Question:  I am trying to figure out how to get from Pearl and Snow in Parma to Aurora Rd and Cochran in Solon via bus.  I need to arrive on this trip before 8AM weekdays and depart back to Parma at 5PM.

 

Thanks

Question:  I am trying to figure out how to get from Pearl and Snow in Parma to Aurora Rd and Cochran in Solon via bus.  I need to arrive on this trip before 8AM weekdays and depart back to Parma at 5PM.

 

Thanks

and RTAs trip planner didn't the help??

Question: I am trying to figure out how to get from Pearl and Snow in Parma to Aurora Rd and Cochran in Solon via bus. I need to arrive on this trip before 8AM weekdays and depart back to Parma at 5PM.

 

Thanks

and RTAs trip planner didn't the help??

 

I can't find that link on the website.  It would have been helpful in your post to direct me to that versus asking another question back.

Question:  I am trying to figure out how to get from Pearl and Snow in Parma to Aurora Rd and Cochran in Solon via bus.  I need to arrive on this trip before 8AM weekdays and depart back to Parma at 5PM.

 

Thanks

and RTAs trip planner didn't the help??

 

I can't find that link on the website.  It would have been helpful in your post to direct me to that versus asking another question back.

 

I don't mean to be an ass, but its there, front and middle of the homepage

 

http://tripplanner.gcrta.org/

Question:  I am trying to figure out how to get from Pearl and Snow in Parma to Aurora Rd and Cochran in Solon via bus.  I need to arrive on this trip before 8AM weekdays and depart back to Parma at 5PM.

 

Thanks

and RTAs trip planner didn't the help??

 

I can't find that link on the website.  It would have been helpful in your post to direct me to that versus asking another question back.

 

 

http://tripplanner.gcrta.org/

http://www.google.com/transit

http://publicroutes.com/transitdirection.aspx

 

its been posted here numerous times.  Any search engine would have brought it up.

 

Also, you could have made mention that you were having trouble finding the link and I would not have answered the way I did.  It came across as you didn't bother to look at rta's site.

Question: I am trying to figure out how to get from Pearl and Snow in Parma to Aurora Rd and Cochran in Solon via bus. I need to arrive on this trip before 8AM weekdays and depart back to Parma at 5PM.

 

Thanks

 

I would actually strongly recommend Google Transit over RTA's trip planner. I feel like they have a much clearer trip planner.

 

www.google.com/transit

Thanks jpop.  I charted out my trip, and if I leave at 6:30 AM, I will not get to the office until 9:01AM.  It says I have to go downtown first and then out to SOlon.  Does anyone know if there are alternatives to this route...KJP, are you out there.  JMASEK...

I haven't looked at any specific routes, but I think this would be a really difficult one to make work.  The system is just not set up to efficiently transport you from where you begin to where you want to end up. It's primarily setup to go from the burbs into and out of downtown or places close to downtown.  I anticipate a really long ride and at least 1 if not 2 transfers to accomplish the trip you want.

I just did a search on Google, too. That's really unfortunate. It looks like there isn't just a straight shot east, unfortunately.

 

I would imagine that this is probably accurate and up to date.

Depart:  PEARL RD & SNOW RD (#6661)  6:10a

On route:  51x - West 25th - Pearl (North) 

Arrive: ONTARIO ST & GUND ARENA (#6460)  6:38a

 

Transfer to:  ONTARIO ST & WEST HURON RD (#6461)  6:41a

On route:  90f - Broadway - Libby (South) 

Arrive: LIBBY RD & WARRENSVILLE CENTER RD (#5745)  7:08a

 

Transfer to:  WARRENSVILLE CENTER RD & LIBBY RD (#11778)  7:22a

On route:  41a - Warrensville - Aurora (South) 

Arrive: COCHRAN RD & SOLON COMMONS (FLAG) (#10670)  7:40a

 

Two transfers but 90 mins is better than 2.5 hrs.

 

 

^Wow, not bad.  Just have to get up a little earlier.  Thanks guys. 

I just did a search on Google, too. That's really unfortunate. It looks like there isn't just a straight shot east, unfortunately.

