Department of Transportation • Office of Transit • Fall 2008

RTA HealthLine Opens on Euclid Avenue – Pumping New Life into from the GCRTA newsroom

project that began nearly 50 years ago as a vision for stimulating economic growth and improving the quality of life in Northeast Ohio is now a re- ality. AThe ribbon was officially cut on October 24, 2008, on the HealthLine, the nation’s first federally-funded Bus Transit system. Cleveland sports legends Lenny Barker, Kevin Mack, and Campy Russell joined area youth ath- letes in the official ribbon-cutting duties. Local, state, and national officials joined the public in sending the hybrid vehicle on its maiden voyage with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The celebration continued all the weekend. On Sat- urday, Oct. 25, there was a Community Open House & Scavenger Hunt along the HealthLine route. At 6 p.m., a free family concert downtown on Mall B featured entertain- A new Rapid Transit Vehicle snakes through the crowd at the ment from the Disney Channel, and American Idol winner RTA Healthline ribbon-cutting, held October 24. Jordin Sparks. A fireworks show choreographed to rock classics concluded the evening. Local foundations, the business community, non-profit lion which included $82.2 million from FTA, $75 mil- organizations, the cities of Cleveland and East Cleveland, lion from the Transportation Review Advisory Council, the , University Hospitals, and RTA all $10 million from the Northeast Ohio Area Coordinating played a role in the planning of the event. The unveiling Agency, $8 million from the City of Cleveland, and the of the line presents an opportunity to bring Clevelanders remainder from local sources. together by drawing attention to the city's many cultural RTA General Manager Joe Calabrese is thankful for and intellectual assets; celebrating what has been accom- the community support: “From businesses and founda- plished and what the future holds; and pumping new life tions, to our cultural institutions and civic leaders, we were and energy into the city. all in agreement that the city needed to celebrate the cur- The HealthLine will be the first federally funded Bus rent and anticipated $4.3 billion in new development along Rapid Transit line, putting Cleveland in the national spot- the route,” says Calabrese. “Donations, both cash and in- light. The transit system offers the benefits of rail without kind, took this idea and turn it into reality. We believe the the tracks. This includes a faster commute through dedi- events planned for this weekend should attract folks from cated transit lanes and rail stations, off-board fare pay- throughout the region.” ment, and traffic signal prioritization. RTA expects to The HealthLine connects the region’s two largest em- move more than 20,000 people a day along the corridor. ployment centers: downtown and . Beyond The total cost of the HealthLine was more than $193 mil- this, it’s the connection to the region’s new economy. Indus- continued on page 2 In This Issue

Mobility Manager Markets Transportation Transportation Certificate Program Moves Coordination...... 2 Forward in 2009...... 5 Awards Recognize Ohio Transit Systems and Coordinated Plan Improves Lives...... 6 Leaders...... 3 Logan Transit System Customers Say ‘Thanks’ ... 7 On the bus with Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin ..... 5 What’s Happening in Transit?...... 8

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RTA HealthLine pumps new life into Cleveland continued from page 1 trialists like Rockefeller and Severance made Euclid Avenue center for job creation and research. It’s also a catalyst for a showplace for the city. Along the route, one will find redevelopment. More than $4.3 billion in development has world-class health care, and a world-renowned orchestra, occurred or has been committed along the route. This in- inspiring art and architecture, and nationally respected cludes rehabilitation of old buildings into housing and retail centers for learning and entertainment. The once-famous centers, new locations for business startups, and major ex- avenue is also becoming a place for tech firms, empty nesters pansions at universities, museums and hospitals. Signs of and Iron Chefs. And soon, it will be a place to display ad- this investment can already be seen in downtown, midtown, vancements in medical technology, with the creation of the University Circle and East Cleveland. Medical Mart. Green thinking is an integral part of the HealthLine. Creating a fast link between downtown and University The 21 hybrid-electric vehicles used on the line are powered Circle will address a logistic issue that has hindered the by clean diesel engines and electric transmissions with 100 city’s development for a number of years: the separation of kW motors and 600-volt nickel hydride battery packs. This hotels, major employers and venues in Cleveland’s central unique power train reduces particulate emissions while dra- business district from cultural institutions, hospital systems matically improving fuel efficiency. Along Euclid Avenue, and research centers. The short 20-minute commute will the planting of 1,500 trees has greened up the streetscape, change the definition of what is perceived to be the city’s and dedicated bike lanes provide commuters another green center. It will also change the direction in which people alternative to driving. are commuting, with Warehouse residents boarding the HealthLine in the morning for a day of work in University About RTA Circle and Case students catching a ride at night for a game RTA is the nation’s 13th-largest public-transit system, at Progressive Field. serving more than 45 percent of all public-transit riders in Like Silicon Valley in California, and the Quadrangle Ohio. Its 2,753 employees operate 108 rail cars on 34 miles of in the Carolinas, the HealthLine route is northeast Ohio’s track and 624 buses on 1,606 route miles.

