Spring Break
MTA Raises Prices, Empties Wallets
Astrid Seipelt
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
|
The fare rise will occur over the next two years, with tickets such as the popular day pass eventually rising from $3 to $6, the monthly pass rising from $52 to
$75, and a college student pass rising from $30 to $43 in 2009.
Approximately 1,500 bus and rail riders protested outside the MTA board meeting on the 24th of May, saying that they could not afford to pay any extra for transportation - which, for many people, is the only
way that they can get to work or school. According to an article in the LA Times, some protesters claimed that the MTA was being racist, as the majority of riders are of the Black and Latino working class.
However, those who depend on the MTA to get around Los
Angeles should be grateful that the fare increases were not even higher - the original plan was to raise a one-way ticket to $2 from $1.25, a daily pass to $8 and the monthly pass to a whopping $120 in the next two years. The MTA board then decided against the higher rises because they were "too draconian."
Such a fare increase cannot be justified. Many students, not just at this college but across Los Angeles, are already strapped for cash, paying for tuition, books and living expenses. Having to pay an extra $13 a month to travel may not sound like much, but for some it means making a choice between coming to school, or not coming at all.
What is adding insult to injury is that the MTA will not use the increased revenue to improve bus services, or increase the size of their bus fleet. Instead, the MTA will use it to build another Metro rail line, running from downtown L.A. to Santa Monica. The
MTA states that this new project will cost $600 million to build. What would make more sense is to build something similar to the Orange Line - Which cost only $349.6 million dollars to construct, and has been a runaway success for the authority.
For an organization who promotes cleaner air and increasing ridership, the MTA is going the wrong way about it. This fare rise is sure to force people back into their cars - at least, those who can afford to drive.
.
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 9
LAofAnaheim
posted 9/19/07 @ 8:07 AM PST
Learn your facts buddy. The State government is funding the Expo Line, not the MTA fare increase. The increase was done to MAINTAIN operating services. (Continued…)
Kymberleigh Richards
posted 9/19/07 @ 5:27 PM PST
It is obvious that the writer has bought into the erroneous statements made over the years by the Bus Riders Union.
Fare revenues are entirely used to operate bus and rail service, and even with the increase only cover one-third of those costs. (Continued…)
Numan Parada
posted 9/20/07 @ 5:08 PM PST
The writer of this opinion piece would like to sway any unsuspecting reader that Metro is performing a supposed injustice to students and minorities by raising fares. (Continued…)
Alexandra
posted 9/20/07 @ 8:28 PM PST
The above commenters didn't read this piece too well
'the original plan was to raise a one-way ticket to $2 from $1.25, a daily pass to $8 and the monthly pass to a whopping $120 in the next two years. (Continued…)
Jerard
posted 9/21/07 @ 4:11 PM PST
Alexandria,
Let's look at the above commenters a little closely the items they're discussing also pertain to other items laced with the article such as having Expo Line be a busway, MTA robbing College students when there other reasons why students are being robbed such as the Governators reducing Financial Aid while increasing tuitions across the board for those same students. (Continued…)
Jerard
posted 9/21/07 @ 4:16 PM PST
In addition, yes she stated that that was the original plan, but no follow up as to what current plan is within that sentence infers to readers that it's going to be $8 day passes. (Continued…)
Alexandra
posted 9/21/07 @ 7:27 PM PST
Jerard,
The writer does mention what the price rises will be - In the second paragraph.
Jerard
posted 9/26/07 @ 1:22 PM PST
Gee, Alexandria.
What a great vague sentence. Actually it fails to mention what the prices are NOW! But nice try.
Alexandria
posted 9/26/07 @ 8:29 PM PST
Gee, Jerard,
Can you not read?
"The fare rise will occur over the next two years, with tickets such as the popular day pass eventually rising from $3 to $6, the monthly pass rising from $52 to $75, and a college student pass rising from $30 to $43 in 2009. (Continued…)
Post a Comment