Discussion
MBTA Reducing Routes, Charging More 07/11/09 by
Wicked Local was reporting earlier the plans to both increase fares and reduce the services that run through the town. Of course this will affect local residents, but how can they justify increasing fares whilst doing that?Only registered users can comment in discussion
My "we" wasn't an all encompassing "we". I should have said "Many people ...", but outrage is an all too common response in this country when prices are increased no matter the reason.
If their services that are being cut are costing money to operate versus making a profit, I can understand why the MBTA is reducing them. It's also more than just a question of not making a profit. If the number of people don't financially justify their continuance, decisions have to be made and it appears the MBTA has chosen to put the dollars for these reduced services elsewhere. Justifying a increase in the fare is because even with the reduction of services, the costs are higher and the services need to be paid for. As SeanRichards stated, "nothing runs for free."
I disagree Lynn. I have never agreed with cutting taxes endlessly, or making promises of such. You can't run a country on nothing-you NEED to pay for services. If that means increasing prices, that's what has to happen, because nothing runs for free.
We always want more services but we don't want to pay the cost. It's become the way of life. When services are then cut back, we sometimes have a difficult time understanding why. Costs continue to go up and to stay ahead of it, the price goes up because someone's going to pay those increased costs. Services are cut to help hold down costs. None of it can satisfy everyone. This tough economy is hitting many of us hard; businesses and individuals alike.
I don't know, I hadn't seen that this was planned. Charging more for less is a little tough to swallow. I can understand charging more if needs be, but cutting routes is never good.
The current economy has forced many companies to make some hard decisions. Hopefully, the increase in fares will be only a temporary measure to recoup cost.
Note that the story reporting the Arlington angle was first published by
YourArlington. see http://www.yourarlington.com/ya15/
Bob Sprague
Your news, views at http://www.yourarlington.com/