3 ms·
What if we just make transit free at point of service? It isn't like those fares are really paying the costs
by monknomo 7y ago
What if we just make transit free at point of service? It isn't like those fares are really paying the costs
- clairity 7y agothat would be ok with me and would really simplify the solution, but economically speaking, riders generally should pay more than non-riders, since they get more direct benefit. also, by paying, riders feel a little more invested and less likely to take transit for granted. fares are $1.75 per ride in LA, and from what i remember, that pays about half of the metro's costs. without thinking too deeply about it, that seems a reasonable split.
- jimktrains2 7y ago> but economically speaking, riders generally should pay more than non-riders, since they get more direct benefit. Like fewer cars on the road, less pollution, and less space wasted to store cars?
- clairity 7y agoyup, those benefits accrue to everyone, so it makes sense that everyone pays for (part of) public transit, even if they don't directly use it. it's the same for roads, everyone benefits, but the people who use it more should pay more (gas tax, registration fees, etc.).
- jimktrains2 7y agoFewer cars on the road is a direct benefit to those who drive.
- kiliantics 7y agoExactly. And measures to get fare-payment or prevent evasion are very costly in themselves, e.g.: https://twitter.com/AmesCG/status/1140737315452706817 https://twitter.com/AmesCG/status/1140737315452706817