Hurricane Ian rider alerts for one Georgia transit agency

Chatham Area Transit  (CAT) in Savannah GA has been texting its riders with helpful service information related to Hurricane Ian.

The messages come right to riders' phones, helping to ensure most will see them. 

I'm thinking these text alerts would be very helpful during Erie's snow emergencies. 

  

New shelter schedules easier to read

 The printing on the new shelter schedules is a lot clearer.

Routes that were out of order have been corrected as well.

These schedules are helpful, especially for people who might not be familiar with how the buses run, so making them easier to use is very important. 

A city and county schedules from 2004.

 A city and county schedule from 2004.

The city schedule had city routes in one schedule and the county schedule had all the county routes together. 

You will notice that the city schedule used red ink. For a few years they would change the ink color when the schedule had changed, so that passengers would know to pick up a new one and discard the old. Schedules were mainly distributed through the racks behind the driver. Riders would see the change of color and know to pick up a new schedule. 

EMTA Bus schedule from 1986

Here is an EMTA bus schedule from 1986. 

Hope you can read it, I had a problem scanning the images. 

Click on each image to enlarge. 

For as far back as I can remember, EMTA had put all the city routes together in a foldable 20x24 thing. Then in 2005/2006, when they overhauled the routes, they gave each route a separate schedule, and took some of the route details off. The Executive Director at the time said this is how they do it in big cities, which he seemed to think was a good thing. 

Anyway, regardless, this is how they were doing it in 1986, and I thought it was interesting. 

A couple things worth noting. 

The fares shown are in 1986 dollars obviously. According to a dollar converter I used, the 75 cents fare people were paying back then is equal to $2.03 on the day I compared it (8/8/2022). So if that's correct, it means the fare really hasn't actually gone up. 

 

Also, it looks like there were more trips back then. But then, our population has gone down and we've lost some workplaces. 

I noticed that an ad says "Compliments of Mellon Bank." So I guess they paid for the printing in exchange for the ad.

I made a point of captioning each one "SCHEDULE FROM 1986" just to avoid possible confusion.

SCHEDULE FROM 1986 - All city routes put together on one foldable map-size sheet. 

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

SCHEDULE FROM 1986

Fares - FROM 1986

Accessibility of Waterworks area at Presque Isle

The Waterworks area is the most accessible area of Presque Isle.

It doesn't really have a lot to do with bus service, but I figured since this is a stop used by the Presque Isle Express, I would share some basic information about accessibility. I will follow up with more specific information especially about the accessible beach area and the restrooms, but I wanted to at least get this started. Comments encouraged and appreciated. 

The Waterworks area has a network of paved paths that allow you to move around most of the area without leaving a paved surface. Within the area are a multi-purpose trail, a bayside dock, two sets of accessible restrooms and an accessible porta-john, an accessible  lakeside beach deck with a wide ramp, floating dock on a pond, smooth path to playground area and accessible picnic areas. 

Click photos to enlarge

Map is from Google maps, I did add some things to it specific to this article. 

CROSSWALK - If you require a smooth surface at all times, ask the bus driver to leave you off at the crosswalk. Although the area is well-paved, this is the only place where the road connects to the paths.  The surrounding area is packed dirt and grass, so if you don't require a flat surface you can still get around, but this is the spot for "smooth landing."

Crosswalk on bay side

Crosswalk looking toward lake side 

RESTROOMS - All restrooms are accessible. The Rotary Pavilion restroom area path is smooth. In addition to a men's and women's room, it also has a single, straight-entrance restroom in the middle. Also water fountains at two heights. The other rest area is in an unpaved parking area on the bayside, and. the surface of the parking area there is packed dirt and small stones. There was an accessible porta-john by Cabin #1, but I don't know if it is removed in off-seasons.

Restrooms in Rotary Pavilion area

MULTI-PURPOSE TRAIL is an ADA accessible 13+ mile loop around the park, and is used by people using mobility devices as well as hikers, runners, cyclists, skateboards and others. Generally people are respectful of each other; etiquette tip: stay on the right side and leave room on the left for oncoming and people wanting to pass. Although the map calls it a bike trail and there are some cyclists who would like a dedicated trail, this one is called multi-purpose and it is for all manner of moving around.

Multi-Purpose Trail used by everyone

FLOATING DOCK extends into the eastern pond. There is a smooth bridge connecting it to the dock, and a wide deck.with benches. Fishing is allowed from the floating dock. Note: I don't know why the bridge leading to the dock was crooked on this visit. But it is still wide enough to accommodate anyone who wanted to travel on it.

LAKESIDE BEACH DECK AREA - There is a large accessible deck on Beach 7. There is a wide ramp area that leads to the deck. If you travel by private vehicle, there are about six spaces reserved on either side of the entrance to the deck. 

