And millions more could be saved by abolishing fares

Parked: Bay Area transit agencies duplicate costs such as those for vehicle maintenance yards, but merging these costs could save much-needed money. (Examiner file photo)

Merging administrative costs could save Bay Area transit agencies $100M | Will Reisman | Transportation | San Francisco Examiner: "Bay Area transit agencies spend significantly more in administrative costs than their peers across the nation, expenditures that knowledgeable observers believe could be slashed by merging some functions of the region’s 28 different operators.

Area transit agencies spend nearly 20 percent of their collective budgets on administrative functions such as purchasing, planning, dispatching and marketing, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Bay Area’s lead transportation group."

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/transportation/2011/02/merging-costs-could-save-transit-100m#ixzz1HR6kESv5

Coastal panel backs Kehoe's 'transit first' bill in 11-1 vote - SignOnSanDiego.com

Coastal panel backs Kehoe's 'transit first' bill in 11-1 vote - SignOnSanDiego.com: "DEL MAR — The California Coastal Commission gave a ringing 11-1 endorsement Thursday to a bill by Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) that would require all state coastal areas to build out their mass transit before widening major highways."

Kids love the bus - make it fare free!

Parents of children who need to ride Muni should sign them up for a FREE Fast Pass on March 10 at 16th and Mission 3-5 p.m. There'll be more opportunities: on March 17 in the Mission and on March 14 and 21 at Mendell, Palou and Third Street in Bayview Hunters Point. Look for the “Get Your Free Fast Pass” banners. – Photo: Alie Slavin

San Francisco – Banners reading “Get Your Free Fast Pass” will cover the BART station at 16th and Mission Street Thursday, March 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. for the first in a series of community bus pass clinics planned in the coming weeks. Dozens of bus riders with the MORE Public Transit Coalition are setting up community clinics in the Mission, Bayview and Chinatown for low-income families to fill out the applications for the free Muni youth passes. SFBayview.com

How to end auto traffic congestion

If buses and trains were fare-free, many more people would ride them. And traffic, congestion, pollution, and new freeway construction would be reduced.


Opinion: Freeway or free way | Del Mar Times