On 10/23/2023 at 9:20 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

AAO Northeast Ohio Chapter event: Cleveland RTA Rail Maintenance Facility Tour

Friday, Dec 01, 2:30 PM

East 55th Station - Red Line Platform

(For drivers: 6200 Grand Ave, Cleveland, OH 44104, USA)

Join the Northeast Ohio Chapter of AAO for an educational event on Friday, December 1, 2023! RTA will provide a tour of the rail maintenance facility near the East 55th station, then they will deliver a presentation on the future rail fleet (the Siemens S200 high floor, light rail vehicle), followed by an open Question and Answer session with RTA staff. The event in the maintenance facility will go from 3pm to approximately 4:30. (The maintenance facility tour has some optional portions that require climbing steps.)

Rail riders should meet at the East 55th station on the Red Line platform at 2:30pm. RTA staff will meet the group at 2:40 and walk them over to the maintenance facility. The walk is roughly one half mile and has several sets of steps. Alternatively, guests can drive to the event and use the RTA facility east gate at 6200 Grand Ave, Cleveland OH. (Take Opportunity Corridor to East 75th, turn north, immediately turn left on Grand Ave, take that to the end of the road, and then enter through the RTA gate. If the gate is closed, use the call box to gain access. Proceed to the Central Rail Maintenance Facility Parking, and then enter the building at the east door by the loading dock. Maintenance facility tour will start at 3pm.)

If you're curious - yes, kids are welcome to join. Sorry that the time isn't particularly conducive for that. I'm planning to bring my kids (11 and 9 years old).

Please register by November 28 so that we can give RTA an approximate headcount:

https://www.allaboardohio.org/event-details/cleveland-rta-rail-maintenance-facility-tour

 

Hey @Foraker @GISguy @Clefan14 @MyPhoneDead @Whipjacka @Cleburger  @NateWiz0206 @KJP @gildone @neony @ColDayMan

 

Quoting the above to put the Dec. 1 rail facility tour at the top of the page as an easy-to-find reminder. But here's the real reason why I'm posting....

 

GCRTA's board will vote Oct. 31 to increase the 2023 capital budget by $32 million (from $139 million to $171 million) so GCRTA can exercise the first of its options to increase the size of the railcar order. This option is for six additional light-rail vehicles (and spare parts).

I don’t have any news, but I am writing a paper for school on policies to improve RTA as an organization and their service. Does anyone have suggestions on where I can find data such as ridership numbers and frequency on average? 
 

@KJP

45 minutes ago, JB said:

I don’t have any news, but I am writing a paper for school on policies to improve RTA as an organization and their service. Does anyone have suggestions on where I can find data such as ridership numbers and frequency on average? 
 

@KJP

 

National Transit Database. Lots of great info.

6 hours ago, JB said:

I don’t have any news, but I am writing a paper for school on policies to improve RTA as an organization and their service. Does anyone have suggestions on where I can find data such as ridership numbers and frequency on average? 
 

@KJP

Check out their Annual Report too:

https://www.riderta.com/ACFR/2022

RTA Ridership Bouncing Back, But Still 33% Below Pre-Pandemic Numbers

By Maria Elena Scott

Wed, Nov 1, 2023 

 

"Following a historic drop in ridership and fare revenue during the pandemic, public transportation in Cleveland is bouncing back, though it still has a ways to go to return to pre-Covid normal.

 

...

 

From January to September in 2019, ridership totaled roughly 21 million. During the pandemic, those numbers saw a drastic decline, with just 10 million rides between January and September 2021. Last year, numbers began picking up, and the latest YTD ridership is more than 14 million, RTA reported.

 

Fare revenue has followed similar trends, according to RTA data. In 2019, year-to-date fare revenue was nearly $29 million, but subsequent years saw drops following declines in ridership. At this point in 2021, fare revenue was roughly $16 million–but it’s been on the uptick since then. So far in 2023, fare revenue is up to roughly $20 million."

 

https://www.clevescene.com/news/rta-ridership-bouncing-back-but-still-33-below-pre-pandemic-numbers-43041087

Anyone want a job at RTA?

