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> corporations often seem to wash their hands about any significant civic output because it should be the responsibility of the government Public transit is th
by brandonmenc 12y ago
> corporations often seem to wash their hands about any significant civic output because it should be the responsibility of the government
Public transit is the responsibility of the government. If you want these companies to contribute more, raise taxes.
- sp332 12y agoRaising taxes is inefficient and indirect. By providing buses, Google (et al.) can quickly address a need in the community. And they don't need to use other people's money to do it.
- username223 12y ago> Google (et al.) can quickly address a need in the community. And therein lies the problem. Who are "et al." and "the community"? How much does each of them pay? Where do the buses go? Who's allowed to use them, and how do you keep people who aren't from doing so anyways? It's almost like you need to create a decision-making body with the ability to raise and spend money, and make and enforce rules. An Alþing? Folkmoot? I'm sure we have a word for this.
- sp332 12y agoThe buses are already regulated by the city. The city doesn't need to own them.
- r00fus 12y agoThis is a 2-year trial with an option for a 3rd. I agree this is, overall, a good thing for the residents of MV, but it's not equivalent to county-wide transpiration services that spans cities and has been around for decades. Interested to see if this improves things. Apple would be wise to fund or provide a similar service for Cupertino/Sunnyvale once their Campus2 goes online - can you imagine the amount of traffic congestion that will cause?
- brandonmenc 12y agoGoogle has no obligation to address any need. And when - surprise - they don't, people get all bent out of shape and protest for months until Google caves and buys some buses. That's inefficient.