Greene CATS’ Mobility Manager Markets Transportation Coordination By Rich Shultz, Greene CATS

he Greene County Transit Board, Greene CATS, recently hired Ms. Emily Demeter to fill the new position of Mobility Manager. The position is funded by New Freedom and Job Access/ TReverse Commute grants from the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and was created to help implement the Greene County portion of MVRPC’s Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan. The key outcomes of Emily’s efforts will be to develop a one stop information system for transportation operators and funding agencies to address the County’s transportation needs. Emily is a graduate of Wright State University with a major in Organizational Leadership. She became interested in public transportation and social services transportation while taking one of WSU’s ODOT-sponsored Public and Social Service Transportation Certificate Program courses. Upon graduation, Emily worked for RLS and Associates, Inc., a Dayton-based transportation consulting firm, where she was a key player in the development of coordination plans in Ohio and throughout the country. Emily can be contacted at [email protected] and 937-562-6461.

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APTA Awards Recognize Ohio Transit Systems and Leaders (Excerpts from APTA news release 10/7/08)

n October 7, 2008 the American Public Trans- portation Association recognized the winners of their 2008 Awards at a special ceremony in San Diego, CA. The award winners represent the top individualsO and transit systems in the United States. We are pleased to announce the following winners from the state of Ohio:

Joe Calabrese, GCRTA - Outstanding Public Transportation Manager SORTA - Transit System Innovation Award COTA - Ad Wheel Marketing Public Relations Award GDRTA - Ad Wheel Print Award

This year’s 2008 APTA Awards recognized seven (7) individuals whose contributions have greatly advanced public transportation.

Joe Calabrese, CEO & General Manager, Greater Ted Bergh, ERM Executive Director, Melody Sawyer Richardson, Cleveland RTA, Cleveland, Ohio is the 2008 recipient of SORTA Board Chair, Lamont Taylor, ERM Vice Chair, Marilyn the Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award. Shazor, SORTA GM. Joe Calabrese’s true passion is to enhance the image of public transportation through great service delivery, edu- cation and marketing. In 2000, Joe took the helm of the municipal systems, and reduced annual operating expenses Greater Cleveland RTA, a multi-modal agency with buses, by $25M through the reduction of 500 employees and 100 light rail, heavy rail, (BRT), and Para- buses, all while realizing five consecutive years of ridership transit services. Facing a challenging economy and several gains. Delivering on the board’s primary goal, in 2004, a Full years of declining ridership, Joe instituted a Back To The Funding Grant Agreement began the $200+ million Euclid Basics game plan, focusing on improving customer service, Corridor BRT project -- the first New Starts grant for a non- enhancing GCRTA’s image and building stronger financial rail project, which opened on-time and on-budget on Oct. health. GCRTA consolidated operations, integrated two 25, 2008. With a “rail-like” image, this project has already generated $4.3 billion in economic development. Innovative concepts --like Rapid Transit Vehicles with doors on both sides, precision docking, level boarding, off-board are being integrated into other BRT projects. In 2007, GCRTA won three major awards, including APTA’s Outstanding Trans- portation Achievement Award. GCRTA has now won the “triple crown” of public transit. Two years ago, Dixon was named the top Board member in North America and last year the agency was named the best in North America. The APTA Innovation Award is an award given to public transit agencies that demonstrate innovative con- cepts in the provision of public transportation services.