Link: https://www.riderta.com/careers

On 10/23/2023 at 9:20 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

AAO Northeast Ohio Chapter event: Cleveland RTA Rail Maintenance Facility Tour

Friday, Dec 01, 2:30 PM

East 55th Station - Red Line Platform

(For drivers: 6200 Grand Ave, Cleveland, OH 44104, USA)

Join the Northeast Ohio Chapter of AAO for an educational event on Friday, December 1, 2023! RTA will provide a tour of the rail maintenance facility near the East 55th station, then they will deliver a presentation on the future rail fleet (the Siemens S200 high floor, light rail vehicle), followed by an open Question and Answer session with RTA staff. The event in the maintenance facility will go from 3pm to approximately 4:30. (The maintenance facility tour has some optional portions that require climbing steps.)

Rail riders should meet at the East 55th station on the Red Line platform at 2:30pm. RTA staff will meet the group at 2:40 and walk them over to the maintenance facility. The walk is roughly one half mile and has several sets of steps. Alternatively, guests can drive to the event and use the RTA facility east gate at 6200 Grand Ave, Cleveland OH. (Take Opportunity Corridor to East 75th, turn north, immediately turn left on Grand Ave, take that to the end of the road, and then enter through the RTA gate. If the gate is closed, use the call box to gain access. Proceed to the Central Rail Maintenance Facility Parking, and then enter the building at the east door by the loading dock. Maintenance facility tour will start at 3pm.)

If you're curious - yes, kids are welcome to join. Sorry that the time isn't particularly conducive for that. I'm planning to bring my kids (11 and 9 years old).

Please register by November 28 so that we can give RTA an approximate headcount:

https://www.allaboardohio.org/event-details/cleveland-rta-rail-maintenance-facility-tour

 

Hey @Foraker @GISguy @Clefan14 @MyPhoneDead @Whipjacka @Cleburger  @NateWiz0206 @KJP @gildone @neony @ColDayMan

Hi all - I’m really excited for the RTA rail maintenance facility tour and new rail car preview on December 1 (next Friday). Please register at the link in the quoted post (so that I can give RTA an idea of how many to expect). I will be hosting and it would be great to see many of you there!

It's very important that this the design of this cap not cut off the possibility bringing intercity passenger rail service back into Tower City:
https://neo-trans.blog/2023/11/25/plaza-sought-atop-ohio-city-red-line-station/

On 10/23/2023 at 9:20 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

AAO Northeast Ohio Chapter event: Cleveland RTA Rail Maintenance Facility Tour

Friday, Dec 01, 2:30 PM

East 55th Station - Red Line Platform

(For drivers: 6200 Grand Ave, Cleveland, OH 44104, USA)

Join the Northeast Ohio Chapter of AAO for an educational event on Friday, December 1, 2023! RTA will provide a tour of the rail maintenance facility near the East 55th station, then they will deliver a presentation on the future rail fleet (the Siemens S200 high floor, light rail vehicle), followed by an open Question and Answer session with RTA staff. The event in the maintenance facility will go from 3pm to approximately 4:30. (The maintenance facility tour has some optional portions that require climbing steps.)

Rail riders should meet at the East 55th station on the Red Line platform at 2:30pm. RTA staff will meet the group at 2:40 and walk them over to the maintenance facility. The walk is roughly one half mile and has several sets of steps. Alternatively, guests can drive to the event and use the RTA facility east gate at 6200 Grand Ave, Cleveland OH. (Take Opportunity Corridor to East 75th, turn north, immediately turn left on Grand Ave, take that to the end of the road, and then enter through the RTA gate. If the gate is closed, use the call box to gain access. Proceed to the Central Rail Maintenance Facility Parking, and then enter the building at the east door by the loading dock. Maintenance facility tour will start at 3pm.)

If you're curious - yes, kids are welcome to join. Sorry that the time isn't particularly conducive for that. I'm planning to bring my kids (11 and 9 years old).

Please register by November 28 so that we can give RTA an approximate headcount:

https://www.allaboardohio.org/event-details/cleveland-rta-rail-maintenance-facility-tour

 

Hey @Foraker @GISguy @Clefan14 @MyPhoneDead @Whipjacka @Cleburger  @NateWiz0206 @KJP @gildone @neony @ColDayMan

One last reminder - please register if you can join us this Friday for the RTA rail maintenance tour and future rail car preview. Link in original post.  @Foraker @Clefan14 @MyPhoneDead @Whipjacka @NateWiz0206 @ColDayMan

 

Thank you for registering @GISguy and @neony  !

