How non-green can you get on Earth Day? Ask RTA. Maybe it’s a trial balloon, or maybe it’s a serious consideration. What am I talking about? The potential to eliminate weekend bus routes. Wouldn’t that be helpful to the NE Ohio economy? Not to mention use of fuel. Sigh. You can read about this here on the WKYC website.
At the same time, The Puritas Rapid Station is getting an extreme makeover, like many other stations like Triskett or West 25th. I’m ecstatic about the new station, my neighborhood needs it. There is proposed pubic art, walkways, and the potential to improve the value of while enhancing the neighborhood. You can read about the plans here on RTA’s website.
RTA says reduced monies from sales taxes due to the economy. Their percentage of the pie may have stayed the same, but the amount of money is not the same. Believe me, as a working member of society, I understand that.
I do have to wonder if we (meaning residents, government, business) support public transportation? Our neighborhood groups support it. Politicians are positive about it in their sound bites. If service is going to get cut, what good will the pretty new stations be to people? Ridership won’t increase with no weekend service, will it? On the same day that Eco Village Cottages had their ribbon cutting (yeay! – I saw one at a brokers open and you would be really pleased, I know I was, with the exterior design that blends in and enhances the neighborhood) we also got possible RTA route cuts. One win one loss? Do you think RTA is giving this serious consideration?
Peace out – oh, and Happy Earth Day. 3C
3 responses so far ↓
1 links for 2009-04-24 | Brewed Fresh Daily // Apr 24, 2009 at 8:30 am
[...] Earth Day Ushers In Possible RTA Route Cuts [...]
2 David // Apr 24, 2009 at 9:24 am
I ride the bus on the weekends to get downtown and many times I’m chauffeured. Meaning, I’m the only one on the bus! So a move like this may make sense if I’m understanding a cut isn’t the same as eliminating?
I think a Sunday like schedule for the whole weekend may help them a bit fiscally.
Hell, a Saturday like schedule during the week may suffice too. I live near Larchmere and Shaker Square and the 11 and 12 are practically empty except during school hours. That’s when I decide to lazily walk to Shaker Square to get the train. I don’t know man. Maybe diminish service on the dead lines during those dead times but keep the popular lines flowing?
I work at Cleveland Clinic and the 48 is robust even in late hours when I do a little overtime.
I dont know but I like not having to buy a car due to the RTA’s options and my location. Just get rid of some of the bad drivers. Seriously cutting lines might make sense.
3 Carole Cohen // Apr 24, 2009 at 9:30 pm
David, your strategy makes sense; if there are routes not heavily utilized, get rid of them before deep sixing weekend service. I hear what you are saying about Making Sat and Sun schedules similar. It’s true however, that I don’t mind the #22 bus on Saturday, but on Sunday, it can be a long wait till the next bus.
So more people are maybe taking the RTA rapid in Shaker, rather than the buses? What do you think?
All I know is, more public transportation is needed, not less. Thanks for your thoughful comments.
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