KCATA should eliminate bus fares

The KCATA seems to be at cross-purposes with itself. Every time ridership increases — when gas prices went up after Katrina and now during the recession — KCATA, rather than celebrating its success, socks it to its riders (1/6, Local, “Bus system budget proposal asks for 25-cent fare increase”).

I propose KCATA take a new approach — eliminate fares altogether. KCATA’s own literature from last year’s successful campaign to renew the bus tax says fares provide only 12 percent of KCATA’s funding.

I’d think that eliminating the printing of bus passes and transfers, not having to count and account for bus fares and forgoing raises in times when unemployment is high may well save enough to take care of that 12 percent and eliminate all those transfers discarded on the streets as well as people asking passersby for “bus fare.”

Our local government has, of late, been mighty kind to developers and others seeking a free ride at taxpayer expense. How about if we actually give those who really need one a free ride?

Larry Roth
Kansas City

Comments

[solomon]

Funny post Sammy,

You are correct, no one else is capable of being such a putz with so few words as BuddyT. NE uses so many he's almost unbearable.

The other day someone suggested that BuddyT be banned again and I posted to Trudy please not to do so. Here's a guys who is racist, homophobic, hates over 50% of his fellow Americans based on their politics, hates and advocates the slaughter of innocents with our tax money based on their religion, wouldn't cross the street to provide for a fellow american in need, is anti-gay, pro-vigilante etc......and makes no apologies. He doesn't soft peddle the positions he takes that prove he is against the principle that all men are created equal. He is not afraid to take the position many here hint at but won't admit to.

Also, he is a terrible judge of other peoples positions if he doesn't understand them, which is almost daily, which makes him a great form of entertainment.

[Casady]

Sure Sammy. When it comes to economic issues, I am a huge proponent of tax breaks and less government, I just don't believe tax cuts by themselves are a cure all. And while I support alternative fuel development, I believe that the free market is inevitably responsible for this undertaking.

I suppose it's all relative. I am very much to the right in comparison to my wife and most of my friends on economic issues (on a recent trip to SF, I was told to not mention the fact that I voted for McCain to any of our friends who reside there). On the other hand, I am not as conservative as you which in your mind, would make me appear a bit to the left.

[Sammy]

So you guys don't want any of my "I'm a BuddyT" fan shirt? Keep it up Bud. Your ability to raise their ire in so few words is unmatched by anyone on this board.

"...and I typically lean to the right!"-Casady

Sorry Cas, I'm going to have to call you on that one. I usually enjoy reading your take because you are usual cordial and without condenscension, but leaning to the right for you doesn't seem typical. Could you provide a specific example?

[Casady]

"You take more abuse than most because you have the most offensive mouth on this blog."

I gotta side with Pub on this one Rougy. You certainly bring out the worst in me and I typically lean to the right! There is absolutely no one else out here (with the exception of our favorite vitrioilc jar head Arminius perhaps) who incents me to respond in an insulting manner. But then again, just like Sophie before you, there is something endearing and lovable about your irrationality. Can say the same about Arminius.

[Pub 17]

WOW!
Rogue complaining about uncivil language on this blog!
Kill the cattle!
Run for Congress!
You take more abuse than most because you have the most offensive mouth on this blog. Any more questions, Officer?

[solomon]

You'd not be able to establish a Rogue Rule as the name will change every six months.

Off thread; as stated earlier, I don't agree with the letter writer, but for someone who believes welfare bombs are good to complain about Larrys letter seems a bit dumb.

[mianotkia]

Has 17 Pubes ever posted without insulting the author of a letter, or another poster on this blog? If so I cannot recall it.

You know never to have a civil tongue in one's mouth is disgusting. I know I take more abuse than most, because I refuse to take her crap.

Do me a favor all, continue to check her posts for any coutesy whatsoever.

[Pub 17]

I propose a new rule for this blog. Call it the Rogue Rule, in honor of the producer of the most verbiage with the least visible thought behind it: you actually have to think for a minimum of five seconds before you hit the "Post" button, or you get zapped back through the keyboard.

Let's eliminate fares, and give everybody in the Kansas City metro area, young and old, rich and poor, coldly sane and batcrap crazy, a nice, roomy, climate-controlled lounge with an ever-changing view to sit, eat, read, lie down, and spoon with their sweetie FOR FREE, 24/7.

Wow, cut me off a big slice of THAT.

[mianotkia]

Someone is always looking for a "free ride", why not Larry?

[Marctnts]

The latest request for a fare increase does seem a little odd. Fuel prices have stabilized (for the time being), labor costs should be rather even, and ridership per operating mile must be projected to go up in the current economic climate.

My guess, KCATA has been eyeing this increase for a while but didn't chance it while their tax renewal was on the table. Now that it has passed, it's time to ask for more.

[solomon]

Larry Roth,

While you are at it I propose you start refusing your salary and pay an extra tax tp provide whatever service it is you provide.

I don't know what you do for a living, but it must not require much thought.