Reply to 70% of WMATA bus riders don't pay

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Reply to "70% of WMATA bus riders don't pay"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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! [/quote]

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.[/quote]

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.[/quote]

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.  [/quote]

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?[/quote]

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

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