Streetcar skeptic to believer (Columbus, Cleveland: month-to-month, bankruptcy, tax rates)

[cincydave8]

Why did you start a new thread for a tiny budget increase caused by our cry baby mayor?

[Wilson513]

Fare revenue off by 31 percent. No one needed to say that since the choochoo has been mostly empty.

[mike1003]

Originally Posted by Wilson513

Its just the beginning. these bums will have their hands out for this albatross until the rails rust (which, from the look of them will be sooner rather than later.)

Amen brother!

[jmecklenborg]

The City of Cincinnati has a population of just about 300,000. So an added expense of $225,000 will cost each citizen under $1 per year.

[Wilson513]

Ridership down 25%

[unusualfire]

Originally Posted by Wilson513

Ridership down 25%

What do you mean it's down? From last month? It was not even open this time last year.

[WRnative]

Originally Posted by jmecklenborg

The City of Cincinnati has a population of just about 300,000. So an added expense of $225,000 will cost each citizen under $1 per year.

The linked article says that the city faces an overall deficit of $25 million, and that the projected deficit of the street car line is about $500,000.

Amid the painful cuts, or increased taxes ahead, it won't be surprising if the street car operations encounter some service cuts, especially on slow winter days. Is this unreasonable?

[Yac]

2 streetcar threads merged. We really don't need all this drama in 2 places next to each other, do we ?
Yac.

[WILWRadio]

Originally Posted by jmecklenborg

The City of Cincinnati has a population of just about 300,000. So an added expense of $225,000 will cost each citizen under $1 per year.

It is this kind of rationalizing that has led to the steep budget deficits in our cities, towns and states. Cincinnati included.

I still think it makes more sense for people that demand commuter rail service but live in an area that is underserved or not served to simply move to an area that has it. Anytime you live in a region that has a deficiency or several that negatively impacts one's life you have to consider making a move to improve your quality of life.

I'm faced with that myself. Not with rail but with employment. A lack of work in our Indianapolis office is going to force me to transfer to an office that has a lot more work. Looks like St. Louis. Since we have a new Cincinnati office, I hope that eventually business will grow here allowing me to work here.

Hope you understand the analogy.

[Wilson513]

Originally Posted by unusualfire

What do you mean it's down? From last month? It was not even open this time last year.

I don't write the news. I just report it. Read the article. It says down 26%.