[PUBLISHED: #1479] Fares Fair?
Jul 26, 2020 19:03:40 GMT -5
Free Las Pinas, whatermelons, and 1 more like this
Post by Paffnia on Jul 26, 2020 19:03:40 GMT -5
Fares Fair?
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
A recent audit of transit systems across @name@@ revealed more cobwebs than coins in ticket vending machines, even though trains and buses are as crowded as ever. Worried about falling ticket revenues and rising numbers of fare evaders, your Minister of Transportation has suggested that you rethink transit fare policy, starting by going down into the subway and seeing the problem for yourself.
The Debate
1. "The trains are barely running!" laments a subway driver, leaning out the window as the train releases a worrisome hiss. "I got stuck in the tunnel for an hour yesterday because of a faulty electrical line, but my manager says there's not enough money from fares to fix it. To get transit budgets back on track, we need to raise ticket prices, high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation. Sure, some people still won't pay, but with the extra money from riders who do, this ol' train could finally get a tune-up."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
2. "Forget raising fares: transit should be free!" yells a teenager who was just arrested by a police officer for attempting to jump over a fare gate. "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who, uh...left their transit pass at home. You have some tax money lying around to cover free fares, right?"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is more cops on the system to make sure everyone pays—I'm the only officer on the transit beat! And to stop scofflaws like this one, we've also gotta get new security cameras, impregnable fare gates, heftier fines for fare-evading, and—hey, get back here!"
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "It's not about quantity of tickets but quality," sneers Mr. Ron Opoly, a tycoon who owns all four railroads in a nearby coastal resort city. "It is only proper that the upper crust should travel in manner befitting our wealth and status. My peers and I could be convinced to leave our limos if you added luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to ferries. Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience, and our premium tickets will boost transit budgets, to boot. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
A recent audit of transit systems across @name@@ revealed more cobwebs than coins in ticket vending machines, even though trains and buses are as crowded as ever. Worried about falling ticket revenues and rising numbers of fare evaders, your Minister of Transportation has suggested that you rethink transit fare policy, starting by going down into the subway and seeing the problem for yourself.
The Debate
1. "The trains are barely running!" laments a subway driver, leaning out the window as the train releases a worrisome hiss. "I got stuck in the tunnel for an hour yesterday because of a faulty electrical line, but my manager says there's not enough money from fares to fix it. To get transit budgets back on track, we need to raise ticket prices, high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation. Sure, some people still won't pay, but with the extra money from riders who do, this ol' train could finally get a tune-up."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
2. "Forget raising fares: transit should be free!" yells a teenager who was just arrested by a police officer for attempting to jump over a fare gate. "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who, uh...left their transit pass at home. You have some tax money lying around to cover free fares, right?"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is more cops on the system to make sure everyone pays—I'm the only officer on the transit beat! And to stop scofflaws like this one, we've also gotta get new security cameras, impregnable fare gates, heftier fines for fare-evading, and—hey, get back here!"
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "It's not about quantity of tickets but quality," sneers Mr. Ron Opoly, a tycoon who owns all four railroads in a nearby coastal resort city. "It is only proper that the upper crust should travel in manner befitting our wealth and status. My peers and I could be convinced to leave our limos if you added luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to ferries. Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience, and our premium tickets will boost transit budgets, to boot. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
{SPOILER: Draft 5}Fares Fair?
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
A recent audit of transit systems across @name@@ revealed more cobwebs than coins in ticket vending machines, even though trains and buses are as crowded as ever. Worried about falling ticket revenues and rising numbers of fare evaders, your Minister of Transit suggests you rethink transit fare policy, starting by going down into the subway and seeing the problem for yourself.
The Debate
1. "The trains are barely running!" laments a subway driver, leaning out the window as the train releases a worrisome hiss. "I got stuck in the tunnel for an hour yesterday because of a faulty electrical line, but my manager says there's not enough money from fares to fix it. To get transit budgets back on track, we need to raise ticket prices, high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation. Sure, some people still won't pay, but with the extra money from riders who do, I can finally give this ol' train a tune-up."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
2. "Forget raising fares: transit should be free!" yells a teenager who was just arrested by a police officer for jumping over a fare gate. "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who, uh...left their transit pass at home. You have some tax money lying around to cover free fares, right?"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is more cops on the system to make sure everyone pays—I'm the only officer on the transit beat! And to stop scofflaws like this one, we've also gotta get security cameras, impregnable fare gates, heftier fines for fare-evading, and—hey, get back here!"
