Speaking of downtown trolleys, Rebecca on the B-Line (12:20ish, ID 100442 - I think) is just a downright pleasant operator. Even when some stupid gal blindly walked across Lakeside at East 9th (against the light), Rebecca took it all in stride. She was also very knowledgeable about the Avenue District, telling a rider who asked that "those are going to be nice condos; it's good to have some residential in the downtown, it's good for business."

 

Thanks, I will pass along your comments. Rebecca was one of several employees who won the General Managers Customer Service Award last year, and we are again seeking nominations. I will post the item in just a minute.

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/forms/GMNomform.pdf

 

Nominations sought for GM award

 

Nominations for the RTA General Manager’s 2007Customer Service Award will be accepted until Jan. 4, 2008.

 

The award recognizes employees or employee groups for exceptional customer service. The award is given annually to a small number of recipients.

 

All employees or employee groups are eligible for the award. An employee group could be a task force, team, or any combination of employees who work together on a project.

 

External or internal customers (no self-nominations) must nominate employees. Nominators should complete the nomination form and submit it to CEO/General Manager Joe Calabrese. Nomination forms are available at rideRTA.com, or call 216-566-5283. Calabrese will then review all nominations for compliance with criteria and make the final selection of award recipients.

 

Recipients must meet one or more of the following:

 

* Solving an extraordinary problem, achieving or exceeding a significantly difficult goal that serves internal and/or external customers.

 

* Successful implementation of an innovative customer service idea or concept where the result is identifiable and measurable.

 

* Outstanding act of customer service that brings positive recognition to the Authority or results in a delighted customer.

 

The accomplishments should have been achieved within the calendar year for which the award is being given.

 

otoh, to be fair i'd imagine stuff like the mta's infamous slurred, "stanclearyaclosindoors" announcement baffle the brits over here in ny too.

 

 

hey, I always LIKED the character of the MTA operators in speaking those "most famous words", it's as "New Yawk" as you can get :-) ... the new prerecorded/synthesized voice that they've installed throughout the system just isn't the same, sounds more like Prince Valium...

No Ralph Kramden attitude drivers?  :-D

 

Is anyone addressing the peeling paint problems on Euclid?  The street line painters seem to be doing a lot of prep work - cleaning off old paint, washing, drying, etc. before painting the new traffic lines.  However, everything that gets painted on top of the new cement seems to almost immediately wear off (after a couple of days) or show extreme signs of wear - and it's not even winter yet.

 

Do you know if there is a plan to better paint the lines?  Perhaps using an acid treatment first to "open up" the concrete to the paint?  I think ODOT uses something similar on the concrete road bridges that they paint, and I've seen a similar application being used when coloring concrete.

 

I realize that paint wears off in Northeast Ohio, it just doesn't seem that it should wear off after only a few weeks or days.

<<Is anyone addressing the peeling paint problems on Euclid?>>

 

Our engineers are on Euclid Avenue daily. I will pass along your concerns.

Did you know there is an Amtrak thread here on UO?

 

Jerry, the following headline caught my eye on my Cox homepage this morning. I think it misrepresents what RTA is actually doing. Here is the full piece from Metro Networks which takes news from the PD and the AP and provides rip-and-read stuff to area radio stations. Their local offices are in Valley View on Granger...

_______________

 

RTA Cuts Suburban Routes 

11-14-2007 6:16 AM

 

(Cleveland, OH) -- Big changes are ahead for suburban RTA riders. Transit agency officials have unveiled service cuts that will take effect next month. Suburban bus routes with low ridership are being eliminated to help trim more than five-million-dollars from a projected deficit. The biggest changes involve "freeway flyer" routes from the suburbs into downtown Cleveland. Riders would have to take a traditional bus route before transferring to another bus or Red Line train. Some routes will stop less frequently and RTA officials say a fare hike is coming in January.

