>If anything, the problem of gentrification is an argument for a reduced
>fare or no fare, to make it more affordable for people of modest means
>to live in S.F.
Well, that's one perspective. I would argue precisely the opposite: San
Francisco, despite claims by many to the contrary, is and *has been* a
prosperous city, and users can by and large afford to pay the bus fare.
If we really think ultra-cheap transit is important for low-income San
Franciscans, the right approach is to extend the discount fare to this
class of users (e.g. those under the poverty line), while charging
everyone who can afford to pay full freight. That is a much fairer way
to provide subsidies: it targets the poor minority rather than the public
at large.
Andrew
p.s. Re:
>I think there is already a resolution/advisory that requires city employees
>shall ride Muni at least once a week. There is no enforcement of the
>policy.
This policy statement, Proposition AA, passed in 1993. It is now on the
RM web site:
http://www.rescuemuni.org/prop-aa.html