Have to pick up my son from school at 3. Have a great tour.

11 hours ago, KJP said:

Have to pick up my son from school at 3. Have a great tour.

Seem like a good excuse to pick him up from school early and bring him along 😜

3 minutes ago, Cleburger said:

Seem like a good excuse to pick him up from school early and bring him along 😜

That’s my plan! 

12 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

One last reminder - please register if you can join us this Friday for the RTA rail maintenance tour and future rail car preview. Link in original post.  @Foraker @Clefan14 @MyPhoneDead @Whipjacka @NateWiz0206 @ColDayMan

 

Thank you for registering @GISguy and @neony  !

Sounds like a great tour and I would really like to go -- but The Day Job makes it difficult.... working on it.

It's days like today that continue to make me astounded that we actively choose to live so far away from the city center, making the personal car as the only mode of transportation, and in effect putting us in more severe danger of death just to get to our jobs or the grocery store, compared to transit like a subway (or our Rapid system if the RTA would get it's head out its butt).

On 10/23/2023 at 9:20 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

AAO Northeast Ohio Chapter event: Cleveland RTA Rail Maintenance Facility Tour

Friday, Dec 01, 2:30 PM

East 55th Station - Red Line Platform

(For drivers: 6200 Grand Ave, Cleveland, OH 44104, USA)

Join the Northeast Ohio Chapter of AAO for an educational event on Friday, December 1, 2023! RTA will provide a tour of the rail maintenance facility near the East 55th station, then they will deliver a presentation on the future rail fleet (the Siemens S200 high floor, light rail vehicle), followed by an open Question and Answer session with RTA staff. The event in the maintenance facility will go from 3pm to approximately 4:30. (The maintenance facility tour has some optional portions that require climbing steps.)

Rail riders should meet at the East 55th station on the Red Line platform at 2:30pm. RTA staff will meet the group at 2:40 and walk them over to the maintenance facility. The walk is roughly one half mile and has several sets of steps. Alternatively, guests can drive to the event and use the RTA facility east gate at 6200 Grand Ave, Cleveland OH. (Take Opportunity Corridor to East 75th, turn north, immediately turn left on Grand Ave, take that to the end of the road, and then enter through the RTA gate. If the gate is closed, use the call box to gain access. Proceed to the Central Rail Maintenance Facility Parking, and then enter the building at the east door by the loading dock. Maintenance facility tour will start at 3pm.)

If you're curious - yes, kids are welcome to join. Sorry that the time isn't particularly conducive for that. I'm planning to bring my kids (11 and 9 years old).

Please register by November 28 so that we can give RTA an approximate headcount:

https://www.allaboardohio.org/event-details/cleveland-rta-rail-maintenance-facility-tour

 

Hey @Foraker @GISguy @Clefan14 @MyPhoneDead @Whipjacka @Cleburger  @NateWiz0206 @KJP @gildone @neony @ColDayMan

I’m not sure if anyone was planning on crashing the RTA tour tomorrow, but we learned the max number of attendees is 50 and we have  that many registered. RTA has decided to only allow registered guests to attend. So if you haven’t registered, sorry, I don’t think you’ll be able to join. We’re thrilled with the response to the event and hopefully this will lead to more of these types of events.

 

I will post a full report with pictures! RTA is VERY excited to talk about the new trains and to show off the maintenance facility. 

The RTA tour was great! They were wonderful hosts and it was well attended. Here’s a few shots, more to come. 

 

Current and future:

 

 

 

 

CEO Birdsong Terry, State Rep Sean Brennan, State Rep Bride Sweeney, State Senator Kent Smith

 

 

The first half of today's Sound of Ideas is focused on TOD in the county. Worth a listen if you have the time. 

 

Transit-oriented development advocates plan how to create more pedestrian-friendly areas

Published December 5, 2023

 

GUESTS:
- Patrick Hewitt, Planning Manager, Cuyahoga County Planning Commission
- Maribeth Feke, Director of Programming and Planning, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
- Matt Moss, Manager, Strategic Initiatives at the City of Cleveland Planning Commission

Is there any word on if the RTA will be using a single car or double cars for the replacement trains when they arrive?

