Robbie Webber wrote: "--a good description of the fare structure for
Madison."
In answer: The debate is about the fairness of passing bus costs to
people who both ride the bus (fare increases) and who don't ride the bus
(real estate/schools) in Madison.
Obviously when discounts are passed out, someone else is being asked to
make up the difference. It seems Ms Webber and others do not want the
full fare riders to pay for the discounts. In fact it sounds like they
would like to see more discounts for school riders who do not take
dedicated school buses. If rider revenues don't equal costs, then
general funds of Madison must make up the difference? So, is it fair to
ask property--home owners, renters, and commercial real estate to pick
up the tab? Shouldn't that be put to a vote. Or at least put out of
office the Alders who advocate that added burden?
Of course if the full cost of public school student transport is taken
by the schools, I would expect that means the real estate automatically
assumes the burden, one way or another, even if there is a limit on the
overall school tax burden and non-essential school bloat suffers.
Possibly another city sales tax might qualify? If it does, then is that
fair to Madison businesses?
Just what is the solution when newer "greener buses" and light rail
trains are demanded and which would probably make the deficit even greater?
It is actually simple. There is no magic hat or a free lunch. Is it a
bargain for the people this benefit is directed toward if their rents
are forced up in Madison through higher real estate taxes? And unless
the transit costs are spread to the greater Metro area--(and maybe they
already are?) Why wouldn't the qualified for benefits move to Sun
Prairie or other less costly rent locations? But then maybe all these
qualified get rent subsidies, also, so they can live in costly Madison?
So, the web thickens. Soon nobody could hope to afford to actually live
in Madison?
Eric Westhagen
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