In years past there has been a mat leading from the deck to the water's edge, but it was gone this year. I called the park office about the mat, and they said although it was removed from Beach 7, there are mats on Beaches 8 and 11. I don't know how long these are left in place, and would recommend checking ahead ( 814-833-7424 ) if you plan to use them.

PLAYGROUND AREA PATH Playground itself has sandy floor but there is a smooth pank path and bench so one can watch and supervise. 

PICNIC AREAS - The cabins #2 and #3 and pavilion are accessible inside but only open to parties who have reserved them. Cabin area path is an unpaved road. Cookhouse shelter (bayside)  is often reserved but when it isn't, people who want to eat or take a rest will sit down at the tables. Cookhouse shelter is paved and has wide aisles but sometimes tables block the way from the path. Individual tables are up for grabs but usually on the grass. 

WHEELCHAIR RENTALS?  unfortunately the bike rental business does not rent mobility devices like beach wheelchairs or even the garden variety mobility devices. I guess they have their reasons, but it seems like an odd omission since they rent all kinds of other wheelie things. Presque Isle Partnership is working on making beach wheelchairs available though... check it out  UPDATE: As of 2024 Beach wheelchairs  available to borrow for free at Beach 8 and Public Safety Building (ranger station.)

BUS STOP INBOUND - The inbound bus (heading back into town)  is located a little to the east of the paved crosswalk. The berm is pretty solid, but if you need to stay on a solid surface, I guess stay on the outbound crosswalk and wave the driver down? Perhaps this could be addressed by drivers and those who would be affected by an unpaved surface. 

Surface at inbound bus stop is packed dirt 

Presque Isle Park Office  814-833-7424

Other areas on Park:

Beach 8 visit July 2024 shows recent accessibility features and some other cool stuff.  

Beach 11: Quick look at Accessibility  posted on Facebook June 2023. I checked this out because EMTA Presque Isle Express was running a bus shuttle to the Wednesday concerts at this beach. 

Accessibility at Waterworks area at Presque Isle July 31, 2022 A couple years ago wrote about accessibility at the Waterworks/Cookhouse/Beach 7 area a couple years ago, if you want that sort of into:

More Presque Isle info:

Presque Isle  info from DCNR

Accessible Erie: Presque Isle State Parke from Accessible Erie A project of Voices for Independence

Park and accessibility information    

Mobi-Mats - Presque Isle Partnership 

Presque Isle Partnership Projects (Past and Present) 

Comments sent to EMTA board about Greyhound closing and restroom access

I just sent this comment to the EMTA board to be read at their monthly meeting. EMTA owns the Intermodal Center that housed the Greyhound station:


Hi I know the Greyhound issue is being addressed but i want to implore you to take some sort of action yesterday regarding bathroom issues
Yesterday as I was taking photos in that area a middle aged man arrived to catch his bus to NYC. His face expressed alarm when he saw that it was closed. I told him he could accompany me to the library and I would show him the restroom area. He was very grateful.
There are apparently some instances that are a little more problematic. I will spare the details.
️Immediately there should be noticeable signs directing persons to the library next door.
Also well-maintained porta john or two is absolutely called for.
These are not controversial measures, and could have and should have been enacted
This is in the interest of EMTA, Greyhound customers, the City of Erie and all other tenants of the building. Please act immediately.
Thank you.
Deb Spilko

Erie Greyhound station update

The Greyhound station is still closed, though still served by Greyhound buses.. At least to the best of my knowledge, Greyhound has not communicated their plans in Erie, or if they have any plans to speak of.  

Efforts to address situation

At June EMTA board meeting Dave Robinson EMTA (Community & Governmental Relations) said he was working on the issue with with City Council President Liz Allen, and City Councilwoman Jasmine Flores, city council liaison to EMTA.

Haven't heard if Visit Erie has been involved, but they should be. Not a good first experience for visitors or newcomers. 

Change in status

The Greyhound site now describes the Erie stop as a "Curbside stop" and carries the message "Effective May 1, 2022 this location will no longer have local staff available. If you need to purchase a ticket via Credit Card or Cash, go to Greyhound.com" Here is the Greyhound Erie PA page. The page  states that the stop is open 24 hours a day, which is a tad misleading. 

Shelter, restrooms and safety

Several local people have suggested at least at this point the need for porta john and some sort of shelter for passengers waiting for buses. This was also discussed at last month's EMTA board meeting.

Also, it seems to me that if Greyhound has no intention of returning to the Intermodal Center, it would be worth considering moving the stop elsewhere. As pleasant as a bayside stop is in the warm weather, that will soon change. Also there might be other locales that could provide shelter, restrooms and safety ... all of which are problematic at the present location. 