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1 hour ago, MyPhoneDead said:

Is there any word on if the RTA will be using a single car or double cars for the replacement trains when they arrive?

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk
 

The articulated Siemens S200 will run on Cleveland’s system in single car, double car, or triple car trains, depending on demand. Even with three cars, a train will only require one operator. The initial June 2026 delivery will be for at least three vehicles so that RTA can run testing on three vehicle trains.  They are estimating initial service with the new trains in summer 2027, which seems like a LONG testing period to me. Red Line will be first, but they haven’t determined the changeover plan. They seem confident that station modifications (specifically extending the platforms to reach the narrower new vehicles) will go quickly. 

On 11/30/2023 at 9:48 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

I will post a full report with pictures! RTA is VERY excited to talk about the new trains and to show off the maintenance facility. 

 

On 12/1/2023 at 8:39 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

The RTA tour was great! They were wonderful hosts and it was well attended. Here’s a few shots, more to come.

Thanks for the great pictures -- looking forward to the full report! 

😄

17 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

They are estimating initial service with the new trains in summer 2027, which seems like a LONG testing period to me

 

Yeaaaah, sounded like they were looking for at least 1000 miles of testing before acceptance (if I heard that right), that's a lot of back and forth on a one mile section haha.

The articulated Siemens S200 will run on Cleveland’s system in single car, double car, or triple car trains, depending on demand. Even with three cars, a train will only require one operator. The initial June 2026 delivery will be for at least three vehicles so that RTA can run testing on three vehicle trains.  They are estimating initial service with the new trains in summer 2027, which seems like a LONG testing period to me. Red Line will be first, but they haven’t determined the changeover plan. They seem confident that station modifications (specifically extending the platforms to reach the narrower new vehicles) will go quickly. 

My God I see why you don't wait until beyond End of Life to order new trains, it's such a long process.

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On 12/5/2023 at 11:40 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

They seem confident that station modifications (specifically extending the platforms to reach the narrower new vehicles) will go quickly. 

 

They're looking at pre-assembled sections they can install, like the tactile edges they already have. They should be able to do the east-side Red Line stations in a week and the west-side stations in just over a week. Did they say anything about platform vs. vehicle floor heights @Boomerang_Brian?

15 minutes ago, KJP said:

 

They're looking at pre-assembled sections they can install, like the tactile edges they already have. They should be able to the east-side Red Line stations in a week and the west-side stations in just over a week. Did they say anything about platform vs. vehicle floor heights @Boomerang_Brian?

That all lines up with how they described the red line station changeover during the session in Friday. 
 

I specifically asked about floor height verse platform height and any necessary modifications to accommodate. It felt like my question wasn’t fully understood. But they did say current floor height / platform height in red line is 3.5 ft and the S200 spec sheet they handed out says the floor height is 41”. Maybe it’s close enough already? It’s probably worth asking the question again in a different way. 

I do wish they would've ditched the seating configuration they chose/currently have in favor of the traditional seating along the windows/walls.

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To be honest if I was the RTA I would try to partner with as many downtown/university circle stakeholders and apartment complex's to offer them free RTA passes to get more people riding the rapid/health line. They already aren't riding as is so getting them the passes will at least increase ridership and if they have positive experiences they will keep riding as well as pass the word to their friends.

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So the payment/ticket integration with the Transit app is great but was wondering if there are plans to install proper scanners at tower city? Right now you have to show the gate attendant from the app, and every time they have just let me through without even really checking.

2 hours ago, Rustbelter said:

So the payment/ticket integration with the Transit app is great but was wondering if there are plans to install proper scanners at tower city? Right now you have to show the gate attendant from the app, and every time they have just let me through without even really checking.

Hey @richNcincy does this platform have a Facepalm emoji we can add to the reaction emojis? 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♀️ 🤦🏾‍♂️ 🤦🏽‍♀️

On 12/9/2023 at 9:09 AM, Boomerang_Brian said:

That all lines up with how they described the red line station changeover during the session in Friday. 
 