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, Cincinnati, Ohio In 2006, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, George Dixon, Joe Calabrese and Frank Kobliski. which operates Metro fixed-route service in Cincinnati, faced an aging fleet in desperate need of replacement, sky- continued on page 4

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Awards Recognize Ohio Transit Systems and Leaders continued from page 3 rocketing fuel and healthcare costs, and a fare that was far sentative for Ohio’s 27th House District, introduced legisla- lower than most in the nation, Metro’s Chief Financial Of- tion in the Ohio General Assembly to establish December ficer Ted Bergh had an idea to create a foundation to pro- 1 as Rosa Parks Day in Ohio. Rep. Beatty also approached vide subsidized fare media for those individuals who need COTA with the idea of organizing a special event to honor it the most. This concept would ensure that Metro could the legacy of Rosa Parks; commemorate the role of public raise fares without unfairly affecting low-income riders transit in the modern civil rights movement; and educate while bringing in fresh capital to be used for the purchase of and raise awareness of children and the community at-large. bus passes and tokens. From this simple idea the Everybody The first Rosa Parks Day celebration was held December 1, Rides Metro foundation (ERM) was born and in fall 2006 as 2005. “Receiving the Grand Award is a tremendous honor a 501(c)(3). ERM began distributing tokens through partner for COTA,” said Bill Lhota, President/CEO. “I am proud agencies in 2007. ERM’s mission is to provide reliable trans- of the recognition COTA has received from our peers in the portation to the economically disadvantaged of Cincinnati, public transportation industry, and proud of the members assuring access to employment, education, health care and of COTA’s staff who worked so diligently to make COTA’s other vital services as they work towards self-sufficiency. celebration of Rosa Parks Day such a huge success.” The APTA AdWheel Awards for marketing and public re- lations is an award given to public transit agencies for excellence Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority, Dayton, Ohio in advertising, communications, marketing and promotion. RTA won a first place in the print category for its customer newsletter, OnBoard. The agency won the award in the cat- Central Ohio Transit Authority, Columbus, Ohio egory of transit agencies with more than 4 million but less COTA’s “Dear Mrs. Parks: A Tribute to Rosa Parks” was than 30 million passenger trips annually. The awards rec- the Grand Award winner in the Public Relations/Aware- ognize public transportation systems and APTA business ness Special Event category among transit systems with members for excellence in advertising, communications, annual ridership between 4 million and 30 million. The U.S. marketing, and promotion. “APTA is pleased to honor the Congress called Rosa Parks the “Mother of the Modern- winning entries of the 2008 AdWheel Awards, an annual Day Civil Rights Movement” for her refusal on December competition that showcases the best of the best in public 1, 1955, to give up her seat on a public bus to a white pas- transportation marketing and communications,” said APTA senger. Her actions that day in Montgomery, AL, sparked President William W. Millar. “These individuals and orga- the national civil rights movement, a movement that began nizations have done an outstanding job in helping to further on a public bus. The Honorable Joyce Beatty, State Repre- promote our industry.”

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On the Bus with Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin By Sharon Balderson, GDRTA

ike all regular RTA riders, Mayor Rhine McLin has her own stories. There’s the time she waited and waited for her bus to come and, when it didn’t, she began walking home. She walked all the way to the stepsL of her house – over a mile – when her bus passed by. “The moral of this story is, when you do ride the bus, get a bus schedule,” said McLin. She has other practical advice for new riders: don’t expect a city bus to act like a city taxi cab. “One thing I have learned. You can’t hail the bus down. I tried it and the bus kept going.” The Mayor relayed these and other tidbits to RTA repre- sentatives and a Dayton Daily News photographer during a recent bus ride north of town. She wanted to take a ride to bring attention to the importance of riding public transit and chose Route 8 so she could also visit the Northwest Hub in Trotwood. Mark Donaghy, GDRTA Executive Director, with Mayor Rhine McLin. Characteristic of her low-profile style, the Mayor walked alone over to the Third and Main Street corner to meet RTA’s contingent and get onboard the bus. No entou- ring to her much-publicized scheduled walks with the rage for Dayton’s chief; just the sudden appearance of this citizens of various neighborhoods. pert, tiny woman in a red suit and a matching woven red At the Northwest Hub, the Mayor greeted riders waiting hat – her trademark accessory. for their buses as well as the staff of Tech Com High School, The group set off around 11 a.m. and included RTA located in the hub. She also took time to greet staffers and Executive Director Mark Donaghy, Marketing Director An- every one of the small children having lunch at Clara’s Heart thony Whitmore and Dayton Daily News photographer Chris Day Care Center, which occupies the hub’s annex. Stewart, who was new to the use of Dayton transit. Stewart She never failed to prove her political prowess during was gathering photos for a profile of the mayor already in the the ride by carrying on a complete and focused conversa- works. Along the way, she made sure he understood bus tech- tion with someone, yet never missing the opportunity to say niques by demonstrating how to pull the “stop request” cord. ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ to passengers as they got on and off McLin said she tries to ride the bus whenever her schedule the bus. allows and spoke of a week when she and City Commissioner Said Whitmore, “We hope that the Mayor becomes Nan Whaley made a commitment to ride every day. an example to the rest of the community. Whether you “We did a lot of riding and a lot of walking. Of want to save money or help save the environment, it course, walking is right up my alley,” said McLin, refer- makes sense to ride RTA.”

