Our View: CVTD no-fare policy should stay
The Cache Valley Transit District is considering changing their busses from free to paid. On Wednesday they held a hearing to listen public opinion about the idea.
For 19 years Logan enjoyed free transit options thanks to the CVTD. This is a great use of tax money, and honestly, the city deserves our thanks for that policy. Despite the fact that there are obviously people who find this financially paramount in the valley, it is an amazing use to college students.
Students who come to Logan without cars and with limited money can use the CVTD to shop, go to the doctor, go to work or use it to get to job interviews.
The reason they are holding the hearing, according to their press release is: “Over the past 18 months, constituents attending CVTD Board meetings have voiced their opinions that it is now time to charge a fare, and that users of public transportation should pay for the service.”
The voices of the people who apparently have been sharing these concerns at CVTD board meetings have put the voices of those who rely on the busses on edge. We have heard the discussion about fear of the fare on our campus over the last few days.
In their press release they also state that a consulting company called Nelson\Nyggard Consulting Associates advised them not to change their policy in 2012.
Obviously the idea of charging for transit is not ludicrous. Most of the country does it. However, one of the most unique and convenient things about Logan is the free bus system. Generations of college students have used these busses, and it is part of what makes Logan an accommodating town to Utah State students.
It is our view that charging a fare for transit in Cache Valley would not only be a difficult change to swallow for the community that relies on the busses, but for college students too. It would change the complexion of Logan and take away one of its most unique and useful services. The no-fare policy is arguably the best quality of this city and it would be a shame if that were to disappear.