I specifically asked about floor height verse platform height and any necessary modifications to accommodate. It felt like my question wasn’t fully understood. But they did say current floor height / platform height in red line is 3.5 ft and the S200 spec sheet they handed out says the floor height is 41”. Maybe it’s close enough already? It’s probably worth asking the question again in a different way. 

 

That's 3.4 inches of elevation difference between platform and floor height which exceeds the 2-inch variation allowed under ADA.

 

Tracks at most stations could be raised with additional ballast (gravel) tamped (tucked) under the crossties. At other stations where tracks are directly fixed to a concrete roadbed or wooden/steel bridge deck, a taller rail can be installed. Most GCRTA rails are 100 pounds per yard but are being replaced with 130-pound rails which are going to be at least a half-inch taller. If they use the heaviest available rail, 152/155-pound rail, on direct-fixation station tracks, that will be about 2 inches taller than what's there now and provide ADA-compliant level-boarding.

https://www.txholdings.com/rail_chart.php

4 hours ago, KJP said:

 

That's 3.4 inches of elevation difference between platform and floor height which exceeds the 2-inch variation allowed under ADA.

 

Tracks at most stations could be raised with additional ballast (gravel) tamped (tucked) under the crossties. At other stations where tracks are directly fixed to a concrete roadbed or wooden/steel bridge deck, a taller rail can be installed. Most GCRTA rails are 100 pounds per yard but are being replaced with 130-pound rails which are going to be at least a half-inch taller. If they use the heaviest available rail, 152/155-pound rail, on direct-fixation station tracks, that will be about 2 inches taller than what's there now and provide ADA-compliant level-boarding.

https://www.txholdings.com/rail_chart.php

Hmm, is my math off? When they said 3.5 ft, I assumed that meant 42”. And the S200 spec sheet says the floor height is 41”. Where is the 3.4” difference coming from?

No, my math is off. I took 3.5 feet and multiplied it by 12 and somehow got something other than 42 inches. And for my next magic trick...

The MBTA's issues sounds eerily similar to GCRTA (Minus the deaths).

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For the RTA employees who lurk here.  Why won't you get rid of the window coverings? We know you need the advertising revenue, but you DON'T HAVE TO REDUCE THE RIDER EXPERIENCE in order to put ads on your buses.  I know from personal experience riding RTA, that covering windows makes it harder to see where you are, especially at night!  RTA Please explain:

On 12/16/2023 at 11:54 AM, gildone said:

For the RTA employees who lurk here.  Why won't you get rid of the window coverings? We know you need the advertising revenue, but you DON'T HAVE TO REDUCE THE RIDER EXPERIENCE in order to put ads on your buses.  I know from personal experience riding RTA, that covering windows makes it harder to see where you are, especially at night!  RTA Please explain:

 

The irony when it's car ads on the outside of them. That looks like the branding for the line which isn't great but at least it's not a KIA ad...

Wonderful spotlight:

https://www.riderta.com/blogs/honoring-dedicated-craftsman-reflections-49-years-service
 

Honoring a Dedicated Craftsman: Reflections on 49 Years of Service

 

Embarking on his journey into the world of mechanics, Kenneth Yontz's fascination with the craft began during his high school years, undoubtedly influenced by the footsteps of his father.
 

Humble Beginnings

Embarking on his journey into the world of mechanics, Kenneth Yontz's fascination with the craft began during his high school years, undoubtedly influenced by the footsteps of his father. Taking a significant step towards his passion, Kenneth applied for the position of Body Mechanic at the Rail District for Cleveland Transit System (CTS) on January 6, 1975. This pivotal moment would mark the commencement of a lifelong career, preceding the transformation of the transit system into what we now recognize as the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA).

Great to see the Waterfront Line in operation tonight. 
 

As seen on Amazon Prime after the game....

 

 

As I really look at it, I find it crazy that we built these tracks next to a freeway on ramp and we decided to rebuild the CBS next to it instead of housing.

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January 30, 2024 until further notice

Effective Tuesday, January 30, 2024 until further notice, Red Line riders will utilize the following track assignments to reach their destinations from the Tower City Station:

 

Riders boarding the Red Line eastbound, toward Stokes-Windermere Station, will board the Red Line on Track 8 (the track that normally services westbound traffic to the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport station).

