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> Politicians are trying to spin the obvious as a breakthrough that fits their agenda, that's all. Because it IS a breakthrough. Breaking the barrier between l

by dtx1 4y ago

> Politicians are trying to spin the obvious as a breakthrough that fits their agenda, that's all. Because it IS a breakthrough. Breaking the barrier between local public transport organizations has been unthinkable for literally decades and may be one of the single greatest achievements of the governing coalition. Painting this as "everyone likes free stuff" is just the same "oh that's socialism" dribble from conservatives all around the world that prevents any progress being made at all.

mytailorisrich 4y ago
They didn't only broke the barriers between organisations, they also made the ticket essentially free. It sold like hot cakes because of the price. That's a classic fallacy in interpreting experimental results. I do not deny that breaking barriers between organisations is indeed good and a positive. Edit: there is nothing ideological in my comments and I am not 'refusing' anything. I am just pointing out what seems obvious to me: free is better and politicians spin things to their advantage.
- pastacacioepepe 4y ago
  Why shouldn't the ticket be free, even? Is your refusal purely ideologically motivated, or can you back it with some evidence? It has been proved over and over that cheap and widespread public transportation is good for society.
- dtx1 4y ago
  I am currently paying 70€ for a ticket for my city alone. Even at 49€ it's still essentially free given German standard of living. Combined with the unprecedented range it offers this will still make a huge impact on public transport in Germany for decades to come. Even a 10% increase in usage of public transport would make a huge difference in the long term. You must also consider that currently many local transport organizations force companies into a take it or leave it situation when it comes to offering tickets for their employees, students of universities and schools. All this becomes revolutionized by this, because it's out of their hands now. The price is almost secondary in that regard, because now the choice to use public transport instead of a car becomes significantly easier. There are still lot's of problems to be solved but this is a significant step forward. edit just a personal anecdote to add to that. When I studied, my girlfriend moved two states over in Germany. At that time my university ticket only covered the state I lived in. Making visiting her cost me at least 84€ in total, while traveling for 8 hours per trip. I remember several times where I had to borrow money from friends and parents to meet her at all. With that ticket, I wouldn't have had to. And I am very happy for all the younger people after me that will not have to suffer through that bullshit because our politicians actually did something good for once.

by dtx1 4y ago

mytailorisrich 4y ago

They didn't only broke the barriers between organisations, they also made the ticket essentially free. It sold like hot cakes because of the price. That's a classic fallacy in interpreting experimental results. I do not deny that breaking barriers between organisations is indeed good and a positive. Edit: there is nothing ideological in my comments and I am not 'refusing' anything. I am just pointing out what seems obvious to me: free is better and politicians spin things to their advantage.

pastacacioepepe 4y ago
Why shouldn't the ticket be free, even? Is your refusal purely ideologically motivated, or can you back it with some evidence? It has been proved over and over that cheap and widespread public transportation is good for society.
dtx1 4y ago
I am currently paying 70€ for a ticket for my city alone. Even at 49€ it's still essentially free given German standard of living. Combined with the unprecedented range it offers this will still make a huge impact on public transport in Germany for decades to come. Even a 10% increase in usage of public transport would make a huge difference in the long term. You must also consider that currently many local transport organizations force companies into a take it or leave it situation when it comes to offering tickets for their employees, students of universities and schools. All this becomes revolutionized by this, because it's out of their hands now. The price is almost secondary in that regard, because now the choice to use public transport instead of a car becomes significantly easier. There are still lot's of problems to be solved but this is a significant step forward. edit just a personal anecdote to add to that. When I studied, my girlfriend moved two states over in Germany. At that time my university ticket only covered the state I lived in. Making visiting her cost me at least 84€ in total, while traveling for 8 hours per trip. I remember several times where I had to borrow money from friends and parents to meet her at all. With that ticket, I wouldn't have had to. And I am very happy for all the younger people after me that will not have to suffer through that bullshit because our politicians actually did something good for once.