70% of WMATA bus riders don't pay

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

[Anonymous]

Charging fares for buses is stupid.

[Anonymous]

That's fine. They need a ride to work or to doctors or to school. It's a win win

[Anonymous]

Think of it like a meal tax. It's a way to capture tourism dollars for the transit system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

Fine with this concept if we have a workfare system where every able bodied adult on public assistance is in skill training or doing public service work.

But if we keep giving handouts the “freeloader” class will just expect more and more free stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

Fine with this concept if we have a workfare system where every able bodied adult on public assistance is in skill training or doing public service work.

But if we keep giving handouts the “freeloader” class will just expect more and more free stuff.

PP you responded to

But my point is that public transportation should be free not to benefit the “freeloader class”, but to benefit society as a whole. Public transportation should be considered an integral part of our essential infrastructure - like sidewalks, hiking trails, bike paths, local roads, and the interstate highway system. We recognize that everyone has a fundamental need to get from one place to another, and that it benefits society to help them do that. Moreover, public transportation is better for the community than private transportation which consumes more gas, pollutes everyone’s air, causes congestion, increases accidents not only through sheer statistical probability because of the larger quantity of drivers on the road, but also because individual drivers are more likely to be drunk, high, incompetent, or engaging in aggressive driving .

However, since “handouts” and “free stuff” offend you, I presume you want to make every road a toll road (at least to personal vehicles, or do you want to charge commercial vehicles for road access as well?), charge tuition for public schools, make the library a subscription service (restricting access to subscribers), and charge admission to the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, parks and playgrounds, the National Mall, the monuments, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They should put transit police on buses and if people don't pay, get them off the bus and arrest if needed. The bus driver should be focused on driving the bus safely and keeping to a schedule, while others can focus on fare enforcement. If word gets around about people actually getting put off buses or arrested, especially by undercover police, people will pay the fare more often. If people get upset when someone gets put off the bus for non-payment, let them tap their credit card and pay for the person to ride...only arrest if the person refuses to get off the bus or becomes violent. Promote things like kids ride free and the half price fares for snap recipients too.

And if the fare reader is broken?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

Fine with this concept if we have a workfare system where every able bodied adult on public assistance is in skill training or doing public service work.

But if we keep giving handouts the “freeloader” class will just expect more and more free stuff.

DP: You are unnecessarily conflating issues and frankly overbolowing the alleged "freeloader class" claim. We have a lot of working poor in this country because low wage employers get away with a lot. No one should have to work three jobs to make ends meet.

Roads are 'free' for people who can afford cars - no need to prove you paid taxes to use the road. You make no claim that drivers are freeloaders, even thoguh they are proving they paid for the roads. Yet, people who can't afford cars and gas have to pay for public access to transportation. How is that a fair use of government funding? Free for the drivers but not for the non drivers? Just like we have toll roads for routes that are faster for those willing to pay the toll, we can have express bus routes that have a fare, while the others are free access. Why not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

Fine with this concept if we have a workfare system where every able bodied adult on public assistance is in skill training or doing public service work.

But if we keep giving handouts the “freeloader” class will just expect more and more free stuff.

DP: You are unnecessarily conflating issues and frankly overbolowing the alleged "freeloader class" claim. We have a lot of working poor in this country because low wage employers get away with a lot. No one should have to work three jobs to make ends meet.

Roads are 'free' for people who can afford cars - no need to prove you paid taxes to use the road. You make no claim that drivers are freeloaders, even thoguh they are proving they paid for the roads. Yet, people who can't afford cars and gas have to pay for public access to transportation. How is that a fair use of government funding? Free for the drivers but not for the non drivers? Just like we have toll roads for routes that are faster for those willing to pay the toll, we can have express bus routes that have a fare, while the others are free access. Why not?

How are roads free for drivers? I pay gas tax, property tax, vehicle registration, emissions...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It should be free. The bus drivers don't need to risk their lives to make a living.

+1

Plus public transportation is good for the community. Stupid to charge for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

Fine with this concept if we have a workfare system where every able bodied adult on public assistance is in skill training or doing public service work.

