tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862444008740250372.post3269159505537805672..comments2024-02-01T04:37:41.878-05:00Comments on Cap'n Transit Rides Again: When buses are outlawed, only outlaws will drive busesCap'n Transithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057887736728828646noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862444008740250372.post-75519448652169247312010-05-27T20:58:46.190-04:002010-05-27T20:58:46.190-04:00The lawful evil regime I'm talking about is Al...The lawful evil regime I'm talking about is Albany, and increasingly also city hall. It's not the MTA that's forcing jitney drivers to break the law.Alon Levyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12195377309045184452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862444008740250372.post-27786198575105316282010-05-27T08:21:40.270-04:002010-05-27T08:21:40.270-04:00Interesting question, Alon. But to answer it I ne...Interesting question, Alon. But to answer it I need to know what exactly you're referring to as a lawful evil regime. The MTA alone? The state government as a whole? There are many players in state government, and I don't think it's productive to label the entire thing without making some distinctions.Cap'n Transithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17057887736728828646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862444008740250372.post-42823711116549465292010-05-26T01:53:19.230-04:002010-05-26T01:53:19.230-04:00"Now, here's an exercise: why would a law..."Now, here's an exercise: why would a lawful evil regime legalize conduct that reduces its power?"<br /><br />Your word economy is staggering. This is the nexus of the whole issue. Remember, the MTA isn't just a bureaucracy...it is a bureaucratic tool. The MTA only receives adequate funding for major "sexy" projects. BRT is "sexy" bus service. A new subway line is a "sexy" rail project. <br /><br />In essence, the MTA is both a cause and victim of today's transportation policy. The MTA is underfunded because the politicians note that the MTA will take the beating for them. The only thing that will reduce their power is a crushing global depression that makes borrowing more expensive. Since we are in the midst of a global depression that has yet to be acknowledged, you will see the MTA's grasp begin to slip.<br /><br />They will get the East River bridge tolls as a joint MTA & NYC bailout, but it will come at the expense of dedicated city & state funds.jazumahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00890764412679388559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862444008740250372.post-21947090804489649332010-05-26T00:16:46.488-04:002010-05-26T00:16:46.488-04:00I agree. It is cheaper for the MTA to leave the pr...I agree. It is cheaper for the MTA to leave the private carriers alone and let them take the passengers (since they are often going to places such as train stations, and local buses are effectivly free if you are going to a train station, because of the transfer).<br /> If the carrier wants to fill a void in the transportation network or timetable, they should be allowed to do so. The passengers get to their destinations faster, the MTA saves on operating expenses, and the carriers make money.George Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15288033149559815848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862444008740250372.post-13184929806067065532010-05-24T19:39:58.822-04:002010-05-24T19:39:58.822-04:00I approve of your use of the terms lawful, neutral...I approve of your use of the terms lawful, neutral, and chaotic.<br /><br />Now, here's an exercise: why would a lawful evil regime legalize conduct that reduces its power?Alon Levyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12195377309045184452noreply@blogger.com