Comments on: MARTA Fare Going Up To $2.50

By: Ronda

Ronda — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:41:08 +0000

It is inexcusable that this backward state refuses to acknowledge that mass transit, not building wider and wider freeways, is the answer to our unbelievable traffic congestion . Not to say that every decision by MARTA management has been perfect, we still would lower the cost of commuting for everyone, create jobs by attracting more businesses, and improve air quality if the system had what it needs to run efficiently and reach more neighborhoods. In the interim, MARTA has no choice but to raise fares.

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:14:07 +0000

Why MARTA fares will be higher than NYC subway fares. NYC subways have a much higher volume of people who use it, so they don’t have to charge as much. They benefit from the volume discount.

MARTA fares have to cover the cost of the service, and if people don’t pay to ride them, the cost per rider has to go up, right?

I think it’s insane that we’re going to consider widening an interstate to 27 lanes without much outcry but are squawking about a bump of the MARTA fare. I mean, roads cost money, too. Not to mention that roads encourage folks to drive, which causes air pollution, uses up oil, and often results in serious death and injury.

Great cities have good public transportation systems. I think Decatur’s location on a MARTA line has contributed to its success, along with the school system and relative safety due to the police and fire departments.

By: Brent

Brent — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:07:09 +0000

As I recall from the early days of MARTA, distance-based pricing was avoided for fear that people in suburban areas would not support the system if they were forced to pay more “simply because I don’t choose to live in the middle of town.” Today, with efforts to get Cobb, Gwinnettt, etc., roped into the system I have to think that’s still the big worry — that they won’t join if the fare from Snellville will be twice what ti is from Decatur. I live in DC and the distance system works pretty well BUT they are beginning to shift it to more of a timing based arrangement. And here, “rush hour” for Metro is SEVERAL hours at each end of the day. You get the base fare only a couple hours either side of noon, and very late at night. And yes, even here some people in farther-out suburbs complain about being charged more to get downtown than would be the case if they lived closer in.

By: DecaturCyn

DecaturCyn — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:54:43 +0000

Craig, the calculator linked below will help you make a more detailed comparison of car-vs-transit costs for a commuter.

http://www.commutesolutions.org/calc.htm

By: Bobby

Bobby — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:21:57 +0000

Doesn’t the “wealthier, causal rider” keep fares low? MARTA spends $2 to convey him/her from some rail station to the airport; MARTA charges $2. MARTA frequently spends $8-10 for a transit dependent commuter using bus-rail-bus; MARTA charges $2.

Who benefits least from a distance-based fare? Where is the affordable housing located? How are you factoring in bus service?