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "It's not about quantity of tickets but quality," sneers Mr. Ron Opoly, a tycoon who owns all four railroads in a nearby coastal resort city. "It is only proper that the upper crust should travel in manner befitting our wealth and status. We must add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to ferries! Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience, and our premium tickets will boost transit budgets, to boot. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the growing crowd of delayed commuters, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube transit sucks up money.
Validity: allow private industry
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
A recent audit of transit systems across @name@@ revealed more cobwebs than coins in ticket vending machines, even though trains and buses are as crowded as ever. Worried about falling ticket revenues and rising numbers of fare evaders, your Minister of Transit suggests you rethink transit fare policy, starting by going down into the subway and seeing the problem for yourself.
The Debate
1. "The trains are barely running!" laments a subway driver, leaning out the window as the train releases a worrisome hiss. "I got stuck in the tunnel for an hour yesterday because of a faulty electrical line, but my manager says there's not enough money from fares to fix it. To get transit budgets back on track, we need to raise ticket prices, high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation. Sure, some people still won't pay, but with the extra money from riders who do, I can finally give this ol' train a tune-up."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
2. "Forget raising fares: transit should be free!" yells a teenager who was just arrested by a police officer for jumping over a fare gate. "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who, uh...left their transit pass at home. You have some tax money lying around to cover free fares, right?"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is more cops on the system to make sure everyone pays—I'm the only officer on the transit beat! And to stop scofflaws like this one, we've also gotta get security cameras, impregnable fare gates, heftier fines for fare-evading, and—hey, get back here!"
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "It's not about quantity of tickets but quality," sneers Mr. Ron Opoly, a tycoon who owns all four railroads in a nearby coastal resort city. "It is only proper that the upper crust should travel in manner befitting our wealth and status. We must add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to ferries! Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience, and our premium tickets will boost transit budgets, to boot. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the growing crowd of delayed commuters, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube transit sucks up money.
Validity: allow private industry
{SPOILER: Draft 4}Fares Fair?
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
A news crew recently set up a hidden camera at the entrance to a busy @@capital@@ subway station and uncovered scores of people ducking under, pushing through, and in one case pole-vaulting over the fare gates without paying. Your Minister of Transit—already upset over dwindling budgets and deteriorating service—angrily shows you the footage and suggests you to go down into the subway to see for yourself.
The Debate
1. "The trains are barely running!" laments a subway driver, leaning out the window as the train releases a worrisome hiss. "I got stuck in the tunnel for an hour yesterday because of a faulty electrical line, but my manager says there's not enough money from fares to fix it. To get transit budgets back on track, we need to raise ticket prices, high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation. Sure, some people still won't pay, but with the extra money from riders who do, I can finally give this ol' train a tune-up."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
2. "Forget raising fares: transit should be free!" yells a fare-dodging teenager who was just pulled off the train by a police officer. "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who, uh...left their transit pass at home. You have some tax money lying around to cover free fares, right?"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is more cops on the system—I'm the only officer on the transit beat! And to stop scofflaws like this one, we've also gotta get security cameras, impregnable fare gates, heftier fines for fare-evading, and—hey, get back here!"
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "It's not about quantity of tickets but quality," sneers Mr. Ron Opoly, a tycoon who owns all four railroads in a nearby coastal resort city. "It is only proper that the upper crust should travel in manner befitting our wealth and status. We must add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to ferries! Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the growing crowd of delayed commuters, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube transit sucks up money.
Validity: allow private industry
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
A news crew recently set up a hidden camera at the entrance to a busy @@capital@@ subway station and uncovered scores of people ducking under, pushing through, and in one case pole-vaulting over the fare gates without paying. Your Minister of Transit—already upset over dwindling budgets and deteriorating service—angrily shows you the footage and suggests you to go down into the subway to see for yourself.
The Debate
1. "The trains are barely running!" laments a subway driver, leaning out the window as the train releases a worrisome hiss. "I got stuck in the tunnel for an hour yesterday because of a faulty electrical line, but my manager says there's not enough money from fares to fix it. To get transit budgets back on track, we need to raise ticket prices, high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation. Sure, some people still won't pay, but with the extra money from riders who do, I can finally give this ol' train a tune-up."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
2. "Forget raising fares: transit should be free!" yells a fare-dodging teenager who was just pulled off the train by a police officer. "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who, uh...left their transit pass at home. You have some tax money lying around to cover free fares, right?"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is more cops on the system—I'm the only officer on the transit beat! And to stop scofflaws like this one, we've also gotta get security cameras, impregnable fare gates, heftier fines for fare-evading, and—hey, get back here!"
