The transit riddle

We must delve into the causes of Metro Transit’s problems as detailed this afternoon by MPR’s Dan Olson.

Money for transit from the motor vehicle sales tax is down because of slumping auto sales. The latest numbers show Metro Transit is short $72 million over the next two and a half years, according to Dan.

I wrote a few weeks ago about the wisdom of financing things by taxing things you want to have less of — cigarettes or gas taxes in that post. Ideally, a proper public transit model would have everyone riding it, and getting rid of cars. But if you’re financed by the sale of automobiles, can you do both?

Ridership on Metro Transit has increased, but the system imposed a fare hike this year nonetheless. One solution for the current revenue shortfall? Another fare hike. At what point do you force people off mass transit?

More Twin Citians are riding public transit, getting squeezed in the wallet, and squished on the ride.