Does MTA want public transportation to fail?
Otherwise, why would the board be seriously considering such a ridership-depressing move hiking fares nearly 200 percent? D.U.M, dumb.
I've got not great love for the Bus Riders Union, but I do appreciate at least someone is protesting the outrageously high proposed MTA fare hikes. I mean, really, hiking the EZ pass from the current $58 to $140 a month? What's EZ about that?
Current-2007-2009
Day Pass $3 $5 $8
Weekly Pass $14 $20 $32
Monthly Pass $52 $75 $120
Student Pass $20 $45 $72
College Pass $30 $52 $84
EZ Pass $58 $95 $140
The MTA rationalizes the rate increase by comparing fares in city's in Chicago, Boston and New York. What they don't take into consieration is that those cities are public transit dependent in many ways, and it's quicker to get aroun on bus or train. That's not tru in L.A., where car travel is still faster and eaier in most cases. To increase ridership, the MTA ought to be lowering fares.
Good businessmen and women will tell you that raising prices often decreases revenues as it drives people away.
Anyhow, the Bus Riders Union will be protesting at the Mayor's state of the city extravaganza tomorrow (5 p.m. at East Valley High School in NoHo). Could be fun.
Comments
Buses are getting faster than cars and almost damn near as convenient, as long as yopu think ahead and plan what you are doing. That is plan more efficiently. Rather than sticking a whole bunch of junk in your car and dricving around willy nilly thru the week, back and forth and back again with no plan. However, I have checked out my own costs and intangible cost of convenience, excercise etc..and I would pay another .50 for a day pass and it would be still more favorable for the bus or subway.
But thats me. The majority of people don't do that well and it certainly would mean I would ride less. And THAT is not the way to go!!
Posted by: Gene Loza | April 17, 2007 12:57 PM