 

I would imagine that this is probably accurate and up to date.

 

Yeah, I would have thought with Snow/Rockside being such a main east west thoroughfare through Cuyahoga County, there would be a bus along it.

Yeah, Google Transit did NOT come up with that.

 

Sorry, gotribe. :)

we really have to have one of the worst most confusing fare card and collection systems for any large system in the country. I barely know what's going on and I live here... I couldn't imagine being an out of towner.

 

 

 

Yeah, I just got back from my first trip there and was confused beyond belief.  I tried asking locals if there was some system that I didn't know about and got shrugs for responses.  I saw a sign that said pay as you enter eastbound, pay as you exit westbound but after watching the people after a few exits I realized that was total BS.  Then I tried calling the RTA hotline so I could speak with a customer service agent.  They responded with something like, "well umm some stations have attendants, but it depends on the hour, wait Tower City has gates that go both ways.  I mean it depends, when and where are you going?"

That's when it became clear that there was NO system and I was comforted in knowing that I wasn't alone in my confusion.

I have been away from the list for a few days (other duties), but here are some answers to some pressing issues, along with some breaking news.

 

At 2 p.m. Monday, June 30, Senator Voinovich and RTA will hold a press event at the Corridor station on West Roadway, just north of Superior Avenue. The topic will be....(drum roll)...high gas prices and public transit. Then, Voinovich will tour the Corridor project.

 

RTA's new fare collection system comes in several phases. The first phase is complete, with new fare collection units on all buses, trains and train stations. Yes, there are bugs in the program (I am told that no transit system in the nation has ever installed a bug-free program), and we are working on them.

 

The next phase will be adding ticket vending machines, and implementing proof of payment (POP). POP will be ready on the HealthLine by Oct. 25 (the grand opening), and at a later date on the Red Line.

 

Light rail collections begin and end at Tower City. So you pay when you enter at Tower City, and pay when you exit at Tower City. If you board or deboard anywhere else along the light rail, you follow the same formula. Pay as you enter outbound (eastbound), and pay as you exit inbound (westbound).

 

The Google trip planner is based on info supplied by RTA, so the results should be the same as the RTA trip planner.

 

I will probably not be on this forum as often, starting July 3, when my Media Relations duties kick in again. You can always send e-mail to [email protected], and I will enter the fray as time permits.

we really have to have one of the worst most confusing fare card and collection systems for any large system in the country.  I barely know what's going on and I live here... I couldn't imagine being an out of towner.

 

 

 

Yeah, I just got back from my first trip there and was confused beyond belief.  I tried asking locals if there was some system that I didn't know about and got shrugs for responses.  I saw a sign that said pay as you enter eastbound, pay as you exit westbound but after watching the people after a few exits I realized that was total BS.  Then I tried calling the RTA hotline so I could speak with a customer service agent.  They responded with something like, "well umm some stations have attendants, but it depends on the hour, wait Tower City has gates that go both ways.  I mean it depends, when and where are you going?"

That's when it became clear that there was NO system and I was comforted in knowing that I wasn't alone in my confusion.

 

The way you pay for the rapid is historical and goes back to the days when the shaker rapid and cleveland rapid (or CTS Rapid for some folks) were seperate and TWO FARES.

 

Back in the day, the Shaker Rapid had a "local" and "express" fare structure. Tower City to Shaker Square (really E. 116) was considered the "express" zone.  Shaker Square to the Green Rd./Van Aken was considered "local".

 

This is how it worked.

Eastbound (you pay when you board the train)

– Board at TowerCity or any station to E. 116 and the fare was considered EXPRESS

– Board at Shaker Square or any station going East and the fare was considered LOCAL

 

Westbound (you pay based on where you depart your train)

– Board at any station between the eastern terminals (Van Aken or Green Rd.) and you exited at any station up to Shaker Square and the fare was local.

– Board & depart at any station between E. 116 and TowerCity/Union Terminal and your fare was considered Express as you paid when departed.

 

Examples:

 

If I boarded the train at my stop (coventry) and exit at Tower city.  It's considered express. 

