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January 16, 2005
Actually, yes, I can spare a dime.
So, when is the MBTA going to get some dollar machines for the buses? Usually I just end up sticking a dollar bill in the transfer box anyway; it's less trouble than trying to find 90 cents of change in the couch...
Hell, I say just raise the rates, and institute a transfer system, like in Chicago (where I used to live). As far as the economic impact of a 10 cent increase: if you took the bus twice a day, five days a week, that would be all of $4.40 per month out of your pocket. I think even for low-income folks that's pretty negligible.
Am I wrong here?
Posted by Charley on the MTA at 09:26 AM in Massachusetts | Permalink
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Charlie on the MTA explains why it would make all sorts of sense for the T to raise bus fares to an even dollar (especially if they added a transfer system).... [Read More]
Tracked on Jan 16, 2005 12:17:26 PM
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How about installing the dollar machines, but keeping the fares where they are? Then those of us for whom the convenience of using a dollar bill rather than a bunch of change is worth 10 cents can pay $1 with a bill, while those of us who would prefer to keep their $4.40 a month can keep paying 90 cents. I bet the extra dimes that the T would bring in if it offered the convenience of dollar bills to its customers would pay for the machines pretty fast, and it wouldn't have to take the political hit of raising fares.
Posted by: David | Jan 16, 2005 1:29:58 PM
How many graduates of Massachusetts public schools can add up change to 90 cents?
Posted by: garym | Jan 17, 2005 7:48:37 AM
They won't be installing dollar machines because next year (2006) they'll be switching to fare cards.
Posted by: Brittain33 | Jan 17, 2005 9:17:49 AM
Thanks Brittain33, that's terrific news. I'll Google some confirmation of that.
Posted by: Charley on the MTA | Jan 17, 2005 12:48:07 PM
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