Michelle Wu wants the MBTA to be free (Boston, Longmeadow: low income, houses)

[BostonBornMassMade]

https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/....html#comments

Michelle Wu is opposed to fare hikes and wants to make the MBTA Free. She sites that 100 municipalities around the world have already done so, and

"by the MBTA's own projections, the proposed fare increases would result in additional transit ridership declines"

Also worth noting, she documents her daily MBTA ride on the Orange Line every day and has for some years (tremendous political leadership in that regard). She also says that the economic mobility of young people and people of color in Boston will continue to be hurt if we dont slow the fare hikes. She also says bus and subway fares only cover 20 percent of the MBTAs operating costs, not 30%..

Unfortunately, she is probably right about the economic mobility. Blacks and Dominicans in Boston have a net worth of 8$ and 0$ respectively. Boston has created a lot of problems other cities dont have because it is so drastically racially inequitable. there is not one peer city of ours that is nearly as racially inequitable, they are able to enforce laws and raise fares without the same level of economic concerns that Boston pols are SERIOUSLY forced to address, while I think a fare hike is reasonable she makes some valid points. Most on the Globe agree with her.

Back in 2008-2011 my friend and I would ask strangers for a few dollars to board trains to and from each other houses, the $1.70 fare at the time was a legitimate obstacle for some of us and our families (recession years). $2.40 would have killed me, sounds crazy but it REALLY IS like that for a lot of Boston teenagers. You had better hope you get that super free pass, or no one steals it (robs you for it]and your cell phone] as happened to a classmate of mine).

[wolfgang239]

Idiotic idea. Great way to help put an already neglected system into a death spiral and likely sideline many of the scheduled improvements and planning studies. Maybe expand the low income programs to a family pass system or something instead of just youths. But no, just no.

I'm sure everyone in Longmeadow or North Adams will be on board too.... But this is probably just her way of trying to be the next progressive superstar.

[BostonBornMassMade]

I think she is just grandstanding, no feasibility, this is just to prepare for her run for Mayor. I’d wager a bet the systems that have no fair collection are much smaller and much newer.

[turf3]

So she (who is Michelle Wu, anyway? never heard the name before) wants the T to be "free". Well, I want to be 6 feet tall with curly blond hair and rippling muscles and 25 years old. Both are about equally likely.

And where are these 100 municipalities around the world that don't charge fares for their public transit systems? I have traveled pretty extensively in the USA, Europe, and Asia and have NEVER seen such a thing. Maybe there are some tiny towns somewhere, but as far as I know, all of Japan, China, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the USA charge fare. Show us the list.

[bjimmy24]

Terrible idea, but it'll get some publicity.

[btownboss4]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

I think she is just grandstanding, no feasibility, this is just to prepare for her run for Mayor. I’d wager a bet the systems that have no fair collection are much smaller and much newer.

Boston I believe is pretty in line with most transit systems still. Chicago is $2.50/2.25 for Train/Bus Philly and Atlanta is $2.50 across the board. LA is $1.80 across the board.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by turf3

So she (who is Michelle Wu, anyway? never heard the name before) wants the T to be "free". Well, I want to be 6 feet tall with curly blond hair and rippling muscles and 25 years old. Both are about equally likely.

And where are these 100 municipalities around the world that don't charge fares for their public transit systems? I have traveled pretty extensively in the USA, Europe, and Asia and have NEVER seen such a thing. Maybe there are some tiny towns somewhere, but as far as I know, all of Japan, China, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the USA charge fare. Show us the list.

The list is hyperlinked in the article.

Michelle Wu was the Boston City Council President. I think she very recently ceded that seat to Andrea Campbell. She’s considered to have enough political capital to become mayor of Marty Walsh leaves

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

The list is hyperlinked in the article.

Michelle Wu was the Boston City Council President. I think she very recently ceded that seat to Andrea Campbell. She’s considered to have enough political capital to become mayor of Marty Walsh leaves

Great "platform" but how is she going to fund all those pensions the MBTA hands out?

[mp775]

Originally Posted by turf3

So she (who is Michelle Wu, anyway? never heard the name before) wants the T to be "free". Well, I want to be 6 feet tall with curly blond hair and rippling muscles and 25 years old. Both are about equally likely.

And I want 93 and 128 to be free... oh, wait; they are.

And where are these 100 municipalities around the world that don't charge fares for their public transit systems? I have traveled pretty extensively in the USA, Europe, and Asia and have NEVER seen such a thing. Maybe there are some tiny towns somewhere, but as far as I know, all of Japan, China, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the USA charge fare. Show us the list.

Free public transport
Free public transport routes

[massnative71]

Looking at Boston's recent voting history, promising "free stuff" is probably the best way to ensure an election victory.