Problems and Solutions
I'm ruminating over the most recent Dutchess County Legislature Board meeting. Over 12 hours since I left the chamber my brain keeps turning certain comments, and the responses I desperately wish I could deliver face to face, over and over. If you're wondering what the big deal is: The legislature voted on approving applying for a grant for matching federal and state funds for transit improvement. And the improvement is for fare collection. I don't know how many months I used my three minutes of public speaking opportunity to address the elected body and share the many failings of the bus system, but it's more than half the calendar year. I wasn't alone; easily 30 minutes worth of each month's public speaking portion were individuals advocating for fare-free buses. Like most transit nerds, I'm agnostic on fare-free buses: there's no conclusive evidence this makes them faster, or improves the passenger experience. But local community organizers ...