 

If I board at my parents stop Eaton and Depart at Coventry or Shaker Sq. It's considered local, but if I stayed on and exit at E. 116 it's considred an express fare.

 

If I board at TowerCity/Union Terminal and transfer to the red line at 55 Street its considered express, since the Cleveland Rapid has always been "express".

 

If I board at Woodhill, it's express in either direction

we really have to have one of the worst most confusing fare card and collection systems for any large system in the country. I barely know what's going on and I live here... I couldn't imagine being an out of towner.

 

 

 

Yeah, I just got back from my first trip there and was confused beyond belief. I tried asking locals if there was some system that I didn't know about and got shrugs for responses. I saw a sign that said pay as you enter eastbound, pay as you exit westbound but after watching the people after a few exits I realized that was total BS. Then I tried calling the RTA hotline so I could speak with a customer service agent. They responded with something like, "well umm some stations have attendants, but it depends on the hour, wait Tower City has gates that go both ways. I mean it depends, when and where are you going?"

That's when it became clear that there was NO system and I was comforted in knowing that I wasn't alone in my confusion.

 

The way you pay for the rapid is historical and goes back to the days when the shaker rapid and cleveland rapid (or CTS Rapid for some folks) were seperate and TWO FARES.

 

Back in the day, the Shaker Rapid had a "local" and "express" fare structure. Tower City to Shaker Square (really E. 116) was considered the "express" zone. Shaker Square to the Green Rd./Van Aken was considered "local".

 

This is how it worked.

Eastbound (you pay when you board the train)

Board at TowerCity or any station to E. 116 and the fare was considered EXPRESS

Board at Shaker Square or any station going East and the fare was considered LOCAL

 

Westbound (you pay based on where you depart your train)

Board at any station between the eastern terminals (Van Aken or Green Rd.) and you exited at any station up to Shaker Square and the fare was local.

Board & depart at any station between E. 116 and TowerCity/Union Terminal and your fare was considered Express as you paid when departed.

 

Examples:

 

If I boarded the train at my stop (coventry) and exit at Tower city. It's considered express.

 

If I board at my parents stop Eaton and Depart at Coventry or Shaker Sq. It's considered local, but if I stayed on and exit at E. 116 it's considred an express fare.

 

If I board at TowerCity/Union Terminal and transfer to the red line at 55 Street its considered express, since the Cleveland Rapid has always been "express".

 

If I board at Woodhill, it's express in either direction

 

regardless... it's awful, confuses the crap out of people, and probably costs rta a lot of money on lost fares.  It's almost a deterrant to using our train system.

I don't think natives, like me, who ride the shaker rapid are confused, but a newbie or visitor would be confused.

 

Hopefully the new fare system/structure will make the rules easy on everyone.

 

I think its strange to hear people say "blue line" when to me it the shaker rapid.  to each his/her own.

You know when you pay? When the train operator tells you to. Case closed.

You know when you pay? When the train operator tells you to. Case closed.

right and when they don't people just don't pay... i see it ALL the time.

RTA Committees meet July 1. Here's a preview:

 

www.riderta.com/nu_newsroom_releases.asp?listingid=1172

Hi Jerry,

 

I was just glancing at this page

http://www.gcrta.org/pd_around.asp

 

and saw a glaring ommision!  SHAKER SQUARE!

 

Is there a reason why Shaker Square is not on this list?  :wtf: :wtf: :wtf:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts: Chris Paulitz or Stephanie Sonksen

(202) 224-8609

                                       

** MEDIA ADVISORY **

 

SEN. VOINOVICH CONTINUES “HIGH GAS PRICES TOUR” IN CLEVELAND

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, June 30, U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, will continue his “High Gas Prices Tour” in downtown Cleveland’s Public Square. Sen. Voinovich will discuss his short- and long-term plans in response to rising gas prices in Ohio in front of one of the new HealthLine Rapid Transit Vehicles that will be used on the Euclid Corridor. These vehicles are “hybrid electric” powered and are more fuel efficient than an equivalent diesel bus. A tour of the Corridor’s progress will follow the press event. All stops on his “High Gas Prices Tour” are open to the media. Sen. Voinovich will be available for questions following the event. 

