Comments on: No fare hikes, service cuts in ‘fragile’ ‘10 budget

By: rhywun

rhywun — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:40:57 +0000

So? Tax rebates or vouchers can take care of that. The median income in NYC is around $35,000. Public transit in the US is seen as something only poor people utilize: that is clearly not the case in NYC.

By: Alon Levy

Alon Levy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:29:29 +0000

The 5-day tourist pass in Paris is expensive. But the pay-per-ride, used by locals, costs €1.16 per ride, which is equivalent to about $1.62. This compares with $1.98 with a pay-per ride in New York. And the unlimited monthly costs €56.60 and covers both the Métro and the inner chunks of the RER, which is equivalent to $79, compared with $89 in New York.

But it’s not just subsidized European systems that are cheaper than the New York City Subway. Profitable systems in East Asia are often cheaper, too. For short trips, Tokyo Metro costs less than the NYC subway. For all but the longest trips, the base fare in Singapore is lower than the average fare in New York with an unlimited monthly, even after controlling for the lower incomes in Singapore.

By: AK

AK — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Part of the reason other transit systems are less expensive is because those cities/nations do not believe that public transportation needs to be cash-flow neutral. Instead, those societies view transit as a social good (emnvironment, health, urban planning, etc), thereby subsidizing transit to keep fares low (and thus, maintain its position as a superior option for large numbers of people).

In New York (and the U.S. generally), we expect public transit to be self-sustaining without government aid (setting aside low-interest bonds). I can understand the public’s concern that if we were to subsidize transit fares, the money would be wasted/embezzled. Frankly, transit authorities do not have a great track record when it comes to efficient use of funds (take my hometown MBTA for example (Boston)).

And its not just London that is as expensive. For a 5-day pass in Paris, you pay 29 Euro –> $43. That said, your general point re: the cost of the NYC system is well taken.

However, the mere fact that some people can’t afford the fare doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be higher. What is more likely is that the minimum wage should be increased/programs put in place so that people (like the elderly) can get reduced fare Metrocards. That, though, is a conversation for another time.

By: Alon Levy

Alon Levy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:52:07 +0000

You would pay more? How nice. But in a city that’s 23% poor, not everyone can afford double the current fare.

Believe it or not, but relative to transit systems in other cities that are not London, the New York City subway is expensive.

By: Benjamin Kabak

Benjamin Kabak — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:45:48 +0000

Sixteen months ago, I proposed doubling the fare. I couldn't agree more. Objectively, the fares are way too low right now.

By: Nowooski

Nowooski — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:42:54 +0000

I tend to think that fares are way too low. Where else in the country can you get all of your transportation for $89/month. According to the Department of Labor, the average american consumer unit (2.5 persons) spends $729/month on transportation. That is about $291 dollars per person.
In New York we pay less than a third of that.
I would happily pay more if it meant expanded services, more capital projects or cleaner facilities.
Hell, I would pay more for the service we have now and not think twice about it, since it is such a good deal.

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Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:51:28 +0000

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