Public Transportation is a Right!

More Money for Mass Transit

The BC Transit system is NOT functioning well for its riders. These riders are people who make the county function. They are a good part of the working infrastructure of the region, yet they are not allowed to have safe, affordable, and on-time transportation. The only way BC Transit can become steady and reliable is to increase the frequency of scheduled bus trips and reduce fares. Furthermore, in order to put these measures into effect, a consistent, dedicated funding stream will be required.

Transit Cuts Coming?

Right now word is spreading on the street that the evening and Sunday BC Transit service will be drastically cut back or discontinued. What will happen to the people who work evenings and weekends? Will they lose their jobs at hospitals, clinics, restaurants, stores, and other businesses that keep the world functioning while others are enjoying free time? Additionally, is it morally right to take peoples’ freedom of religion from them because the buses no longer run on weekends, thus forcing them to stay away from their houses of worship? All these things are probable if the bus schedules are so drastically cut. Instead, bus schedules should be increased during peak usage hours (6:00 to 10:00 am, and 3:00 to 7:00 pm) and left at steady 30 minute intervals the rest of the time, including evenings and weekends.

Higher Fares Mean Fewer Riders – Encourage Mass Transit with Lower Fares

If bus schedules are cut as feared, fares will become more expensive in order to make up the lost revenue for the county. How can this be right? BC Transit should be considered a “public good,” just like police, firefighters, sanitation and public education. When we need police or firefighting services, we do not receive a bill. Those services are paid for by taxes and are considered basic necessities. Transportation is also a primary need for everyone, yet it is becoming more and more expensive. People who ride buses do not do so because they enjoy the ride. They are often people who cannot afford the costs associated with vehicle ownership, or prefer not to put themselves into debt in such a manner. In the current economy, the number of people finding themselves facing these situations will continue to rise. The current bus fare system is one of the most ridiculous forms of taxation – a user tax. Instead, fares should immediately be reduced. Mass transit can never rely solely on the fare box for revenue. While a fare is necessary, it cannot keep rising until it becomes unaffordable to the people who need this form of transportation.

Transit Subsidies from Government & Business

In order to fund the BC Transit system so everyone gets a reasonably priced ride on safe, on-schedule equipment, all levels of government must take active roles. The federal government must develop a spine and the will to create a subsidy policy for mass transit. President Obama is requesting $700 billion for war and defense-related activities in the coming year. Some of that funding should go instead to programs Americans really need, and mass transit is one of those. New York State must also pick up the ball and add its share of subsidization to the federal funds. Finally, the elected Broome County officials must take seriously the responsibility they already have for mass transit in our region. Perhaps a transit tax should be paid by businesses which have the benefit of BC Transit delivering workers to their doors. Some of these businesses are, ironically, the same ones which have requested that bus stops be removed from their vicinities. The ultimate combination of funding sources utilized must ultimately dovetail to create a consistent, renewable and reliable revenue stream.

Riders & Workers Unite to Make System Work for our Community

As it currently stands, the BC Transit logo is quite appropriate, with the caveman dragging Broome County back to the stone age of transportation. Some also think our current busing situation is comparable to a runaway train headed down a very dark tunnel toward a steep cliff. We need to be clear on the following: We have high regard for the BC Transit workers. We do not hold them accountable for the lack of a bus schedule reflecting real life needs, or any other system limitations. We support their ability to earn a living wage like all workers, and we welcome their input on how to better our BC Transit. We know the transit workers have more in common with the riders than with the transit administration or the county government that mismanages this vital regional resource. In future editions of this newspaper look for readers’ input, as well as information regarding bus schedule petitions, data from the BC Transit budget, and updates about the new consolidated bus terminal.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD!!! OUR JOB IS TO BE YOUR VOICE!!! If you have information or a story to share about BC Transit, please write to us at: People’s Press, c/o PO Box 204, Binghamton, NY 13905. If you prefer to remain anonymous, we will honor your wishes.