Raising the cost of a monthly bus pass to $65.00 will not pay the bills.
The City of St. Thomas obviously believes in charity. Either that, or they do not want a Public Transit System.
Costs continue to rise for the fuel, maintenance, registration and wages to operate this city’s Public Transit System.
Now, how can the cost of these increases be covered by increasing the monthly bus pass by only $5.00?
According to the CAA, the cost to operate a vehicle in Ontario is approx. $10,000 a year, depending on the vehicle you own, which translates to approx. $833 per month.
It costs about $115 a month just for insurance on your vehicle.
Thus, $65.00 a month for a bus pass is inappropriate. Realistically, an adult bus pass should be at least $90.00 per month. Individual cash fares should also increase to at least $3.75, and tickets to $3.00.
As a cost-cutting measure, eliminate Para-Transit. Since Para-Transit riders are now taking the Public Transit Buses, why do we even need the Para-Transit system any more?
Can everyone afford these increased fares? No, not everyone can afford these fare increases, but the bills have to be paid, and they will come out of our taxes regardless.
Many people can no longer afford to operate two vehicles. Asking a person for $90.00 per month for a reliable Public Transit System is still a bargain.
Monday, July 18, 2011
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