 

Copyright 2007 Metro Networks Communications Inc., A Westwood One Company

 

nice to see Metro Netjerks/Worstwood One is continuing their fine journalistic tradition.... morons need to learn how to summarize... "some routes will stop less frequently", where the hell did that come from? and "RTA officials say a fare hike is coming in January", um, yeah, one that was announced 18 months ago, where have they been?

http://www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1107

 

A summary of Tuesday's Board Committee meeting has just been posted. It has links to:

 

* A PowerPoint presentation on the Euclid Corridor progress. Nov. 26 is the target date for opening the road from East 17th Street to East 55th Street.

 

* A PowerPoint presentation on the service changes proposed to take effect on Dec 16.

 

* A PowerPoint presentation on the 2008 proposed operating budget.

 

* The budget transmittal letter (actually, it's a book) from the General Manager to the Board.

 

Folks, there is a LOT here to chew on. Enjoy.

Is anyone addressing the peeling paint problems on Euclid? ....I realize that paint wears off in Northeast Ohio, it just doesn't seem that it should wear off after only a few weeks or days.

 

Project officials say that paint is being fixed by contractor at own cost.

From the PD:

 

Graffiti artist killed by rapid train

Posted by Donna J. Miller

November 15, 2007 11:46AM

 

RTA police say the 19-year-old man who was hit and killed by an RTA train in Lakewood last night was a graffiti artist who had been walking the tracks with two others. Criminal charges are pending against the survivors, RTA spokesman Chad Self said this morning.

 

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/plaindealer/2007/11/graffiti_artist_killed_by_rapi.html

Wow.. that's too bad, I don't think these graffiti people truly understand the risk they are in when they enter an area like that.

I see the same thing on railroad tracks all over Ohio: people either using the right-of-way as a short-cut, a place to "hang-out" or (as in this case) a way to engage in their "art".  The results are nearly always tragic and made even more so by the fact that it all could have been avoided if they just used their common sense to realize that a railroad or rail-transit line is not a side walk.

 

Please, if you ever see anyone walking along a railroad right of way and especially if they are actually walking on the tracks.... call the cops.  I probably do it at least once every couple of months in my travels.  I don't know if it ever saved a life, but I know I how I would feel if I did nothing and read about that person getting struck and killed by a train in the next day's local paper.

 

 

Perhaps these people shouldn't have been looking to deface public property.  While it's sad that he died, what he was doing still wasn't ok.  I already saw graffiti on the new utility boxes on Euclid Ave last night.  There's no place for tolerating that vandalism in our society.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree with your sentiments. if, in fact, this was an artist, we can only hope that this one tragic event opens the eyes of other artists who are also in danger, and that they switch to other avenues for self-expression. I too, call Transit Police (216-566-5163) whenever I see someone on the tracks.

9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 20, RTA Board meeting

 

The agenda includes lots of resolutions to buy routine items, and one resolution to spend $140,000 to buy close circuit cable TV (CCTV) for four heavy-rail stations.

 

After the regular Board meeting, the Finance Committee will meet to review the proposed 2008 Capital Budget.

 

If RTA's budget is tight, I don't think buying cable TV for the rail stations is a necessary expense.  Actually, I'm getting pretty tired of seeing TV's almost everywhere I go now-- even at Marc's. 

to buy close circuit cable TV

 

I'm guessing that it's more than just MTV at the airport stop.. I'm sure it has more to do with messages and train arrival times.

Yes. There are two major determinants of cost-effectiveness, both of which are based on ridership. One is the annualized capital cost per passenger-mile and the other is the operating cost per passenger-mile. A passenger-mile determines not only the number of riders but how far they are riding. It's a travel industry standard among commercial carriers (for motorists, the term is vehicle-miles traveled). So if you build a $1 billion five-mile subway that carries 30,000 people per day, that's 150,000 passenger-miles daily, or 54.75 million passenger-miles per year. The life of that $1 billion investment may be 100 years, resulting in an annualized capital cost of $10 million. The annualized capital cost per passenger-mile is $182,648.40. That's not bad, yet too expensive for many transit agencies. Unfortunately many think of figures like these when rail is proposed.

