🚲Feb 26, 2023

“The reason most public transportation is seen as ‘losing’ money is precisely because it charges for trips. If you don't charge fares, suddenly it can't ‘lose’ money. It just costs money, the same as the roads.”

This random comment has given me my new favourite argument for removing fares from public transit.

Show threadStargeezer SmithFeb 27, 2023
@dx
Public transit should be just an overhead cost to the city/state. A likely minor tax adjustment would cover it.
Show threadLassielmrFeb 27, 2023
@stargazersmith the more than 100 cities around the world now offering some form of free public transportation. In my country bus travel is free to all 22yrs olds and younger and all over 60yrs old. The aspiration is to offer it to all. Some E.U. nations already have free public transport for all residents. The objective is to remove cars from the road and reduce carbon emissions. @dx
Show threadStargeezer SmithFeb 27, 2023
@lassielmr @dx
Under the Infrastructure bill, many cities in the U. S. are now offering free bus rides, but I don't know that it's permanent.
Show threadLassielmr
@stargazersmith it makes sense to put in place. Many cities are now introducing low omission zones. If your vehicle doesn't meet the emission standards and isn't exempt, you need to pay a hefty daily charge to drive inside the zone. @dx
Feb 27, 2023 at 4:04amWeb