Customers also need to know how to buy tickets without having to go online. I see the info sheet inside the Intermodal door says you can buy tickets at: CVS, Family Dollar and Walmart (local stores) and others that are not available locally are 7-Eleven, Ace Cash Express, and Casey's. I also saw cash pay info on their website, but it flashed so quickly (literally a fraction of a second) that I had to video it to get a screenshot (see below). The cash pay information flashed after I clicked on "Buy Tickets" After some very specific searches I did find the info online here ... dated March 3 of his year, so I guess this move away from staffed locations goes beyond our local situation. 

Backgrounder:

Greyhound bus ticket office closed in Erie; buses are still running

Greyhound's Erie PA page 

Photos of building are from June 23, 2022 and July 5, 2022. Greyhound website screenshots from June 28, 2022. Click to enlarge

Editing notes:

Slightly edited for clarity 7/23/2022

CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

Current waiting area. Two benches, some rain protection, pay phone removed long ago. 

Looking through window, east wall, signs still up

Looking through the locked doors from inside the west side of the building. 

Information from website could be confusing. "Open 24 hours"?

Notice on Greyhound website 

Company website offers where to buy tickets with CASH, but it literally flashes so fast (literally a fraction of a second) I had to video it to be able to get a screenshot.

Buses still arrive and depart but station now considered "curbside" 

I am assuming it was EMTA who had to post these notices advising Greyhound's confused customers

One letter sized notice on back door. Tinted glass makes it hard to see, easy to miss 

Not much of a welcome. 

Presque Isle Express trip 6/24/2022

Took the Presque Isle Express bus (Route 33) this past Saturday. They are leaving from downtown this year, and running Fridays and Saturdays. 

My nephew was biking around the park with his family and we arranged to meet up at the Waterworks/Cookhouse area. Very enjoyable visit.

Some information about this year's Presque Isle Express: 

• The bus leaves from downtown (7th & French, 10th & French). 
• It turns onto the Bayfront Parkway and heads west till it gets to Liberty Park shelter. This stop could be for people who might want to park their vehicles there and use a non-car alternative for the park; people staying at hotels, restaurants, or boaters; westside pedestrians, mobility devices and cyclists. Only trolley service you could take from there is Saturday starting at 5pm, so FYI to walkers and mobility device users.  Liberty Park entrance is across from Cobblestone Hotel and west of Sloppy Duck Saloon
• After it leaves Liberty Park it turns west onto West 8th.
• It stops across the street from West Erie Plaza shelter
• Heads west till Peninsula Drive.
• Next stop is Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC). The info desk carries paper schedules for the PI Express, and maps of the park at the info desk. They also have indoor restrooms and beverage machines, and it's fun to walk around and look at the exhibits (admission is free)
• Waldameer Park is across from the entrance to TREC. If you want to go to Waldameer with the PI Express, you need to get off at the TREC stop. The crossing to Waldameer has traffic lights, a crosswalk and signals, and newish curb cuts. (btw, you can also use 32, 31 and 30; check schedules for specifics and convenience)
• The route is a single loop. If you want to continue past the Waterworks / Cookhouse area, just stay on the bus. 
• There are marked stops and I think they are only supposed to stop at those specific stops (but I'm not clear on that).  It would be helpful if EMTA made a map of where those stops are. For the ones on the park it would be particularly helpful to know where they are, and how much distance there is between them. 
• The inbound trip just does the same route but going the other way.  
• Outside the park, I don't know if the bus would stop anywhere besides those designated stops. "Express" buses tend to have few stops so that they can get to their destination faster.  Clarification needed. 

More info:

Presque Isle Express /Route 33 schedule 

https://ride-the-e.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Route-33_2022-update-1.pdf 

DCNR maps of Presque Isle State Park 

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PresqueIsleStatePark/Pages/Maps.aspx

Waterworks/Cookhouse area inbound stop

 

Express stops at Liberty Park. Note: trolley now only runs Saturday evenings from this spot. 

Crossing from Tom Ridge Environmental Center to Waldameer

EMTA stop at Tom Ridge Environmental Center. You can get schedules and maps here. 

