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.