What would it take to dissolve the NFTA?

[Shovel ready]

dont dismantel the buses privatize them and run only the routes with enough riders to pay the way. we subsidize everything and raise taxes to do it. stop all subsidies and let the economy run with out government interference

I doubt any of the routes really pay for themselves

[ForestBird]

The few who would kill public transport are ignorant of history and the world. There isn't a single "private" (what does that mean, today?) and profitable transport system on Earth, yet the need for them is undeniable. If 'only' 12% of our local population uses the bus system, should those 12% just be told to f*-off and stay at home: no jobs, no school, no going to stores? So Joe-Blow can save an imaginary few bucks a year on his tax bill? Really?

The "free market cannot be bad" fantasy is really pathetic, btw. Markets are made of people, who are very prone to being wrong.

[DelawareDistrict]

ForestBird, I don't understand your reasoning. Apparently it's ok to tell the 88% that don't use it they must pay for it but it's not ok to ignore the 12% who use it. Could you explain that concept to me please?

The 12% have the exact same right to take care of themselves as the 88%. That is called LIBERTY and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY!

[Jim Ostrowski]

"The few who would kill public transport are ignorant of history and the world. There isn't a single "private" (what does that mean, today?) and profitable transport system on Earth, yet the need for them is undeniable. If 'only' 12% of our local population uses the bus system, should those 12% just be told to f*-off and stay at home: no jobs, no school, no going to stores? So Joe-Blow can save an imaginary few bucks a year on his tax bill? Really?

The "free market cannot be bad" fantasy is really pathetic, btw. Markets are made of people, who are very prone to being wrong. "

Please, I beg you, read Economics in Five Lessons on freebuffalo.org before you call people ignorant.

What research have you done in transportation? Have you published any articles on the subject?

You assume, without proving it, that the present system favors the poor. In my view, the present system favors employees of NFTA, who on average make more than the average worker.

It hurts the poor. It is illegal to compete with the NFTA in providing mass transit services. That's why the poor have to wait outside freezing for a half an hour before a bus pulls up.

If we deregulate transit, those without cars will have numerous companies competing for their patronage and many people now unemployed could be employed as drivers and so on.

Please also read our study on authorities because it explains how authorities are the bulwark of the political machine that rules this town and keeps it down.

[steven]

there has to be a better way

[LAsurvivor]

If we deregulate transit, those without cars will have numerous companies competing for their patronage and many people now unemployed could be employed as drivers and so on.

See, it always boils down to patronage!!!