Question- should the government...

[Fast_Eddie]

Hey Guys,

I have a question. Do you think the government should pursue a tax and incentive policy that directs how people commute to work?

We use taxes and incentives to compel people to do a lot of things. Just wonder if you guys think this is an appropriate policy for the U.S. government to pursue.

Thanks,


Ed

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by Fast_Eddie

Hey Guys,

I have a question. Do you think the government should pursue a tax and incentive policy that directs how people commute to work?

We use taxes and incentives to compel people to do a lot of things. Just wonder if you guys think this is an appropriate policy for the U.S. government to pursue.

Thanks,


Ed

As a general proposition, I'd probably say yes but, with the state of our existing mass transit infrastructure, it's a non-starter.

John

[d-ray657]

I have always lamented that the 70s energy crisis would have been an ideal time to push for investments in mass transit, but by then, the "Me" generation was in full force. People were not ready to make the sacrifice of not having their car with them at all times.

Regards,

D-Ray

[piece-itpete]

Do any of us live in regular bus service areas?

I do, kinda.

Pete

[d-ray657]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

Do any of us live in regular bus service areas?

I do, kinda.

Pete

Nope, I live in suburban sprawl.

That's why I love visiting New York. We are able to get all over the place with the subway and buses.

Regards,

D-Ray

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

Do any of us live in regular bus service areas?

I do, kinda.

Pete

I do. The bus service is regular but far from frequent. I live in a pretty rural area so I guess that's to be expected. In this county the bus service is okay. There is a county-wide service and also a city service in Santa Rosa, the largest city, and a "jitney" service in Petaluma, the second largest. The county buses serve both these cities too.

Being located within the San Francisco commuting area, we also have two commuter bus services run by Golden Gate Transit and AmTrak. There is no light rail or subway service in the North Bay where I am but there is in the East Bay and South Bay, all the way down to San Jose. There's also a fairly extensive ferry system taking people into San Francisco from several points across the Bay.

When you look at the national picture, this area is probably a lot better than average. The trouble is, here as elsewhere, we have chosen our lifestyle based on the automobile. We don't really think about living near our workplace and even have a tendency to live pretty far away from work. As a result, it's hard to warm up to the idea of trading a half hour commute by car for an hour plus bus ride.

John

[Fast_Eddie]

Good responses so far. Hoping to hear from a few more folks.

[finnbow]

Yes, and the policy should be in the form of a $2 increase in gas taxes. The details would work themselves accordingly.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by finnbow

Yes, and the policy should be in the form of a $2 increase in gas taxes. The details would work themselves accordingly.

And the tax would fund infrastructure improvements? The problem with that is the tax would be in effect for a very long time before any improvement in infrastructure would be discernible. That's a very tough sell!

John

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Boreas

And the tax would fund infrastructure improvements? The problem with that is the tax would be in effect for a very long time before any improvement in infrastructure would be discernible. That's a very tough sell!

John

I think carpooling may increase to the extent that a lesser degree of public transportation may be necessary than currently envisioned. DC is among the most carpool friendly cities in the country and has one of the better public transportation systems. That said, the roads are clogged during rush hour with upwards of 80% of the cars on the roads with one occupant.