 

Instead, mid-sized transit agencies may opt for putting commuter rail on an existing, lightly used rail freight line (like in the West Shore Corridor). Let's say it's a 35-mile route that costs $100 million to get commuter rail service on it. The service carries 5,000 people per weekday, or 175,000 passenger-miles each weekday, or 44.63 million passenger-miles per year (255 days). That $100 million investment may have a life of 25 years, or an annualized capital cost of $4 million. The annualized capital cost per passenger-mile would be just $89,625.80. That's certainly much more affordable for mid-sized transit agencies.

 

Now, how many commuter trains would it take to carry that 5,000 people per day? Most commuter trains have a capacity of a 250-500 seats. Let's split the difference and call it 375 seats. Assuming no one's standing, that's 375 people. That's 13.33 trains per day. Let's say 14, or seven trains inbound in the A.M. rush, and seven trains outbound in the P.M. rush.

 

How many buses would it take to carry the same 5,000 people per day? Buses carry about 40-50 seated passengers. Let's split the difference and call it 45. That's 111.11 buses. Let's be nice and say it's 110, or 55 buses inbound in the A.M. and 55 outbound in the P.M. A new bus costs about $300,000 to $350,000 (median price of $325,000). Add in some costs (say $15 million) for new park-n-rides, bus shelters, contingencies, etc. That's a start-up cost of about $30 million. Buses last 10-15 years (say 12.5), and the fixed facilities may have a similar life. That's an annualized capital cost of $2.4 million, or an annualized capital cost per passenger-mile of $53,775.40. That's pretty good, but buses don't offer a huge savings over commuter rail. Of course, that's assuming that bus service would attract the same ridership, or over the same distance as commuter rail. Typically, buses do not.

 

Yet things are worse for bus on the operating cost side....

 

This is from GCRTA in 2004 ...

http://www.ntdprogram.com/ntdprogram/pubs/profiles/2002/agency_profiles/5015.pdf

 

                Operating Expense

                per Passenger-Mile

BUS                  $0.92

LIGHT RAIL      $0.72

HEAVY RAIL      $0.42

 

Baltimore's commuter rail operating costs per passenger mile were $0.354 (info courtesy of the anti-rail folks at Public Purpose!). But I chose that because Baltimore is similar in many ways to Cleveland. And that cost is actually about average for commuter rail operations in other cities.

 

If RTA expands rail transit service, it has the opportunity to do so relatively inexpensively because it already offers rail transit service. It has the pre-existing presence availability of support facilities (ie: maintenance facilities, downtown access routes availed by other rail lines, etc.) as well as trained personnel.

 

Yes, it also has those things for buses, but RTA doesn't have to start from scratch with rail as many other cities would and as others have had to do.

 

One billion dollars for a subway,how did you come up with this calculation. In Spain the spent a little over 6 billion for sixty miles of subway and rail in the barcelona area.

 

Profesor Melish stated  that yuo dont need consultants cunsulting consultants and adivsors advising other advisors.,and that why the irish goverment got him pro bono(hint hint RTA) to do work on the subway system in dublin

 

Gildone, I don't believe RTA is paying anything out of pocket for this. The vendor is paying for everything, funded by advertising revenues, and will likely even mean a small income for RTA. Please correct me if I'm wrong, Jerry.

 

As for being bombarded with TVs, that's another issue.

$1 billion was the projected cost of the 7-mile Dual Hub, including a 1-mile subway (Dual Hub was the predecessor of the Euclid Corridor). New York's MTA is building a subway station on the No. 7 train line for $2.1 billion (yep, one station!). Toronto Transit Commission is spending $2 billion for a 5.4-mile extension of a subway line from Downsview Station to the Vaughan City centre.

