Cool, I recognize $2 was arbitrary. To clarify, what I was trying to say is that charging more might not be a viable option -- without the millage, even a $5 fare might not be enough to compensate for the revenue needed to keep the system up and running. I don't know whether this is the case, but I know farebox revenues only go so far.
Does this idea make sense?
** Not trying to quibble over the fare increase amount per se. And I do recognize the regressive nature of higher fares.
It's not quibbling, your point is a good one and I agree with the principle. I think you could raise fares a fair amount before you would actually start deterring people, but you are going to eventually start pricing people out which will then mean you can't make as much off the fare box. And yes, you'd have to have to do some number crunching first to find out what increase would be necessary to make up for the ~.8 mills that were lost by the failed millage, and who knows, maybe that would be $10, in which case it wouldn't be an option.
More CATA News: Looks like they've brought themselves into the 21st century and launched a new website, complete with a rather useful trip planner. Nice!
Google Transit is up and running for the Lansing area / CATA!
So, now when you go to Google to get driving directions for a Lansing area destination, a "Public Transit" link shows up. Click it and you'll get the route and next couple of buses. Quite useful!
Comments
Does this idea make sense?
** Not trying to quibble over the fare increase amount per se. And I do recognize the regressive nature of higher fares.
Google Transit is up and running for the Lansing area / CATA!
So, now when you go to Google to get driving directions for a Lansing area destination, a "Public Transit" link shows up. Click it and you'll get the route and next couple of buses. Quite useful!