EMTA Board now posting agendas and minutes

EMTA Board meetings and agendas are now posted on the EMTA website. Click on About Us>Board Agendas & Meetings.

~~~~~~

Below is the information for the public about speaking and attending board meetings, . 

Although these are open to the public, a meeting was hacked a few months ago, so security was tightened around attending and participating. Perhaps something a little more accessible can be worked out in the future.

From EMTA website current 2/18/2022:

 

2022 BOARD MEETINGS

The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority will hold their regular meetings during 2022 beginning at 4:00 p.m via Zoom.

Due to COVID-19 and social distancing initiatives implemented by Governor Tom Wolf, Board Meetings are being held virtually via Zoom on the dates below since April 2020. Zoom link is in correspondence with the date.

Attendees are required to register for the Board Meeting no later than the Thursday prior before 12:00 pm for a private link to the Zoom meeting. Attendees must email their name, email, and phone number to emtamedia@ride-the-e.com for access to the meeting.

Public comments can be emailed to emtamedia@ride-the-e.com by the Friday prior to the meeting date. Public Comments will be recorded in the Minutes. The public is now allowed address comments during the ‘Public Comment’ section at the beginning of the meeting. We will notify the public once in person meetings are allowed.

• January 24
• February 28
• March 28
• April 25
• May 23
• June 27
• July 25
• August 15
• September 26
• October 24
• November 28
• December 12

All such meetings are open to the public.  A sign interpreter will be provided for persons with hearing impairments upon a two-week notice to EMTA.

How to get to upcoming Erie events using EMTA

EMTA routes to upcoming outdoor events

Aug 14 - 814 Day Music Fest - 3-9pm. Bayview Park #31, Griswold Park and Perry Square (all buses but #15), Rodger Young #16 #25, Washington Park #29 

Aug 27-29 Zabawa Polish Festival 2220 Reed #16 #24 #25 #26 no Sunday route.

Sep 4 - German Heritage Festival St Nick's Grove #27

Sep 5 - Hispanic Heritage Festival Perry Square All but #15

Sep 24-26 -Erie's Blues & Jazz Festival Frontier Park #30, #31 no Sun. route.

DOWNTOWN events - All Erie buses except #15 go to State Street.
Events subject to change due to COVID and other concerns
CORRECTIONS welcomed
CELEBRATE SAFELY

Mall bus stop at JC Penney, not Boscov's, starting July 17

Starting Saturday July 17, JC Penney will be the only bus stop at Millcreek Mall. 

Buses will no longer stop at Boscov's.

This was apparently Boscov's decision, not EMTA's. 

The stop will have a marker. 

ALSO: EMTA to extend Saturday service 7/17.

EMTA Free Fares FAQs

• When will the free fare period begin and end?
  • Temporary free fares will begin July 5th and end August 29th.
• Do masks have to be worn on EMTA buses?
  • Yes, despite the lifting of restrictions in Pennsylvania masks must still be worn on buses as per guidelines set forth by the FTA and will expire September 13, 2021.
• how is the cost of the service covered?
  • EMTA will provide the temporary free fare service period with funds provided by the CARES as a part of the economic recovery initiative.
• Why launch free fare service now?
  • The EMTA Board passed the resolution June 28th to authorize the temporary free fares to build ridership momentum as the Governor lifted the pandemic restrictions. EMTA did not provide free fares during the pandemic as social distancing guidelines would not allow for increased number of riders.
• What EMTA services are included with free fares?
  • The free fare service includes fixed route rides and the LIFT paratransit service.
• Why provide free fares?
• As a demonstration that EMTA is doing its part to return riders to work and back to social engagements with lifted restrictions.

https://ride-the-e.com/2021/06/30/emta-free-fares-faqs/ 

 

Bike news & bits

May is National Bike Month. Included here are some bike resources and news, both old and new: 

BikeErie for all things Bike+Erie. Info for all levels, including beginners and just checking it out. I'd recommend visiting both their Facebook page and website.

Why Dutch Bikes are Better (and why you should want one)  Cycling in The Netherlands is popular among all ages, and so is the comfortable sturdy model that is preferred for getting around.  Check out this video in praise of this comfortable, functional approach to bicycling.
Active Transportation Plan for people who walk and bike in Erie PA (draft) "Active Erie is an active transportation plan to improve conditions for people walking and bicycling in the City of Erie. We envision a network of streets that are beautiful, comfortable, and safe community spaces where people want to be, whether they are walking, riding a bike, taking transit, or driving a vehicle." 

Lake Erie CycleFest 2021  taking place in Erie July 30 through August 1. "Four distinct rides will guide cyclists of all ages and abilities around Erie’s vast terrain – along sandy beaches and through old growth forests, across our vibrant downtown and our rolling country hills... event proceeds from Lake Erie Cyclefest will benefit local charities. The 2021 beneficiaries are Asbury Woods, Because You Care, Erie Downtown Partnership and Presque Isle Partnership."

Meadville transit agency launches Bike Share in May Crawford Area Transit Authority has launched a bike share program. Bike Share is a service in which bicycles are made available for shared use to individuals on a short term basis. Info and to offer support: Tim Geibel at tgeibel@catabus.org 
Warren named Pennsylvania’s ‘Best Bicycling City’ (YourErie 5/19/2021) "Sutton said there were four criteria for cities to be ranked to be ranked: Overall bike friendliness, bike commuting prevalence, prevalence of bike incidents, and DUI and passing violations. According to Insurify, Warren joins cities like Denver, Colo.; Portland, Ore.; Austin, Texas; and Charlotte, N.C. as the safest cycling cities in their state, which provide a boost in tourism, according to Dave Sherman, executive director of the Warren County Visitors Bureau."