As the St. Petersburg Times reports today, Pinellas County is starting to answer this question. Increasing fares from $1.50 to $1.75 looks to be part of the answer-- chalk one point up for the clearer-eyed observers. But the transit authority is also talking about cutting service:
At least 22 routes could be modified. In some cases, entire routes may be eliminated. Others will experience a decrease in frequency, [PSTA spokesman Bob] Lasher said.So, chalk one up for the Panglossians-- if, that is, these were "wasteful" bus routes. But wait a minute-- is that really why they're cutting the routes?"
We want to figure out how we can affect the smallest amount of people," [Lasher] said.In other words, they're not cutting the fat-- they're just cutting out the least vital organs.
In the end, the Panglossians probably won't even notice that the "government waste" they hoped to get rid of doesn't seem to be there to cut. After all, they're probably not depending on the bus routes that will be eliminated.
4 comments:
If you seriously think that Pinellas govt doesn't have a tremendous spare tire of flab to be trimmed, then you really need to look over the top of that SPTimes you love so much and get a dose of reality.
PSTA is not Pinellas County government. All increases in funds went two places: Paying high fuel prices and adding bus service, which requires more drivers and mechanics.
It's budget is much smaller than other similar sized agencies in the state, ridership is higher and administrative staff is smaller. Anyone who assumes that PSTA is fluff with fat and excess has never spent 10 seconds learning about it and certainly doesn't know what they are talking about.
Largo just voted to increase the millage rate by 12 percent!!. This is crime. Will they role it back when housing values go up. Mary Black voted to keep it the same. They were hit extra cost. whose fault was that.. A 12 % increase is a crime. We need to vote all out except Black. also of note bob jackson former mayor pushed for no increase with no luck. thank you BOB. this increase is awful.. who got a raise last year of 12% in the rest of the world..
Now for Clearwater. Again raises the millage in tough times. Mayor Hibbard and the Vice Mayor Paul Gibson voted for a 3% increase in the millage..(how about 0) but even that was voted down by Carlen Peterson, John Doran and George Cretekos who won the vote with a 9% increase. Will this rate go down when property values go up? (of course not) this is again a CRIME. These are out of control spenders who know how to over spend in good times and cannot make tough decisions and tough actions in bad times. Vote them out and let your voice be heard. Clearwate has a final hearing thursday at 6PM at city hall.
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