Reply #8: I'm in favor of a "token" fare [View All]

[gratuitous]

Clearly, farebox revenues don't fully support public transit. But I think some sort of fare is a good thing, because it gives riders a bit of "ownership" in the ride. When the Portland buses went on an honor system fare scheme, any number of folks jumped on to cause trouble, then jumped off. I think charging a buck or two to riders, with reduced fare passes for "honored" citizens helps to head off some of the mischief.

More buses and trains on more frequent schedules certainly helps to reduce traffic as well. When the perception that "you have to wait forever" for a ride changes, you finally start to get people out of their cars.