Transportation Certificate Program Moves Forward in 2009 By Kim White, ODOT

he transportation programs at both Kent State and Wright State University continues its Public and Social Wright State universities continue to move forward Service Transportation Certificate Program with course of- for 2009. The transportation courses provide a sound ferings through the Department of Urban Affairs and Geog- knowledge base for new entries into the transporta- raphy. WSU offers a public and social service transportation Ttion field and for current employees seeking advancement. class for the fall, winter, and spring quarters. The classes are Kent State University will offer the second of the Public part of the program requirements needed to obtain the Cer- and Human Service Transportation Programs during spring se- tificate. The winter quarter class, URS 424-01: Metropolitan mester. Geography 40195: Special Topics: Transportation Policy Planning: Rural and Urban Public Transportation will be and Development will meet on Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., offered on Thursdays, 6:05 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., beginning beginning January 20. For more information on registering for January 8, 2009. For more information on registering for the the KSU class, please contact Kent State University online at WSU class, please contact Wright State University online at www.stark.kent.edu/admissions, or call 330-499-9600. www.wright.edu or call 937-775-2941.

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Coordinated Plan Improves Lives in Southwest Ohio By Bob Steinbach, MVRPC

ver the last two years, the Greater Dayton Region distributed to the 500+ member Human Services Transporta- has been developing and implementing a Locally tion Coordination (HSTC) interest group. Developed Coordinated Public Transit-Human The local United Way “211” service and the Area Services Transportation Plan (Coordinated Plan) Agency on Aging Help Line now use this Directory as their Othat started off as a mandate, and ended being a real roadmap primary source when answering questions about transpor- for making transpor- tation, and the planned tation more available Mobility Management/ for transportation-dis- Call Center functions advantaged people in in Greene and Mont- Southwest Ohio. gomery County will In the spring of use the Directory as 2007, the three local their primary reference transit agencies, for making referrals Greater Dayton Re- and scheduling trips. gional Transit Au- Three participating thority, Greene CATS counties have estab- and Miami County lished Transportation Transit in partnership Coordination Coun- with the Metropolitan cils. These Councils Planning Organiza- are linked together tion (MPO), the Miami by a Regional Coor- Valley Regional Plan- dination Leadership ning Commission Council. These bodies (MVRPC), agreed on a are forums for devel- joint funding strategy oping project ideas for for development of the JARC (Section 5316) the FTA-required Co- and New Freedom (Sec- ordinated Plan. The tion 5317) programs partners developed as well as forums for Memoranda of Un- continued coordina- derstanding, passed resolutions by their governing boards tion and education. Other initiatives identified during the and jointly developed a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a planning process are also under way, including: formally consultant to assist in the development of the Coordinated connecting the three county-based transit systems, sharing Plan. The RFP was designed to meet all the requirements of space on human services agency vehicles, cooperative efforts the coordinated planning process and to develop a highly between the ADA paratransit service and senior centers to practical document that would guide the Region in making lower the cost of service, and a successful grant application better use of the limited transportation resources available to the National Center for Senior Transportation. Mobility to transit and human services agencies. The target audiences Management functions are being established in both Greene for the plan and other coordination efforts are the transpor- and Montgomery Counties to assist individuals and agen- tation dependent persons living within the boundaries of the cies within those counties to develop transportation solu- MPO including, but not limited to, welfare recipients and tions. The Mobility Management effort will also focus on low-income persons, people with disabilities and the elderly. issues of cross-county transportation, a top priority identi- The Coordinated Plan was developed through extensive fied in the plan. stakeholder participation and met all the requirements of The Coordinated Plan has become an important tool the mandated coordinated planning process, beginning with for improving the lives of transportation disadvantaged a regional needs assessment and an inventory of existing individuals in Greene, Miami, Montgomery and northern transportation providers and services. A new provider direc- Warren counties. The planning process helped start con- tory was developed which became the most comprehensive versations among transportation stakeholders around the listing of transit and non-profit transportation services ever Region. Keeping those conversations going and turning talk compiled in the Greater Dayton Area. The Directory is both into action will be the responsibility of the Coordinating available on the MVRPC website and has been electronically Councils and the new Mobility Management functions.

