safety, the opening of the West 117th Street Station, and other great news items.

 

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/RidersDigest/Oct-07-RD.pdf

 

One of our publications is called "Inside RTA." It is a short summary of recent news for a target audience of elected officials and community leaders. You may find it interesting.

 

http://www.riderta.com/PDF/InsideRTA/Insider_10-07.pdf

I must say, i really enjoyed a relaxing ride to town for $1.75 versus wrestling with traffic to find a parking space for at least $10. 

 

Many thanks. Just don't get so relaxed that you miss your stop...as I sometimes do.

It's a good time to be RTA, for sure!

 

Out of curiosity, how are artists selected for public art installations as a component of RTA's percent for art program? How are calls for artists publicized to the artistic community? What are the credentials of the individuals reviewing artists' submissions for designs (for the murals at the W. 117th St. station, for instance)? Are artists engaged in the initial planning process (making sure that the aesthetics and functions of art projects match the aesthetics and functions of a transit improvement from its inception? Is there a body at RTA that oversees expenditures on public art to ensure a) a transparent selection process for the selection of artists and b) that set-aside funding for public art is fully expended?

 

I have a feeling that the Arts in Transit Committee played a large role in these activities at one point, but for some reason, I feel like that group has been less highly visible over the last couple of years and the public calls for artists have been less frequent, despite what seems to be increasing investment in public art by RTA.

/\ http://www.riderta.com/ar_organization-art.asp

 

This link will point you to important background info on the Arts in Transit Committee. Any group that is made up of individuals has ups and downs in its energy level. There have been some changes on the committee, and recently, a new staff liasion was named. (The previous staffer married and accepted a position in Chicago).

 

The Arts in Transit program has many supporters at RTA. From General Manager Joe Calabrese to various Board members, to new staff liaison (and chief planner) Maribeth Feke, to John Goodworth, who has been the project manager on many rail stations. I have seen the public art plans for Puritas, and they are very unique.

 

When there is a call for artists, it is in everybody's best interests to get as much participation as possible. If you are an artist and want to make sure you hear about the calls, let us know.

 

JMasek,

 

Can you explain the security cameras?

 

Like,

 

Who is watching them?

Has RTA noticed a difference in crime? (if that was their intent)

Who decides where they go?

Why does the LRT platform at E.55th have them and not the HRT Platform?

How many are in use? Locations?

Full build out of the system?

Tied into the Trolley (E&B-Line) camera system?

And any other question that you think might come up related to them...(no, I'm not anti-surveillance)

Case #8,206 of how completely ignorant *certain* local journalists can be  :roll:

 

Feel free to comment at the following link:

http://blogs.clevescene.com/cnotes/2007/10/clevelands_best_public_transpo.php

 

Cleveland's Best Public Transportation System Ever Is Flawed After All

Tue Oct 09, 2007 at 10:12:31 AM

 

A funny thing happened on my lunch break yesterday. I was walking along the riverfront, near the Settler’s Landing RTA station, when I came across a strange creature. A tourist—backpack, sneakers, glasses and all—stopped and asked me for directions. He didn’t really know where he was going. He just wanted to get on a train and go somewhere.

 

........

 

Here in the Paris of the Rust Belt, that’s apparently the best we can do. -- Lisa Rab

 

Or catch a bus you f-ing idiot, you know this big long thingies that say, "RTA" on the side and aren't affixed to a track?

The closest RTA stop to Tremont is at West 25th Street, not exactly a short jaunt from Lincoln Park.

 

the closest rail stop might be w25, but tremont is well served by the 81 and the circulator.  the 81 even starts and stops downtown.

 

she should have told him to use www.riderta.com and the trip planner (from the library if need be) or the stop in the visitors center on public square.

What a waste of keystrokes that entire article was. She wrote an article advertising she didn't know anything. Why would anyone do something like that???

Oh, Lisa Rab, you silly goose ...

 

I was walking along the riverfront, near the Settler's Landing RTA station, when I came across a strange creature. A tourist - backpack, sneakers, glasses and all - stopped and asked me for directions.

 

Hmmmm ... already your tenor of disbelief has qualified you as a strong hometown ambassador for Cleveland. I can't wait to see how you're going to advise him. If only he could have been fortunate enough to bump into civic boosters Dick Feagler and Regina Brett, too ... alas, they were probably jetting down the freeway toward suburban bliss.

 

Plenty of people have come to visit me in this great town, and I've never run out of places to show them (at least not in a 48-hour period). I started running down the list: He'd been to the Rock Hall, University Circle, Little Italy, Coventry (or, as he called it, "Something Heights").

 

How enthralling for your 48-hour guests ... you've managed to locate 4 whole activities for them (6 if you count our "unimpressive" downtown and the West Side Market) over a two-day period. It's non-stop action when people take the Rab Tour.

 

He wasn't hungry, so the West Side Market was out.

 

Interestingly, people sometimes visit the West Side Market even when they're not ravenous. Oh, and as a note, Lisa. See those buildings running down W. 25th and Fulton and Bridge, etc.? Those establishments are businesses ... in close proximity to the Ohio City rapid station ... and strangely enough, some of them sell items other than food.

 

Neighborhoods. We have plenty of those, right? But were there any, besides those he’d already seen, that he could walk around? Or find on a train?

 

Hmm ... well, by my count, there are 44 rapid stops (which will relatively soon be supplemented with a nice collection of BRT stops, as well). Now, I wouldn't throw tourists down just anywhere in that mix, but the EcoVillage station seems worthwhile ... if he's already got his backpack on, a stroll through the Eco Village, Gordon Square, Battery Park and across to Edgewater would be a nice jaunt. But if you don't want him to actually walk around (even though he indicated he'd like to), what about Shaker Square?! Train accessible and perfectly walkable; also one of Cleveland's most aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods. Not to mention that he could, as others have mentioned, hop a bus to Tremont ... or Asiatown ... or Edgewater ... in about the same amount of time as most train trips.

 

My first thought was Tremont. Great neighborhood, art galleries, coffee shops and a cute little park. He'd love it. And it passes for a place where people actually live.

 

No, Tremont is a place where people do live. North Royalton is a place that passes for a place where people actually live. 

 

I had no idea what to tell the poor guy. He seemed to have Cleveland confused with a functioning, walkable city.

 

... or a city where he could interact with someone who wasn't dripping with the snide, self-congratulatory defeatism of a PD writer. Poor guy. But kudos on giving him a taste of something unique to Cleveland ... exposure to a pathos that nothing is ever good enough, even when the American Public Transportation Association says otherwise. Keep up the good work, and keep spreading the love.

 

She's not even with the PD... she's with Scene - I think even Sam Miller told one of their staff to "get a job with a real paper!" :lol:

From the comments after, it looks like other people are pointing out how flawed she is..  I think she'll be sorry she didnt put more thought into this.