 

What subways are they building in Barcelona? I'm aware they are building surface extensions to their Metro system at the periphery of the city and adding new tram (streetcars) lines through the city and extensions to existing lines. Building at the surface is much less expensive than digging up the ground in the center of an old city where many utilities and antiquities aren't mapped.

 

Edsiou, please think about this:  What consultant and his/her staff is going to volunteer to go through the tremendous amount of data collection and number crunching over a number of years that's required to satisfy the federal NEPA process without receiving a single payment from a client??? Probably the only one who might would be an exceedingly wealthy consultant who could afford to donate years to such work. I have yet to meet one.

If RTA's budget is tight, I don't think buying cable TV for the rail stations is a necessary expense. Actually, I'm getting pretty tired of seeing TVs almost everywhere I go now-- even at Marc's. 

 

There are two issues here, and I will try to clarify both of them.

 

1). Yes. RTA's operating budget is tight. However, installing cameras at rail stations is not operating money. It is capital money. In the past, some governmental bodies, like the City of Cleveland before default, raided their capital accounts so they could meet the payroll. They quit buying things, like new police cars, and ran the fleet into the ground. The result? They met the payroll, but some police cars were literally "stuck in neutral" and not capable of high speeds. RTA has a huge capital infrastructure -- buildings, tracks and vehicles. It's just bad business to sacrifice one for the other, and we will not do it.

 

2). That being said, it is important to note that most of the CCTV system is being paid for with a federal Homeland Security grant.

 

I understand that you are tired of seeing TV cameras everywhere, but that is fact of life, and they are only going to increase as time goes on. Smile...you're on transit camera.

Gildone, I don't believe RTA is paying anything out of pocket for this. The vendor is paying for everything, funded by advertising revenues, and will likely even mean a small income for RTA. Please correct me if I'm wrong, Jerry.

 

Perhaps I am confused, but I believe we are talking about two different things here.

 

1). CCTV -- You will see the cameras, but never the tape, unless you commit a crime and see yourself on TV.

 

2). The digital ad signs and "next train" info is what KJP is talking about, and yes, you are correct (again!). They produce revenue for the vendor and RTA, because of the paid ads.

 

The camera system does not offer ads or info, and the digital signs do not take photographs.

JMasek said  "closed circuit cable TV" in his original post.  That confused me because to me, that means televisions blasting stupid talk shows and cable TV news, not security cameras or LED signs scrolling useful information for riders.  I guess I didn't understand the term.  It sounds like JMasek meant security cameras.  That's a different story then.  I don't have a problem with security cameras. 

Isn't the English language wonderful? I just double-checked what RTA is buying. CCTV stands for "closed-circuit TV"...there is no cable. I am sorry for any misunderstanding.

 

The Board of Trustees meets tomorrow at 9 a.m. There is nothing major in the resolutions, but after the regular meeting, the Finance Committee will present the proposed 2008 capital budget.

JMasek,

Just a quick question Euclid question - I work at Case Western Reserve University, as well as am an alum, and I see that at the corner of Adelbert & Euclid Avenue, it appears that one of the crosswalks across Euclid has been eliminated (the more western one).  What is the reasoning for that?  Is this part of the ECTP or did this decision come from elsewhere?  From personal experience, at many points throughout the day (right before and after all classes) that intersection is overflooded with students, and I don't understand the rationale for eliminating legal pedestrian pathways, but there's probably an answer I don't know...

 

Thanks for your answer in advance.

JMasek,

Just a quick question Euclid question - I work at Case Western Reserve University, as well as am an alum, and I see that at the corner of Adelbert & Euclid Avenue, it appears that one of the crosswalks across Euclid has been eliminated (the more western one).  What is the reasoning for that? 

 

I have referred your question to the Corridor staff, and will respond as soon as I have an answer.

and Jeff, that 2nd Crosswalk was a relatively new phenomena (maybe put in in 2000?)

I am told the crosswalk has not been eliminated, it is just in an area that is under construction. It will re-open again when construction is over and it is safe.

