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A comment on Free Transit for Riders Under 18? In Paris, It’s Here. Parent comment

Re:Free Transit for Riders Under 18? In Paris, It’s Here by kevindong on Sunday September 06, 2020 @01:26PM (#24392965)
Larger countries can, but the political willpower isn't there.

NYC's subway was originally projected (pre-COVID) to take in $3.6 billion in fares in 2020 [0]. Some 8.4 million people live in NYC. $3.6 billion / 8.4 million residents = ~$429/resident/year would suffice to make the subway free of fares.

Note: this would be for _just_ the subway; it does not include buses/commuter rail/MTA HQ expenses. Additionally, replacing just the fares for the subway would not suffice for balancing the budget since a deficit was planned.

[0]: Page VI-123 of https://new.mta.info/document/15221

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Re:Free Transit for Riders Under 18? In Paris, It’s Here by bogidon on Sunday September 06, 2020 @01:43PM (#24393121)
Probably somewhat lower than $429/resident/year since transit agencies spend significant resources on labor and maintenance just operating the fare collection.

(Sorry, looked but didn’t fare collection cost numbers in the MTA budget)

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Re:Free Transit for Riders Under 18? In Paris, It’s Here by mandelbrotwurst on Sunday September 06, 2020 @01:36PM (#24393048)
It might cost a bit more than that since if it were free then ridership would likely increase.
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Re:Free Transit for Riders Under 18? In Paris, It’s Here by jdsully on Sunday September 06, 2020 @01:37PM (#24393069)
The fare recovery of New York City Transit is 47%, so the true cost to the taxpayer would be $912/resident/year using your numbers. The numbers are higher still if you scope to residents over 18.
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