 

Riders boarding the Red Line westbound, toward Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Station, will board the Red Line on Track 7 (behind the Tower City station northern wall, accessed via stairs or elevator on the north end of Tower City).

 

This adjustment is due to repair work being performed above Track 13 inside the Tower City Station.

 

We regret any incovenience to our customers as this necessary repair work is completed.

https://www.riderta.com/riders-alerts/red-line-riders-tower-city-track-adjustments

 

7 minutes ago, KJP said:

January 30, 2024 until further notice

Effective Tuesday, January 30, 2024 until further notice, Red Line riders will utilize the following track assignments to reach their destinations from the Tower City Station:

 

Riders boarding the Red Line eastbound, toward Stokes-Windermere Station, will board the Red Line on Track 8 (the track that normally services westbound traffic to the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport station).

 

Riders boarding the Red Line westbound, toward Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Station, will board the Red Line on Track 7 (behind the Tower City station northern wall, accessed via stairs or elevator on the north end of Tower City).

 

This adjustment is due to repair work being performed above Track 13 inside the Tower City Station.

 

We regret any incovenience to our customers as this necessary repair work is completed.

https://www.riderta.com/riders-alerts/red-line-riders-tower-city-track-adjustments

 

For anyone curious in checking out the old Shaker platforms, this is a great opportunity!

"Great" transit service typically means that you can go most places in a city, usually with only one and occasionally two transfers, and you only have to wait at most 15 minutes at a transit stop.

 

Yes, RTA has a long way to go.  And not a lot of money to make it happen.

 

Well, maybe it is time to raise the rates.  And I know -- cost increases will fall heaviest on the poor.  But with both new and used car prices at all-time highs, what's the alternative?

 

Quote

“Vehicle affordability continues to be one of the largest barriers to car ownership as Americans making the national median income need to save for 42.1 weeks to purchase an average new car, according to Cox Automotive,” said Kevin Filan, senior vice president of marketing at auto lending enablement firm Open Lending and a former leader at Ford and Cox Automotive (Cox owns KBB).

That reality “unfortunately puts car ownership out of reach for many deserving buyers,” said Filan.

Those shut out of the market face consequences beyond just convenience or disappointment. “55% of non-car owners have had to turn down a better job or promotion due to not owning a car,” said Filan, citing his organization’s Vehicle Accessibility Report.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/average-american-spends-much-car-120017501.html

 

If you buy a car for $20,000 and only have $1,000 down, your payment is going to be over $400/month.  Plus gas and maintenance.

A monthly RTA pass is $95 -- that would be a bargain if RTA can get you where you need to go in a timely, predictable manner.

 

While I'd like to see RTA subsidized much more heavily than it already is by the state and county, that doesn't seem likely.  But if the cost of the pass doubled, to $190/month, it's still cheaper than most cars.  Fare revenue is a small fraction of RTA's revenue, and so even doubling it (and not everyone buys a monthly pass) probably wouldn't make a difference.  Is there a way to leverage that revenue somehow to exponentially increase its impact?  A TOD investment fund would be nice, but wouldn't pay off for years.

 

Any thoughts?

 

 

54 minutes ago, Foraker said:

"Great" transit service typically means that you can go most places in a city, usually with only one and occasionally two transfers, and you only have to wait at most 15 minutes at a transit stop.

 

Yes, RTA has a long way to go.  And not a lot of money to make it happen.

 

Well, maybe it is time to raise the rates.  And I know -- cost increases will fall heaviest on the poor.  But with both new and used car prices at all-time highs, what's the alternative?

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/average-american-spends-much-car-120017501.html

 

If you buy a car for $20,000 and only have $1,000 down, your payment is going to be over $400/month.  Plus gas and maintenance.

A monthly RTA pass is $95 -- that would be a bargain if RTA can get you where you need to go in a timely, predictable manner.

 

While I'd like to see RTA subsidized much more heavily than it already is by the state and county, that doesn't seem likely.  But if the cost of the pass doubled, to $190/month, it's still cheaper than most cars.  Fare revenue is a small fraction of RTA's revenue, and so even doubling it (and not everyone buys a monthly pass) probably wouldn't make a difference.  Is there a way to leverage that revenue somehow to exponentially increase its impact?  A TOD investment fund would be nice, but wouldn't pay off for years.

