Reducing the ticket price of a city bus, light rail and subway to zero would increase ridership and reduce the number of cars on the road. Fewer cars would mean fewer traffic jams for those that still choose to drive. A dramatic increase in the quality of life for commuters. Fewer cars would reduce oil imports... reduce pollution... increase miles per gallon (traffic jams cause terrible mpg). With ridership increasing, the transit system could increase the quantity of buses and schedule more routes and more times. That would make public transportation practical for more commuters. Create jobs for bus drivers and mechanics.
more info: http://gregvanderlaan.com
Comments (7)
We all need to contribute, nothing is free.
Making a service like this free will drastically reduce the quality.
Similar to my idea except I just want something thats as fast as my car, as easy to bring packages home in and is cheaper than using my car which I'll still have for going places the bus doesn't.
As far as the quality of the ride its not all that great now. I would opt for bus passes for everyone. Students, the elderly and disabled ride for free. Everyone else pays something thats cheaper than driving your car.
When I travel, I find I don’t miss my car. It’s a change in life style to use a public trans system and many already do in our country –it here but not coherent and up-to-date.
We already contribute to it, yet buses are not everywhere like they should be! Alternative energy public transportation should be made available to all. I agree with the small payment even if it is .50, it is better than nothing. It would be added to our tax paying money that is supposed to be going towards things like that. No gas would be needed for the buses, but maintenace and drivers are needed. In my home state of Michigan I called a political office and asked how could we get more buses in our state, and I was told 'We are the automotive state and we do not what them.' Funny as I do not remember EVER seeing a a survey asking such.
If it is a good business model, why don't you start it?
Obviously its government that benefits the most through a reduction in necessary highway maintenance, a reduction in car accidents and other related savings (check out DOT statistics on yearly savings from paying the subsidy on mass transit). Its a good business model for those who have to pay those alternative costs now (which is the tax payer).