 

Sen. Voinovich has supported increased domestic exploration for a decade and insists that America needs to embark on a new commitment to increasing supply of domestic oil while coming up with alternative and renewable resources. He supports exploration in ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf and has also urged a more conscientious approach to using our resources. Recently, Sen. Voinovich proposed a new “Manhattan Project” to put the United States on a path toward clean energy independence and lower prices at the pump.

 

What:              “High Gas Prices Tour” visits downtown Cleveland

 

Who:        U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH)

 

When:            Monday, June 30, 2008  2:00 p.m.

 

Where:        Euclid Corridor Station on West Roadway

                  North of Superior

                  Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44113

 

Sen. Voinovich’s “High Gas Prices Tour” also includes stops in Canton, Mansfield, Delaware and Marion June 30 and July 1.

 

 

Hi Jerry,

 

I was just glancing at this page

http://www.gcrta.org/pd_around.asp

 

and saw a glaring ommision!  SHAKER SQUARE!

 

Is there a reason why Shaker Square is not on this list?  :wtf: :wtf: :wtf:

 

Calm down no-mr-research, you have one of these (which is better): http://www.gcrta.org/opt/

www.gcrta.org/pd_around.asp

Is there a reason why Shaker Square is not on this list?

 

Yes. REALLY popular destinations -- like Shaker Square -- have their own "One-Pass Trip."

www.gcrta.org/opt/shaker.asp

FINE!  Humph!  thanks  8-)

"Sen. Voinovich has supported increased domestic exploration for a decade and insists that America needs to embark on a new commitment to increasing supply of domestic oil while coming up with alternative and renewable resources. He supports exploration in ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf and has also urged a more conscientious approach to using our resources. Recently, Sen. Voinovich proposed a new “Manhattan Project” to put the United States on a path toward clean energy independence and lower prices at the pump."

 

Notice how they abbreviate Arctic National Wildlife Refuge hoping nobody will know what they're talking about.  If he put his energy behind improving mass transit in Ohio we'd all be better off.  Instead he stays on the sinking ship of oil exploration that might last a couple more decades.

^same thing with "outer continental shelf", but that discussion probably belongs elsewhere.

we really have to have one of the worst most confusing fare card and collection systems for any large system in the country.  I barely know what's going on and I live here... I couldn't imagine being an out of towner.

 

Seriously.  Let me walk up to a machine insert my credit/debit card and get a little reusable card back with $20 worth of fare on it.  Then let me swipe it each time i get on a bus/train and it can deduct $1.75.  Then when i am almost out i will go refill it at another fare machine.... This can't be that hard.

 

Amen.  The proposed "proof of payment" system (where it sounds like they basically spot check to see that people paid) doesn't sound like much of an improvement...

Amen.  The proposed "proof of payment" system (where it sounds like they basically spot check to see that people paid) doesn't sound like much of an improvement...

The POP system works in other cities.  Why are you so skeptical?  Or is this a complaint without researching and reviewing how the system is to work?

Amen. The proposed "proof of payment" system (where it sounds like they basically spot check to see that people paid) doesn't sound like much of an improvement...

 

Try it. You might like it!

^ MTS, way to represent for Shaker Square!!!!

 

... btw Jerry, isn't it about time RTA either junk, or at least downsize, the use of the Route NUMBERS for the Rapid Transit lines?  It's confusing to newcomers; I mean how does one explain what a Route 67A, worse yet, a 67AX??  Why not just stick to Red, Blue, Green and Waterfront, and leave it at that?  Those old route numbers are a relic from yesteryear and only serve to confuse.

 

^ MTS, way to represent for Shaker Square!!!!

 

I still think it should be in both places with along with a listing for Larchmere.

I don't understand why the trains don't use turnstyles like every other large city. Today I took the Rapid to University Circle and boarding at W. 117 was a disaster. Train arrived at the stop, and waited for minutes while people piled on, most of them going to the Tribe game and paying with cash. Finally, all the people crammed into the train and there was a line INSIDE the moving train to pay the fare.

