02-19-2019, 01:56 PM
(02-19-2019, 01:04 PM)creative Wrote: I know the haters are going to jump all over me but I do not use transit and will most likely not use it in the future. Yes I own a car and yes it is because of convenience and efficiency that I choose to drive. It is just too easy to get around in this city by car. Taking away parking or raising the price of parking significantly will not encourage me to use transit over driving. It may play a part in which businesses and services that I choose to frequent. I am not a transit hater. I’m all for transit. I used transit during my school and early work years. I just don’t see a lot of people in this Region choosing transit over their car. Those that live a short walk to an LRT stop may choose to do so if their destination is along the line. Also reducing fare prices would most likely increase transit trips for those that do not own a car and already use transit. I’m just trying to show another perspective.
So you suggest that raising the prices of parking or driving would only change what businesses you frequent, but what if *all* parking cost you money? How would that change your behaviour?
I don't think you'll find most here object to having the freedom to drive, but the problem is the current economics are so far slanted towards driving, and yet, we hear continually "increase fare recovery rate on transit" or "cyclists must pay their way"...ignoring the reality of the huge subsidies for driving.
I don't know if a full accounting of the costs and a reduction in the subsidy for driving would make everyone here happy, but I also think you'd find that a whole lot of people would choose to take transit over paying the full cost of driving--that's how economics generally work.
I do agree that lowering fares would not drive substantial ridership from people who's main obstacle to transit use is generally service.