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "It's not about quantity of tickets but quality," sneers Mr. Ron Opoly, a tycoon who owns all four railroads in a nearby coastal resort city. "It is only proper that the upper crust should travel in manner befitting our wealth and status. We must add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to ferries! Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the growing crowd of delayed commuters, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube transit sucks up money.
Validity: allow private industry
{SPOILER: Draft 3}Fares Fair?
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
Across @name@@, public transit systems are falling into disrepair. Lacking the budget to do crucial maintenance, many transit workers are quick to blame the rising number of fare evaders. To see the problem for yourself, you go down into the subway station outside the capitol.
The Debate
1. "The trains are barely running!" laments a subway driver, leaning out the window as the train releases a worrisome hiss. "Repairing trains ain't cheap, and we need funds from fares to keep transit budgets on track. In fact, fares need to be high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
2. "Transit should be free!" yells a fare-dodging teenager who was just pulled off the train by a police officer. "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who,...uh...left their transit pass at home. You have some tax money lying around to cover free fares, right?"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is more cops on the system—I'm the only officer on the transit beat! And to stop scofflaws like this one, we've also gotta get security cameras, taller, stronger fare gates, heftier fines for fare-evading, and—hey, get back here!"
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "I've got an idea that will make everyone happy!" exclaims a man in a monocle, as the other delayed commuters on the platform look increasingly unhappy. "You should add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to public ferries. Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the crowd, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube pods carry passengers twice as fast as subways for ten times the price.
Validity: allow private industry
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
Across @name@@, public transit systems are falling into disrepair. Lacking the budget to do crucial maintenance, many transit workers are quick to blame the rising number of fare evaders. To see the problem for yourself, you go down into the subway station outside the capitol.
The Debate
1. "The trains are barely running!" laments a subway driver, leaning out the window as the train releases a worrisome hiss. "Repairing trains ain't cheap, and we need funds from fares to keep transit budgets on track. In fact, fares need to be high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
2. "Transit should be free!" yells a fare-dodging teenager who was just pulled off the train by a police officer. "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who,...uh...left their transit pass at home. You have some tax money lying around to cover free fares, right?"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is more cops on the system—I'm the only officer on the transit beat! And to stop scofflaws like this one, we've also gotta get security cameras, taller, stronger fare gates, heftier fines for fare-evading, and—hey, get back here!"
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "I've got an idea that will make everyone happy!" exclaims a man in a monocle, as the other delayed commuters on the platform look increasingly unhappy. "You should add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to public ferries. Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the crowd, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube pods carry passengers twice as fast as subways for ten times the price.
Validity: allow private industry
{SPOILER: Draft 2}Fares Fair?
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
Across @name@@, public transit systems are falling into disrepair. Managers of transit agencies are quick to point the finger at rising numbers of fare evaders. To see the problem for yourself, you go down into the subway station outside the capitol.
The Debate
1. "Transit should be free!" yells a teenager who was just pulled off a train by a squad of police for not paying @@his_1@@ fare. Struggling under an officer's grip, @@he_1@@ protests, "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who,...uh...left their transit pass at home. You can find the money to get rid of fares if you—agh, let go of me!"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
2. "The trains are barely running as it is!" object's the subway's driver, leaning out the window as the train lets off a worrisome hiss. "Repairing trains ain't cheap, and we need funds from fares to keep transit budgets on track. In fact, fares need to be high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
3. "You won't need to raise fares if you let us make sure that every rider pays," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he_2@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need are hefty citations for scofflaws like this one, security cameras to catch them in the act, and taller, stronger fare gates to stop them in the first place. And more transit cops, of course. Like I always say, if you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train."
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "I've got an idea that will make everyone happy!" exclaims a man in a monocle, as the other delayed commuters on the platform look increasingly unhappy. "You should add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to public ferries. Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the crowd, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube pods carry passengers twice as fast as subways for ten times the price.
Validity: allow private industry
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
Across @name@@, public transit systems are falling into disrepair. Managers of transit agencies are quick to point the finger at rising numbers of fare evaders. To see the problem for yourself, you go down into the subway station outside the capitol.
