Big changes are often easier than small ones

One of life's paradoxes is that it is usually easier to make big changes, all at once, than nibble away at challenges. This is particularly true when things are going OK, but not what we hoped, or when we fear all sorts of unanticipated problems if we aren't careful.

Today, I read about how some places have instituted free bus fares as a way to break through the continuing environmental and traffic and parking problems that plague most cities. That was in the New York Times, based on the new mayor's promise to make public transportation free. Not surprisingly, that promise prompted many "but what about..." objections.

In today Denver Post was a story about the frustrations many in the Denver metro area have with RTD, which governs buses and light rail across eight counties and that cannot seem to recover from the pandemic (among other challenges). 

Making public transportation free sounds costly but often turns out to be quite economical. The trade-off is between revenue and all the costs associated with enforcing revenue rules and laws. New York City tried an experiment in "surging" more transportation police, and that backfired spectacularly. One incident featured a transit cop firing at an offender who jumped the subway turnstyle. The shots missed the offender but wounded two bystanders. 

Not the same as ICE in Minneapolis but at least distantly related.

Could the RTD magically decree that all light rail and bus service will be free starting Monday? Yes.

Would everything be smooth and simple? No.

Would it be a big change that might prompt x number of additional riders? Maybe.

Systems tend to acquire complexity the longer they exist and the more those in charge try to tinker with all the details. That has happened with light rail in Denver. If you are a student, you can get a free pass (maybe an app?) and ride to your heart's content. If you are over 65, you get a discounted rate. There are varying rates depending on how long your ticket is good for and according to your "zone," or how far you are from the city center. 

Then there are transit cops who randomly ask to see tickets and who can issue fines. You can ride on the light rail for months and months and never see such an official, BTW. And I have never seen anyone asking to see tickets during rush hour. It's just too crowded and clumsy. 

All the administrative costs connected with enforcement of the fare system need to be balanced against the revenue, which continues to dip with decreased ridership. There is also some sort of civic cost as many people take the chance on not paying and not getting caught. 

If we are serious about the need for public transport and reducing traffic, pollution, and driver frustrations, maybe it's time to make the "big change." 

Yes, someone needs to pay for public transportation, but until officials make the big change, why explore creative options for revenue, tax money, sponsorships, etc.?