 

I flashed my monthly pass to the driver and ran to the back of the train. Basically, what I'm saying is that a buttload of people could have easily gotten free rides. And they should get rid of cash and just use the cards, like in NYC. I have spoken!!!

^ I ABSOLUTELY agree with you.  I would MUCH rather have a turnstyle payment system and/or have each station have an actual employee there, than to have fancy monitors TV on the buses or trains (isn't that planned?)  It is just so Mickey Mouse (to me) to have to wait in line to get on the train and pay.  Almost as bad as being asked for my ticket at E 9th when I got OFF the train to see if I had paid.  Just suppose I threw it away?  This type of system, IMO, makes RTA seem very small time.

^^All should be better when POP comes on line.

Amen. The proposed "proof of payment" system (where it sounds like they basically spot check to see that people paid) doesn't sound like much of an improvement...

The POP system works in other cities. Why are you so skeptical? Or is this a complaint without researching and reviewing how the system is to work?

 

I'm familiar w/POP systems and have been on trains with them.  Fare evasion seems like it'll be an even bigger problem than it is now since at least now, RTA sometimes tries to ensure people actually pay (either the driver or with turnstiles).  POP should help speed up boarding/exiting, but most places I've been it's always a bit confusing what you're supposed to do (do I pay now? later? who do I give the ticket to?) until you've ridden it a few times.  Even then, it always seems hokey to have the conductor walk through the train punching tickets and the like... Beyond that, stations feel more secure when there's always an attendant there and you can't get to the platform without paying a fare (unless you jump the turnstiles, but then the attendant should be watching). 

 

 

Almost as bad as being asked for my ticket at E 9th when I got OFF the train to see if I had paid. Just suppose I threw it away? This type of system, IMO, makes RTA seem very small time.

 

You mean like Paris' RER, London underground, Washington Metro and many others that use farecards. My sister threw her card away before we got to the turnstiles at CDG airport; I picked it up and admonished her. "Never throw it away until you get out of the station." Sure enough, we needed to exit.

 

I'm familiar w/POP systems and have been on trains with them. ...  Even then, it always seems hokey to have the conductor walk through the train punching tickets and the like...

 

Um, that's not proof of payment. That's a standard commuter rail or Amtrak setup. You can buy a ticket from conductor if you like, but if you boarded at a station that has a working fare machine or a ticket agent, you'll pay a small penalty (sometime a few percentage points of what would be your ticket price).

 

On a POP system, you buy your ticket or farecard at the station or off-system. You don't necessarily show it to anybody unless they ask you for it. Many times, you don't get asked. But when you do, usually it's a transit cop or security guard who gets on at an enroute station and makes spot checks of farecards/ticket. If you don't have a current ticket/farecard, you get taken off the train, are arrested and subject to a hefty fine (on some systems it's as high as $500). You cannot buy tickets/farecards from the transit cop/security guard. You are, in fact, screwed.

Almost as bad as being asked for my ticket at E 9th when I got OFF the train to see if I had paid. Just suppose I threw it away? This type of system, IMO, makes RTA seem very small time.

 

You mean like Paris' RER, London underground, Washington Metro and many others that use farecards. My sister threw her card away before we got to the turnstiles at CDG airport; I picked it up and admonished her. "Never throw it away until you get out of the station." Sure enough, we needed to exit.

 

I'm familiar w/POP systems and have been on trains with them. ... Even then, it always seems hokey to have the conductor walk through the train punching tickets and the like...

 

Um, that's not proof of payment. That's a standard commuter rail or Amtrak setup. You can buy a ticket from conductor if you like, but if you boarded at a station that has a working fare machine or a ticket agent, you'll pay a small penalty (sometime a few percentage points of what would be your ticket price).

 

On a POP system, you buy your ticket or farecard at the station or off-system. You don't necessarily show it to anybody unless they ask you for it. Many times, you don't get asked. But when you do, usually it's a transit cop or security guard who gets on at an enroute station and makes spot checks of farecards/ticket. If you don't have a current ticket/farecard, you get taken off the train, are arrested and subject to a hefty fine (on some systems it's as high as $500). You cannot buy tickets/farecards from the transit cop/security guard. You are, in fact, screwed.

