July 7, 2017
I got into a discussion about public transportation a day or so ago while bitching about traffic in Miami, Florida. I suggested that a newly retired friend get a golden passport which allowed somebody 65 or older to ride the buses or the local rail system for free.
Free bus passes given to those over 65 years old are a drag on other parts of a public transportation budget because some of the money might be used for maintenance issues for buses or to build up reserves for new buses. The scary truth about urban public transportation budgets almost everywhere in the United States is that fares don't cover costs and don't attract enough riders. Americans love their cars and an awful lot of money is spent on roads to accommodate cars to the detriment of urban rapid transit. Suburban sprawl related to housing and lower gas prices of late doesn't help folks to give up their cars either.
There are positive benefits for reduced or even free public transportation. Parking costs money and it uses valuable land often where it is most expensive. Traffic issues are also expensive in wasted time and energy. Senior citizens or students and veterans that can travel at off peak times and get where they need to go get off the roads. In addition a small but growing number of folks use public transportation and bicycles to get around.
I still drive and make car payments but I really don't like driving. It's getting old, but I also realize that is important to get out and do things to maintain my independence and health. Maybe charging something for this golden pass isn't a bad a idea. I'm not sure what the fair price should be, I could pay like a regular customer, but again this would probably push me back into my car.
Some folks who talk about entitlements don't realize that owning a car is something that is also subsidized and has other costs which are hard to quantify. It's complicated.
Free bus passes given to those over 65 years old are a drag on other parts of a public transportation budget because some of the money might be used for maintenance issues for buses or to build up reserves for new buses. The scary truth about urban public transportation budgets almost everywhere in the United States is that fares don't cover costs and don't attract enough riders. Americans love their cars and an awful lot of money is spent on roads to accommodate cars to the detriment of urban rapid transit. Suburban sprawl related to housing and lower gas prices of late doesn't help folks to give up their cars either.
There are positive benefits for reduced or even free public transportation. Parking costs money and it uses valuable land often where it is most expensive. Traffic issues are also expensive in wasted time and energy. Senior citizens or students and veterans that can travel at off peak times and get where they need to go get off the roads. In addition a small but growing number of folks use public transportation and bicycles to get around.
I still drive and make car payments but I really don't like driving. It's getting old, but I also realize that is important to get out and do things to maintain my independence and health. Maybe charging something for this golden pass isn't a bad a idea. I'm not sure what the fair price should be, I could pay like a regular customer, but again this would probably push me back into my car.
Some folks who talk about entitlements don't realize that owning a car is something that is also subsidized and has other costs which are hard to quantify. It's complicated.
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