 

Any thoughts?

 

 

I do not think drastically increasing rates would be a good policy. It would be more likely to decrease ridership than significantly increase funds. 
 

Some advocates are pushing for a sales tax increase. I suspect that effort would fail at the ballot box. I’d like to see a more creative tax policy - the thing that makes sense to me would be having a defined property tax supplement for all areas served by frequent transit. Very Georgist policy. This would go hand in hand with ToD. It is logical for the places that benefit the most from transit to fund it. 

I'd like to see a land value tax replace the property tax and use a small portion of it to fund public transportation.

 

BTW, GCRTA sent out this PR this morning. The only thing that's new is the projected end date of construction and the service disruption....

 

For Immediate Release
January 25, 2024
Temporary Red Line Rail Service Track Adjustments for Riders

Cleveland, OH – Effective January 30, 2024, Red Line riders will utilize the following track 
assignments until further notice to reach their destinations from the Tower City Station. 

Riders boarding the Red Line eastbound, toward Stokes-Windermere station, will board the Red 
Line on Track 8 (the track that normally services westbound traffic to the Cleveland Hopkins 
Airport Station). 

Riders boarding the Red Line westbound, toward Cleveland Hopkins Airport station, will board 
the Red Line on Track 7 (behind the Tower City Station northern wall, accessed via stairs or 
elevator on the north end of Tower City).

This Red Line boarding and alighting adjustment is due to necessary repair work being 
performed above Track 13 inside Tower City Station. The contractor anticipates completing this 
work by mid-March 2024. 

18 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

I do not think drastically increasing rates would be a good policy. It would be more likely to decrease ridership than significantly increase funds.

 

That is the "conventional wisdom."  But with the rise in car prices, if you want to get to work every day and you can't afford a car, there is no other option.  

 

I'd really rather see transit be free -- a public service.  (Which is pretty much what our roadways are, free to use.  The gas tax doesn't come close to supporting maintenance costs.  The roads are maintained with general tax revenues far more so than the gas tax.)

 

And I really see that increasing fares is going to be a huge burden on the people currently using transit, and increasing fares won't draw in new customers.  But price alone isn't what causes people to spend their money.  We haven't stopped eating steaks, even though they're some of the most expensive cuts of meat.

 

What we need is a higher quality network -- good coverage, good frequency -- and then figure out what it costs to maintain that system and charge that cost.  People will pay for the quality.    As the rare person who has lived overseas with good transit, I would love to ditch my car but I'm not going to do so when it triples my commute time.

 

To be clear -- I don't think we should raise fares just to hope it can improve the quality.  I would only want to do so if doing so could be leveraged in some way to get us to the funding that would allow the system quality to be increased.  If the quality of the system is better, more people will pay for the service. 

 

Currently, the service is only high quality for a few locations and destinations, and if you're not in that zone you're not going to use the system AT ALL no matter the price, unless you have no other choice. 

 

This isn't a perfect apples-to-apples comparison but down here, SORTA did raise fares for their recent levy...but that came with a sales tax levy approved by voters (and free transfers). It seems more politically palatable to raise fares a bit along with levy raises to help soften the blow.

 

I would love for a land value tax, or at least a split rate, be attempted in Ohio but that is not allowed in the constitution. However, the Kansas City Streetcar is funded by a Transportation Development District. Does anyone know if that is legally permissible in Ohio? People down here talk about it from time-to-time when talking about our own streetcar, whether that be a long-lasting funding source or to help pay for expansion.

Yes, TIDs exist as an ODOT program

 

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/jobs-commerce/03-transportation-improvement-districts

 

And as a federal program 

 

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/value_capture/defined/tid_tdd.aspx

For Immediate Release
January 26, 2024
Emily Garr Pacetti Sworn In to The GCRTA Board of Trustees

Cleveland, OH – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) announces the swearing-in of Emily Garr Pacetti as the newest member to their Board of Trustees. Ms. Garr Pacetti was sworn into service by Janet Burney, GCRTA Deputy General Manager of Legal Affairs during today’s Board Retreat meeting inside Tri-C Corporate College Conference Center at 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128. 