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Logan Transit System Customers Say ‘Thanks’ By Dave Seech, ODOT

t’s nice to get positive feedback from your customers. The Logan Transit System (LTS) started transit operations in May 2007 and recently shared some customer appreciation letters with ODOT. Mainly, the customers expressed their appreciationI for LTS and public transportation in general. The following excerpts are from those letters:

“We wish to thank those “I’m 78 years of age, and at this age I still have who make it possible for been shown great dignity each and every day Logan to have a Public that I ride . . . The ladies that take my call Transit System. We are wonderful. At times when I forget to call are some of the folks in ahead of time (which I have done a couple of wheelchairs, on walkers, times or more), they really try hard to squeeze and canes and appreciate me in, so I won’t be late. I love them.” getting to go places.” Bea Young Judy and Jody Russell Logan, Ohio. “The vehicles were always clean, the drivers were “I rode [the] cab before there was Logan friendly, courteous and Transit and what a difference. Wonderful very helpful in helping passengers in and out of having dependable vehicles and air the vehicle. The drivers conditioning in the summer. This is my last were always early or on week in Logan and I will miss my drivers. time, which is important They so make the difference. They help you when having scheduled in any way they can.” appointments. Logan has a top notch, professionally Constance Tucker managed public transit Logan, Ohio. system and it is indeed an asset to citizens of Hocking County. Keep up “I am very satisfied with the new the good work.” service. I am a frequent customer, therefore, I feel qualified to say Karen Cottrill that our system is the best in this Logan area and surrounding areas.” Donna Seager

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What’s Happening in Transit? By Dave Seech, ODOT

• For the week ending September 28, 2008, the Central and Huntington, West Virginia. Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) experienced an • On October 1, 2008, the Toledo Area Regional average weekday ridership of 61,074 on its fixed- Transportation Authority (TARTA) began a six- route bus lines. That is the highest average weekday month Comprehensive Operational Analysis which ridership since the week ending December 9, 2001. will examine the Toledo-based transit agency’s entire Through September 28, there were 114,000 more operation to make recommendations how TARTA boardings than a year ago, an increase of 10 percent. might best fulfill the region’s future transit needs. • On September 16, 2008, the Greater Dayton RTA The Comprehensive Operational Analysis will study (GDRTA) added affordable weekend passes to its TARTA’s 1982-vintage hub and spoke transit design line of transit pass options. The weekend passes with buses feeding into and out of downtown Toledo are easy to identify with whimsical retro designs through a transit loop. The study also will look at the that celebrate RTA’s 75 years of electric trolley bus shifts in population, employment, medical facilities service. and educational institutions away from downtown • In October 2008, James H. Booton, Chairman of Toledo to more suburban locations. KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission, accepted • On November 5, 2008, voters approved a 0.25 percent the Excellence in Regional Transportation Award sales tax that will allow Western Reserve Transit to on behalf of KYOVA, the Lawrence County Port serve the entire county. It was the second time the Authority, and the Tri-State Transit Authority. The tax was on the ballot this year and it passed at 59.95 three organizations’ partnership and cooperation percent to 40.05 percent. Under the proposal, voters resulted in the return of transit service to Lawrence across the county would pay a county sales tax to County after a forty year absence. Service began July fund the bus service while residents in Youngstown, 1, 2008, restoring bus service to Lawrence County, who pay two levies, would see those levies dissolve. Ohio, with connecting routes to Ashland, Kentucky The tax is expected to raise $7.5 million annually.

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