Opinion
Big Dilemma
THE SUNCOAST NEWS
Published: February 12, 2008
The Pasco County Public Transportation system is facing an interesting dilemma. Just when rising gasoline prices might be tempting some to park their private vehicles and climb aboard a bus, PCPT officials are seeking County Commission approval for 100 percent fare increases for the county's fixed-route bus system and paratransit service for people with disabilities. PCPT, not surprisingly, is not immune from rising energy costs.Published: February 12, 2008
Doubling the cost of a bus ride, to $1 from 50 cents, or trip on a paratransit vehicle, to $4 from $2, of course, removes some of the incentive people might have had to switch from private vehicles to PCPT.
With the state's economy in a slowdown and the county having to deal with calls for lower property taxes, commissioners are trying to raise the amount of revenue PCPT collects through the fare box. The problem is there is hardly a public transit system anywhere that doesn't require a hefty public subsidy to remain in operation.
The County Commission is considering some form of advertising on PCPT buses, but we doubt that will prove a major money-maker.
If the present trend continues, Pasco County could end up with a wildly popular transit system no one can afford to ride.