 

which is all the more reason why, it would be a whole lot easier if you just had a reusable card that you could add money to, and swipe it at a turn style before entering.  our fare system stinks.

This is a cute story.

 

http://www.iheartcleveland.com/ihc/blog/2008/06/our-day-on-rta.html

 

 

Our Day on the RTA

 

I don’t know what sparked the idea, but a few months back myself and my good friend had a spark of inspiration that it may be fun to spend the day taking in the sites of Cleveland by way of our Public Transportation System, the RTA. A whole day with no car, a day to see the city out the windows of the bus, a day to stand and wait for our turn to hop aboard the wheels that keep the Greater Cleveland public moving along.

 

A few days in advance, our plans were made, our PDF maps printed, our canvas tote bags, umbrellas, sunglasses and rolls of quarters all laid out and ready for the adventure that lie ahead. We were like little kids the night before Christmas, giddy with excitement.

 

At 10:05 sharp we left our cars in an empty Rapid parking lot. As we rode the escalator up to the train we could hear the brakes of an oncoming train, and noticing fellow riders running to meet the arrival, we followed suit and booked down the stairs to the platform below. (note* even comfy wedge heels don’t make for good running shoes!) As we slipped into the seats of the red line heading east, the fellow passengers were a mix of young and old, people were sleeping, jamming to their headphones and catching up on the morning paper. Looking at the city from the windows of the train you see the Cleveland in ways you may never have in your own car. The colorful graffiti that lines the concrete walls, the crumbling vintage advertising painted on the side of an old building, the neighborhoods that back up to the tracks...it’s all a visual delight.

 

 

 

As our first stop, W 25th/Ohio City approached our stomachs were growling for food. So off to the Westside Market Café we went. (upcoming post) After an amazing breakfast we decided to hang out and explore the area on foot. After a thorough visit to the market (upcoming post), a walk through St Ignatius Campus, A trip to Unique Thrift, the German grocery Store-Hansa Import Store (upcoming post) and the West 25th Bookstore we decided to grab a bus to our second destination...downtown.

 

Bus 22 took us to the center of our fair city, Public Square. We did run into a few “characters” on this ride, giving us unsolicited advice about “two girls riding the bus,” yadda yadda, you can only imagine...needless to say we arrived safely. Downtown was quiet, the sun was out and it seemed you could hear a pin drop. As we climbed the stairs of the Sailors and Soldiers Monument (upcoming post) we were curious to see what was actually inside this amazing architectural structure. Once through the monument we decided to walk over the the Public Library Reading Garden (upcoming post) relax for a bit, and have a snack that we bought earlier at the Market. After resting our feet we continued to walk over to Mall B and take in the latest public art installation (upcoming post) then made our way over to the infamous FREE Stamp (upcoming post). After a moment for some funny photos, we proceeded to walk over to the waterfront for a visit to the USS COD (upcoming post). I can honestly say that besides taking the trains and buses around the city this submarine had to be the most fascinating part of my day.

 

It was now around 3:30 and time to head east, so we made our way back up East 9th and looked for the closest bus stop to grab our next ride, Bus 6. After waiting just a few minutes, time enough to look around, take in the construction site and historical architecture lining Euclid Avenue, our bus had arrived. Did you know it only costs $4 for an all day pass? What a bargain! We slowly made our way up Euclid, enjoying the new bus-only lane. The crowd was a bit more “alive” than previous rides. The older women with stories to share, the children giggling as they approached their stops, the teens ready to hit the town running...it was a colorful crowd.

 

Our stop at Euclid & East 79th had arrived and it was time for an early dinner at that pink building on Carnegie...the Hot Sauce King, Hot Sauce Williams. You’ve never eaten better friend okra and wings that those of Williams, the wet hand wipes we purchased earlier in the day sure did come in handy. After dinner we continued the trip East heading over to University Circle.

