Free public transit

Vincent J. Curtis

24 Aug 22

RE: Make the HSR frequent and free.  Op-ed by Don McLean.  The Hamilton Spectator 24 Aug 22.

As if the finances of Hamilton weren’t already straitened by an oout-of-control judicial inquiry and the taxes of Hamiltonians weren’t high enough, along comes the Climate Jacobin with a mischievous proposal for wasting more money.

It takes a lot of ignorance of economics to fall for the climate change argument, especially in little Canada which contributes next to nothing to the problem.  The Climate Jacobin demonstrates the breadth of his by arguing the HSR should be free and frequent.  Because too many people can’t afford the fares, he says.  That’s an argument for shutting down an expensive monstrosity in my books.  And if a person can’t afford to ride on an HSR bus, what’s the likelihood that no one would want to sit near that person on a bus?

He says that riding a bus will reduce greenhouse gases, but if more buses are running more frequently, that’s not so clear.  Especially if the buses are empty.  Free public transit won’t get cars off the road because people who can afford them like their convenience.  He gives us nothing but fluffy bunny stuff if only the HSR were free.  So, who is the fool here – him, or those who believe him?  How will Hamilton pay for the LRT if ridership is free?

Nothing that’s free gets much respect.  If you respect the HSR, you’ll pay for it. 

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