“IndyGo’s real problem is that it’s just too big for the city’s bus-ride market.”
Transit authorities are not businesses attempting to meet a market need at a price which can sustain operations. They are public services. They are expected to operate at a loss.
This is not unique to Indianapolis. Most systems barely recover much of their cost at farebox:
Granted, there is a discussion to be had about the value of services that do not pay for themselves. Elementary schools don’t manage to make enough in textbook fees to pay teachers. Nor do building permits cover administrative costs or fines pay for police departments. But the issue of farebox recovery is common everywhere.
Certainly the legal issues you raise are valid and are a disappointing reminder.
“IndyGo’s real problem is that it’s just too big for the city’s bus-ride market.”
Transit authorities are not businesses attempting to meet a market need at a price which can sustain operations. They are public services. They are expected to operate at a loss.
This is not unique to Indianapolis. Most systems barely recover much of their cost at farebox:
https://www.transitwiki.org/TransitWiki/index.php/Farebox_Recovery_Ratio
Granted, there is a discussion to be had about the value of services that do not pay for themselves. Elementary schools don’t manage to make enough in textbook fees to pay teachers. Nor do building permits cover administrative costs or fines pay for police departments. But the issue of farebox recovery is common everywhere.
Certainly the legal issues you raise are valid and are a disappointing reminder.