 

As we were on the bus we noticed the sky becoming dark and the winds picking up. Were we going to be caught with NO CAR in this thunderstorm? YES. As we stood like wet cats in the rain, our clothes soaked (the umbrellas we packed gave little protection to the afternoon downpour), we stood huddled in the alcoves of Severance Hall waiting for the next bus. As much as we had intended to make it to Shaker Square for an evening of live music on the Square, we hopped aboard and headed back west to Public Square for the Rapid back home. The damp bus ride was so quiet, everyone wet from the afternoon storm. Sticky umbrellas. Chilly from the air conditioning that was meant to keep passengers content. As we ran from the drop off at Public Square to the entrance at Terminal Tower we were hit with monsoon number two. At this point we couldn’t help but to laugh, although we were literally soaked, our spirits were so high from a day of complete fascination and public transportation. I seriously have NEVER in the ten years I have know my friend ever heard her laugh so loud. It was great.

 

As we made our way down to the RTA epicenter in Tower City we noticed we weren’t the only rained on passengers, everyone was soaked. It stirred comradery amongst us and everyone smiled and shook their heads. Already reliving the stories from the day it was time to get home...by way of our cars. Time to change out of our soaked clothes, put away our finds from the day and file the memories of our day with the RTA.

 

We strongly recommend taking a day this summer to explore Cleveland by way of RTA, North America’s BEST Public Transportation System; 2007.

For maps and schedules visit www.riderta.com

 

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/12148146845820.xml&coll=2

 

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority to audit fare boxes

Machine, human numbers at odds Monday, June 30, 2008Sarah HollanderPlain Dealer Reporter

 

Based on the number of crowded buses of late, RTA ridership seems to be headed up.

 

But just how much? It's hard to say.

 

.......

^ Hey!  Somebody listened to us (or to their own gut)!  Either way - I hope the audit will show them what we keep insisting is happening so they can improve the system!

There is no way ridership is down this year.  I've stood on every bus I've riden downtown from the near west side for the last 6 months during rush hours.  Same on the Red Line.  The dregs on cleveland.com are going to have a field day with that article.

shaker rapid seems a bit more bloated now than in years past too

this is what I've been saying for months... the new boxes have been very sketchy from what I've seen and I've reported this on a number of occasions.  I've also mused on here for a couple years about what happens when a driver just waves people on... do they get counted or not?  I care because I want my service to continue and I want to be able to accurately represent the usage and demand when asking for federal and state $$$!  I also posed the question some time ago of whether the bus/train operators understand how important this stuff is.  Is it part of their training?

I think that the RTA employees knew about this at least before yesterday - when we took the Blue Line in to the Tribe game, the train "driver" gave explicit verbal directions about paying fare and about how much an individual had to pay based on their age.  She also told people that they had to have their medicare cards to get the senior fare.  I also heard employees at Tower City say this when we were on our way home.  I'm just really glad they're finally looking into making sure proper fares (or fares in the first place... period!) are being paid.

  I do think that the fare CARDS would be a better idea....that way you can purchase enough for one ride or many rides...at a machine...then just swipe or insert a card at a turnstyle or on the train...at least that would be faster than trying to pay with cash on the train.

actually the more I think about this, the more it upsets me.  RTA just spent $23 million dollars updating a completely outdated system with new equipment for said outdated system.  And while POP will no doubt speed things up... it still is inherently flawed the way the current system is.  Many fares will be lost, and it still requires riders to carry around exact change and mutltiudes of singles. 

 

I'm not buying that fines work either.  If someone is sneaking around because they can't pay $1.75 what are the odds they are going to be able to pay hundreds of dollars for some fine.  In the meantime we've just made it easier for people to ride for free.

 

I'd really like to know how much it would cost to have upgraded to a reusable card system.

^Amen.  They quoted St. Louis as an example for a POP system, but even the last time I rode on MetroLink (a good 5 years ago now), you still purchased the ticket at a machine at the station.

The proposed "proof of payment" system (where it sounds like they basically spot check to see that people paid) doesn't sound like much of an improvement...

 

Sorry, but (in my opinion) your comment is off base. Extra Transit Police will be hired to enforce the policy, and a new "violation" fare has been established for those who want to evade fares. If you want to judge the system after you see it work, fine. But to judge it before it takes effect makes no sense.