Ms. Garr Pacetti’s appointment was made by Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, with Trustee Garr Pacetti serving an unexpired term ending in March 2025.

“GCRTA welcomes the appointment of Emily Garr Pacetti to our Board of Trustees. We agree that her professional expertise and dedication to community development, and economic mobility will be beneficial as we continue to enhance public transportation’s impact on the social economics of our community,” said GCRTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer India L. Birdsong Terry.

“I’m proud of the diverse group of experts that have been recently appointed to the GCRTA Board of Trustees and pleased to welcome Ms. Garr Pacetti as our latest member, said GCRTA Board President, Rev. Charles P. Lucas, Pastor Emeritus, St. James AME Church. “I look forward to working with Trustee Garr Pacetti as well as all our Trustees as we move forward to achieve our shared goals in guiding GCRTA as a leading transit authority both locally and nationally.” 

About the Board Appointee:
Emily Garr Pacetti currently serves as Vice President and Community Affairs Officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In this capacity, she leads the Community Development team which conducts research, policy analysis, and community outreach focused on the Fourth Federal Reserve District, an area that comprises Ohio, and parts of Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Ms. Garr Pacetti holds a MPA from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, an MS in urban studies from El Colegio de México, and a BA in political communications from Emerson College. She is a frequent transit rider who currently serves on the Board of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Equal Measure, a national non-profit devoted to helping clients shift systems, policies, and practices to make communities stronger, healthier, more equitable and inclusive.

Lots of news......

 

Attention Red Line Triskett Station Riders!

Starting Monday, February 5, 2024, Triskett Station's elevators will be out of service for approximately five weeks, rendering the station temporarily inaccessible for ADA passengers.

For ADA riders: During this period, please board and alight Red Line trains at either West Park or W.117th-Madison stations. We understand this may cause inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

If you require assistance at the W.117th-Madison or West Park stations, don't hesitate to call us at 216-566-5153. We're here to help!

Safe Travels!

https://bit.ly/3ufDzyW

 

 

 

The Greater Cleveland RTA is accepting applicants for the Civilian Oversight Committee. 
Apply by Feb 22, 2024. 
Details & application: https://www.riderta.com/coc/apply

 

 

 

NOACA Travel Survey
NOACA Conducts Northeast Ohio Travel Survey to Determine Regional Transportation Priorities

https://www.noaca.org/Home/Components/News/News/13071/32?backlist=%2F

 

 

 

E. 79th Street Rail Reconstruction Presentation
Thursday, February 8, 2024, 4-5:30 pm

Anton Grdina Middle School

2955 E. 71st St. Cleveland

 

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) will be presenting the conceptual design for the reconstruction of the E. 79th Street Light Rail Station for public comment.
The project involves the rehabilitation of the station to bring it into compliance with the latest ADA standards. Along with improving the lighting, safety, and security throughout the station.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1090901765387082

 

Some people on social media are mad at me -- a transit advocate saying Sherwin-Williams screwed up because it didn't build enough parking for its new headquarters...

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/02/02/sherwin-williams-parked-its-hq-parking-options/

 

Here's what I said there....

 

The private sector has to build for the monolithic transportation system we have, just as they have to provide health care within the broken health care system we have. A massive, nationwide policy shift is needed. One HQ project in one city isn't going to cause that shift.

 

My suggestion is to use this article in your messaging as Example #526,976 of what's wrong with America's transportation system and how it puts a huge burden on our job-producing private sector. Good luck. For I have little hope this country can change its self-destructive ways.

 

SHW can offer discounted transit passes to as many employees as it may like. But that's not going to cause many to use a starved, skeletal, slow, unreliable and infrequent transit system that doesn't "serve" suburbia where most people (and most SHW employees) live. 

 

A better solution would be for Sherwin-Williams to help workers to afford to live in quality, close-in neighborhoods with multimodal options, like downtown, Ohio City, Tremont etc where they can walk, bike or transit to work. It might save the company and its employees money.

1 hour ago, KJP said:

My suggestion is to use this article in your messaging as Example #526,976 of what's wrong with America's transportation system and how it puts a huge burden on our job-producing private sector. 

This is EXACLY what i walked away from your article with.  

 

Some people skim a headline, or struggle with basic comprehension.