Oh ok thanks for the update - what has me confused is that the cutaway in the sidewalk on that side has been eliminated - it's the side that has been done first. 

The October ridership report was released today:

 

* Systemwide: Up 8.2 percent in October; up 0.3 percent YTD, on the road to RTA's fifth straight year of ridership increases.

 

* Bus: Up 6.7 percent in October; down 1.4 percent YTD.

 

* Rail: Up 16.5 percent in October; up 10.2 percent YTD.

 

* Paratransit: Up 16.4 percent in October; up 5.8 percent YTD.

 

* Trolleys: In October, total ridership increased 39 percent over the same month last year, and average daily ridership increased 33 percent over last year.

 

* Bike usage: Up 36 percent in October, and 41 percent YTD (bus and rail combined).

Outstanding numbers!

Congratulations on another good month!  It's great to see the trolley service really taking off, and rail's continued increase in popularity.

 

edit- and the increase in multimodal bike to transit ridership.  Two great tastes that taste great together.

Today, the RTA Board of Trustees awarded a contract for $140,000 to Zadar Technology of Hinkley, to purchase security cameras for rail stations at Hopkins, Brookpark, Puritas and Windermere. The equipment is being purchased with a grant, and work should be done by the end of the year.

JMasek, congrats on the ridership numbers.

 

Are these the cameras for which Homeland Security provided some funding? Out of curiosity, what was the rationale for these particular four stations out of the entire line? Not doubting the need at these stations; just wondering what steered the decision to invest in these particular locations.

Joe Calabese will speak about the Euclid Corridor Project on TV-3 Sunday, Nov. 25, with Tom Beres, in his weekly segment, "Between the Lines."

 

Joe will also make media appearances on Monday morning, Nov. 26, as RTA opens the roadway in front of Tower City, and begins the #6 route, serving the center median strip, from East 17th to East 55th Streets.

 

RTA has scheduled two informational meetings about the Dec. 16 service changes. They will be on Dec. 6, at noon and 4:30 p.m., at the Main Office Building, 1240 W. Sixth St.

 

A public hearing on the proposed 2008 budget will be held at the Dec. 4 Board meeting, with adoption slated for the Dec. 18 Board meeting.

Are these the cameras for which Homeland Security provided some funding? Out of curiosity, what was the rationale for these particular four stations out of the entire line? Not doubting the need at these stations; just wondering what steered the decision to invest in these particular locations.

 

There are already cameras at many other rail stations. I normally would not list the stations, but it was in the resolution, so it's public record. Cameras might be in the parking lot, at a vending machine, a boarding area...you just never know.

JMasek -

Thanks for continuing participation here.  Your input and info is great.

 

One question - I remember reading that at some point the University stop was going to be redone.  Is that still in the works?  Any rought timeline for when it would happen?  It really needs the help...

Thanks.

Jerry,

 

I think it's great RTA's getting more cameras in Rapid stations; even better that it's not coming out of RTA's budget.  But is it possible to, perhaps, get a few more bodies (ie, RTA cops) to hang around/show their faces/presence at some of the more important stations after hours; esp those below ground ones like, say, W. 25, W. 65 or West Blvd?  And even at some Blue/Green rail stops, like E. 116, Lee Rd (Blue) or Woodhill (wasn't there supposed to be tiny cop substation there in a wooden structure at one time)?... For whatever reason, maybe it's me, but U. Circle, despite it's a bit dogeared, doesn't seem unsafe even after hours.  Not sure why, but it doesn't.

One question - I remember reading that at some point the University stop was going to be redone.  Is that still in the works?  Any rough timeline for when it would happen?  It really needs the help...

Thanks.

 

The proposed 2008 capital budget was discussed by the Board of Trustees yesterday. I plan to release it in several posts, because there is still info I must verify.

