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| Kaua'i County council desperately needs new direction. The recent vote to increase bus fares over 166% since 2006 while County council members ride the bus for free along with also receiving $500 a month car allowance is not only double dipping but ludicrous! |
Just Do The Math
Kaua'i bus fares just increased an additional $10.00 per month for a bus pass. The Kaua'i County council passed this bill unanimously with a 7-0 vote. Monthly passes will now cost $40.00, an increase of nearly 166% since 2006 when bus fares were $15.00 per month. Bus fares have gone up on and beyond the cost of living, just do the math.
The irony of all this is that one of the perks of being a high paid part time County council member is they can ride the bus for free while those struggling working 2-3 jobs, students, retiree's, the disabled and those on limited incomes will feel the pinch. County council members are payed by you and me (the taxpayer) $500.00 a month car allowance,this is not only double dipping but ludicrous! Why should they get a car allowance and free bus rides?
Council needs to start thinking outside the box with some creativity beyond bus fares and county subsidies alone to financially support the bus. How about selling advertising on the outside and interior walls of the bus, thus allowing the buses to act as traveling billboards?
This is buttocks backwards, let the taxpayer ride the bus for free and let County council members pay.
In all sincerity something needs to be done.Remember term limits will kick in for the 2014 County council election opening up opportunity for new voices to be heard of which we so desperately need.
Re-elect nobody unless there a somebody.
26 comments:
I mean really...and a car allowance?....
Edward, it's all true and Ludicrous!
...and they are so sincere...I'd laff, but its not funny.
I told Mel that without the increases in the passes, regular fares, and the gas tax the Bus Office says they can't provide full weekend service or add coaches to the high-ridership routes. So, they pass the increases...but the Bus Office has made no statement whatsoever as to increasing service. They only give excuses, and it sounds like they just don't want the extra work.
Elaine, yes increase service and more stops, like Lydgate Park... What do you think of advertising on buses?
"Typical municipal transit is already subsidized about 83% of actual cost across the nation. This is just about where we are at with the new rates revenues, 1.3 million in fares collected and 5.720 million in general fund subsidizes."
Jay
Thanks. Makes it a lot harder for me. Even those on fixed income assistance.
Yea, but really gets me is the double dipping, don't like with chips or politicians...
via email,"I contacted Shadow about your latest entry in your blog. Thanks."
Shadow II
Yeah, I know.....
Keahi and Steph,Story lead, a good story, Kaua'i Bus fares increase 166% and county council double dips! Read my blog for complete story...
Keahi Tucker, Hawaii News Now Thanks Kimo, will pass it along..KT
via email, "Bus fare on O'ahu is $60.00/month, but the bus runs around the island almost 24/7, and the line-up of buses is like the Communist North Korean military--20 wide and 100 deep, piled-in like sardines. I can understand the $60.00 cost. I am told there are disabled persons, students, and senior discounts to elevate the cost. Makes sense."
Been housesitting in the Homesteads and not checking FB every day...e kala mai...I have no problem with adverts on buses, but don't believe it would provide any tangible increase in service as County is so good about wasting any new income they get.
Elaine, agreed, however it would create revenue which would allow for cheaper bus fares or even free?
Does the Big island still have free island wide bus service?
Edward, Students and those 55 and older still ride for free, check out the enclosed for or e info. http://alohaisles.com/bigisland/taxi_shuttle_bus.html
Mahalo James..
Nice idea...but I don't see that it would generate that much. Sorry I don't have much faith in the guvmint's stewardship of revenues We'll have to see what happens. BTW...I've seen nothing in the news or any other communications that cash fares will go up. If they stay at $2/$1, it won't make financial sense for me to pay $40 for a pass. I'd have to travel more than 40 legs (5 round trips a week) just to break even. Makes no sense.
Me, too Elaine, I don't use the bus enough to make a monthly pass pay, I bike and walk and bus only when too far ... senior fares are still only 1.00 I believe?
Yup, $1 for us old farts...but I use the bus far more, since I live in Kekaha and although I like to ride the bike, it's not practical for most errands. I'll take it with me when going to Lihue sometimes, as I can then just ride around and run errands without having to mess with the shuttle. However, I don't generally ride the bus more than three...maybe four...days a week. I would use it more if it had full schedules on the weekends, and only then would a pass make financial sense at present costs. Can't these councilmembers do the math? Oh...that's right...they get to ride the bus for free anyway.
LOL, so true about County Council!
Finally I agree with one of your blog posts! Seriously, though, the increase in the bus pass fee is ridiculous, especially considering they also voted to increase everyone's gas tax by 4 cents a gallon for the bus. Considering the transportation department did not even ask for any of this, and has no plans for the money, our Council screwed up big time. If I ever run for Council, I would fight against ANY increases in taxes and fees on the working class and poor. If the rich want to live in paradise, benefiting from the workers who keep this island a paradise, it's time they pay their dues.
The car allowance makes sense to me. Council members must drive all over the island constantly to do their jobs. They probably spend most of that in gas alone these days in the course of doing their jobs. Well, I take that back. SOME Council members drive around to do their jobs. Others only drive if it's a photo op for their next campaign. It would be interesting, though, to see how much the bus program would expand if they were REQUIRED to use the bus to get around the island. LOL
Chuck, hope you decide to run, I believe two seats will be open per term limits, Jay and Tim, 2014 is the year for newcomers should they have the chutzpah (balls) to run.
Chuck, Glad you agreed, I am posting a blog this evening about a different spin on GMO's. I am actually talking about about the positive aspects of GMO's. although I still believe they should be labeled just as Organic and kosher foods are.
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