More revenue for public transit will always be preferable to less revenue, no matter what happens to service. And getting funding is always going to be a struggle, right? We're practically begging already.Why not market bus passes more aggressively to people who, frankly, don't need them? Public transit can partner with public television and public radio a couple times a year, and work it like pledge drives.
Have P.J. Maloney, Chris Fenimore, and other pledgemeisters tout the community benefits of reliable mass transit, the joy of reading and relaxing during a commute, and the refined pleasure of meeting your neighbors along the way. Play the pride card, the guilt card, the repetition card. Include clips from local celebrities and athletes.
Government can't do it alone. We need you, you who care so much about the strength and vibrancy of our community, we need your support of strong public transit. If you donate just $30 a month, we'll thank you with your own 12-month bus pass -- a full year service! For $50 bucks, we'll let you go see Andre Rieu or some crap!
Best part: maybe some of those folks will actually use the bus, decide they like it, and keep their bloody automobiles in park!
Here's an idea - FREE advertising! Where can we find that? Hmmmm...let's see...oh, I know! How about if we take down all of those FREE 311 billboards and see how gracious Lamar advertising is about allowing the Port Authority to post FREE advertisements of its buspass program!
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