 

The following projects will be designed in 2008:

* Design begins on the Brookpark rail station (the present structure is interim)

* East Side Transit Center, the design will be completed in 2008. There may be a resolution at the December Board meeting concerning this issue.

* The design of the Woodhill Station ADA rehab is now at 30 percent and will be completed in 2008.

* Design will be completed on the expansion of the Westlake Park-n-Ride.

* Design will continue on the ADA rehab of the University Circle/Cedar Station.

Is it possible to, perhaps, get a few more bodies (ie, RTA cops) to hang around/show their faces/presence at some of the more important stations after hours; esp those below ground ones like, say, W. 25, W. 65 or West Blvd?   And even at some Blue/Green rail stops, like E. 116, Lee Rd (Blue) or Woodhill (wasn't there supposed to be tiny cop substation there in a wooden structure at one time)?...

 

I will pass along your comments. Transit Police resources are often devoted to areas of high crime or high problems. Thanks for the input.

 

The following projects will be designed in 2008:

* Design begins on the Brookpark rail station (the present structure is interim)

 

Glad to hear this is moving forward.  I thought this project had stalled. 

Regarding the Brookpark Station:

 

RTA must build a new station that is ADA-accessible. RTA was planning to build the new station in conjuction with a hotel-restaurant development. However, a developer has not yet been found. So, design of the new station will begin, and when a developer is found, the other components will be added.

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/RidersDigest/Dec06RD-WB.pdf

 

The December Riders Digest has now been posted on our Web site. It contains:

 

* a preview of the opening of the expansion of the North Olmsted Park-N-Ride

 

* a reminder that Phase 2 of the fare modifications kick in Jan. 7, 2008

 

* Complete details about the Dec. 16 service changes

Today, RTA buses began serving the NW Quad of Public Square in front of Tower City.

 

Also today, the #6 bus began serving the center median strip of Euclid Avenue, from East 17th Street to East 55th Street. There are 12 stations on that stretch, and RTA staffers will be at most stations answering questions and handing out literature, from 6:30-9 a.m. and 3:30-5 p.m. today and Tuesday. I am at the eastbound station at East 36th Street for both shifts on Tuesday. Stop by and say hello.

 

Later this week, RTA will begin the first phase of its fare collection upgrade. For complete details, go to:

http://www.riderta.com/fares/farebox.asp

 

hey, does anyone know how the editor came up with the subsidy figures for rail, air and transit? Or just give me a subsidy 101 explanation.....

exciting about the new fare boxes.  They look like they'll be a little daunting at first, but once people get used to them, no problem.  It'll be up to the operators to be helpful (not rude) with new users.

 

A question about the proof of payment system... will there still be fareboxes on the trains/brts for riders who are unable to purchase farecards ahead of time?  Namely, if I'm running to catch the Silver Line and don't have time to stop at the farebox, will I be able to purchase my fare on the vehicle?

About the proof of payment system... will there still be fareboxes on the trains/brts for riders who are unable to purchase farecards ahead of time? Namely, if I'm running to catch the Silver Line and don't have time to stop at the farebox, will I be able to purchase my fare on the vehicle?

 

As far as I know now...No. It would be best for you to keep some fare media in your pocket for emergencies, in the event you find yourself in that boat (or bus). Remember, the vehicle will be along every five minutes, so to be fair, please stop and buy your fare before you board.

Same for Red Line trains?

hey, does anyone know how the editor came up with the subsidy figures for rail, air and transit? Or just give me a subsidy 101 explanation.....

 

Those are direct expenditures per mode from the federal transportation budget. There are a lot of other costs at the federal, state and local levels that aren't part of those numbers but which directly benefit users of each mode. As you might imagine, the subsidies for highway users are the largest, followed by those for air travelers, public transit and finally, a trickle for railroads (both freight and intercity passenger).

How are the smart cards ultimately going to work?  I almost always travel on a day pass.  Are the smart cards going to automatically debit a one-way trip fair and that's it, or will the cards be able to be programmed some other way?