Quote:
Originally Posted by Bootstrap Bill
They could double fares and they would still be far less than the cost of driving.
Owning and operating a car can cost more than $600 per month - much more if you have a luxury car. A 30 day Metro pass costs $89, or less than $3 per day.
Is it reasonable for fares to be this low when transit agencies all over the country are facing huge deficits? I think cities like NYC - where you truly can get around without a car - should greatly increase fares to keep service where it should be and to finance needed improvements. It may hurt low income people - they could compensate for this by offering a low income monthly pass for those who make less than the Federal poverty level.
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This is a ridiculous idea. What do operating deficits in other transit agencies have to do with the MTA, particularly since the MTA has one of the highest percentage of operating costs covered by fares?
You want to reduce deficits, how about actually pass on the costs of driving to drivers? That $600 number you mention doesn't actually cover the cost of government services provided to drivers. How about eliminate the subsidies drivers are given? Drivers don't pay special fees to pave roads, clear snow from roads, control road traffic with signals and police, repair bridges, etc, etc, etc - that's all paid out of general funds from taxes levied on everyone. How about instate a driver fare?