The Debate
1. "Transit should be free!" yells a teenager who was just pulled off a train by a squad of police for not paying @@his_1@@ fare. Struggling under an officer's grip, @@he_1@@ protests, "Everyone has right to get where they need to go—rich people, poor people, people like me who,...uh...left their transit pass at home. You can find the money to get rid of fares if you—agh, let go of me!"
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
2. "The trains are barely running as it is!" object's the subway's driver, leaning out the window as the train lets off a worrisome hiss. "Repairing trains ain't cheap, and we need funds from fares to keep transit budgets on track. In fact, fares need to be high enough to cover the full cost of keeping systems in operation."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
3. "You won't need to raise fares if you let us make sure that every rider pays," declares Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he_2@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need are hefty citations for scofflaws like this one, security cameras to catch them in the act, and taller, stronger fare gates to stop them in the first place. And more transit cops, of course. Like I always say, if you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train."
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "I've got an idea that will make everyone happy!" exclaims a man in a monocle, as the other delayed commuters on the platform look increasingly unhappy. "You should add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to public ferries. Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the crowd, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube pods carry passengers twice as fast as subways for ten times the price.
Validity: allow private industry
{SPOILER: Draft 1}Are Fares Fair?
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
At the entrance to the subway station outside the capitol, you notice a crowd of impatient commuters gathering. Beyond, a squad of police are trying to arrest a teenager they pulled off the train. @@his_1@@ crime? Not paying the subway fare.
The Debate
1. "Cut me a break!" yells the teen as @@he_1@@ struggles under an officer's grip. "I...uh...left my pass at home. Why should I need to pay for transit anyways? Make transit free for everyone! You have some tax money to cover that, right? That way, we can all get where we need without—agh, let go of me!”
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
2. "The trains are barely running as it is!" says the subway's driver, leaning out the window as the train lets off a worrisome hiss. "Repairing trains ain't cheap, and we need money from fares to keep our budget on track. In fact, fares need to be high enough to cover the full cost of keeping the system in operation."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," says Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he_2@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is taller, stronger fare gates and security cameras to catch fare-beaters like this one in the act. And more transit cops, of course."
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "I've got an idea that will make everyone happy!" says a man in a monocle, as the other delayed commuters on the platform look increasingly unhappy. "We should add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to public ferries. Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into in steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the crowd, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube pods carry passengers twice as fast as subways for ten times the price
Validity: allow private industry
Validity: have public transit
The Issue
At the entrance to the subway station outside the capitol, you notice a crowd of impatient commuters gathering. Beyond, a squad of police are trying to arrest a teenager they pulled off the train. @@his_1@@ crime? Not paying the subway fare.
The Debate
1. "Cut me a break!" yells the teen as @@he_1@@ struggles under an officer's grip. "I...uh...left my pass at home. Why should I need to pay for transit anyways? Make transit free for everyone! You have some tax money to cover that, right? That way, we can all get where we need without—agh, let go of me!”
Effect: station agents beg for money on subway platforms.
2. "The trains are barely running as it is!" says the subway's driver, leaning out the window as the train lets off a worrisome hiss. "Repairing trains ain't cheap, and we need money from fares to keep our budget on track. In fact, fares need to be high enough to cover the full cost of keeping the system in operation."
Effect: poor transit riders are thrown under the bus.
3. "If you can't pay the fare, don't ride the train," says Officer @@randomlastname@@ as @@he_2@@ handcuffs the teen. "What we really need is taller, stronger fare gates and security cameras to catch fare-beaters like this one in the act. And more transit cops, of course."
Effect: commuters pass through barbed-wire gates to get on the subway.
4. "I've got an idea that will make everyone happy!" says a man in a monocle, as the other delayed commuters on the platform look increasingly unhappy. "We should add luxury train cars to subways, first-class reclining seats to buses, and private cabins to public ferries. Those of us who like to travel in style will gladly pay more for a more refined transit experience. The rest of the teeming masses can pack into in steerage like they always have."
Effect: there are only enough lifeboats for the first-class passengers on public ferries.
5. Pushing through the crowd, tech entrepreneur Allen Musket waves a set of blueprints at you. "The best way to set transit fares is through competition on the private market! My new vacuum tube Hyperpool will out-compete these antiquated trains! It's passed all its safety tests...almost. Once I get the permits to demolish a few buildings and build my system, people will pay for whichever mode they like best."
Effect: vacuum tube pods carry passengers twice as fast as subways for ten times the price
Validity: allow private industry
