We American have become so accustomed to traveling by passenger vehicle that we seldom think about the buses and other methods of transport if we live outside of New York City or Chicago. However, having driven a city bus and served 12 years in Europe, my viewpoint is somewhat different.
This article centers on Maryland but misses the main point It appears to have the aim of the public covering ALL the operating costs of the systems. It misses, IMHO, the point that public transportation is a public service equal to police and fire services. It is thus in Europe. While European cities have severe traffic problems, it would be intolerable if it weren’t for the huge number of people who use the rider-friendly transit services.
You see, to me, the rider-friendly part is key. Las Vegas is a perfect example of the opposite. To travel a distance by public transit it would take you thirty minutes to go by car, you must plan to take TWO HOURS or more – IF you don’t miss a transfer.
So you see $100,000+ buses going by almost empty.
This story is @ Should Transit Fares Cover Operating Costs? | Newgeography.com