But if we keep giving handouts the “freeloader” class will just expect more and more free stuff.

"Freeloader class"? WTF is wrong with you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

Fine with this concept if we have a workfare system where every able bodied adult on public assistance is in skill training or doing public service work.

But if we keep giving handouts the “freeloader” class will just expect more and more free stuff.

DP: You are unnecessarily conflating issues and frankly overbolowing the alleged "freeloader class" claim. We have a lot of working poor in this country because low wage employers get away with a lot. No one should have to work three jobs to make ends meet.

Roads are 'free' for people who can afford cars - no need to prove you paid taxes to use the road. You make no claim that drivers are freeloaders, even thoguh they are proving they paid for the roads. Yet, people who can't afford cars and gas have to pay for public access to transportation. How is that a fair use of government funding? Free for the drivers but not for the non drivers? Just like we have toll roads for routes that are faster for those willing to pay the toll, we can have express bus routes that have a fare, while the others are free access. Why not?

How are roads free for drivers? I pay gas tax, property tax, vehicle registration, emissions...

Those things you listed barely make a dent in road construction/maintenance costs. We all pay for those roads through income tax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

Fine with this concept if we have a workfare system where every able bodied adult on public assistance is in skill training or doing public service work.

But if we keep giving handouts the “freeloader” class will just expect more and more free stuff.

DP: You are unnecessarily conflating issues and frankly overbolowing the alleged "freeloader class" claim. We have a lot of working poor in this country because low wage employers get away with a lot. No one should have to work three jobs to make ends meet.

Roads are 'free' for people who can afford cars - no need to prove you paid taxes to use the road. You make no claim that drivers are freeloaders, even thoguh they are proving they paid for the roads. Yet, people who can't afford cars and gas have to pay for public access to transportation. How is that a fair use of government funding? Free for the drivers but not for the non drivers? Just like we have toll roads for routes that are faster for those willing to pay the toll, we can have express bus routes that have a fare, while the others are free access. Why not?

How are roads free for drivers? I pay gas tax, property tax, vehicle registration, emissions...

Those things you listed barely make a dent in road construction/maintenance costs. We all pay for those roads through income tax.

So roads aren't free?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a single person responding to this thread has given me a legitimate reason the DC government can’t just make WMATA buses free. If they made them free, it would instantly solve the so-called issue of “fare evasion.”

Problem solved!

In order for public transit to operate effectively it has to be a good, safe option for the general public to ride in enough number that it legitimately eases traffic congestion and arguably helps the economy too with people going to work, schools, etc. When too many people aren’t paying it begins to feel less safe and riders of means stay away, causing more road congestion, worse service, etc. We finally see Metro trains safety stats much improved with fare enforcement, the return of federal workers and more critical mass of commuter traffic. These systems cost money to run. Allowing it to be taken over by those who can’t or won’t pay will further drive away potential riders and make the system less economically viable to the region. There are already subsidized fare cards.

I see it differently. I think public transportation should be free for everyone, because it is in the public interest for people to use public transportation - in the same way we subsidize roads, schools, parks, museums, libraries, etc.

Subsidizing fare cards may make it more accessible for those whose transportation options are limited by their finances, but if a rider doesn’t qualify for the subsidy, they may well decide in a comparison of the costs/benefits of public transportation to driving and parking, that they might as well just take their car. If it were free, that would shift the balance so that “riders of means” would be more likely to choose WMATA, bringing with them whatever safety gains may be associated with their ridership.

If more drivers decided to take advantage of public transportation, it would reduce gas consumption, pollution, and congestion. Moreover, I think making it more affordable to come into the city on Metro without having to hassle with the traffic and then finding and paying for parking would encourage more people to come into the city for restaurants, shows, etc., stimulating DC’s economy.

Fine with this concept if we have a workfare system where every able bodied adult on public assistance is in skill training or doing public service work.

But if we keep giving handouts the “freeloader” class will just expect more and more free stuff.

"Freeloader class"? WTF is wrong with you?

Nothing. Believe in a society that provides a hand up not a perpetual hand out.