On Monday, the Chronicle ran a Q&A column featuring METRO officials addressing questions about the coming changes to the fare structure.
One exchange was enlightening:
Q: Travis Chatman, interviewed at a bus stop after the changes were announced, said some of his bus rides are longer than an hour, and if the connecting bus takes more than 30 minutes to arrive, he would have to pay again under the new policy. At present, he has three hours to use a paper transfer.
A: Metro’s analysis shows that most transfers occur within an hour and a half, [METRO spokesperson Raequel] Roberts said.
It’s worth mentioning that transfers have been a sore point with Metro, whose officials said transfers often are sold or given to other riders instead of being used for their intended purpose.
Okay, that really wasn’t a question, but a statement. Then again, Roberts didn’t really answer the implied question either (“What happens if METRO screws up and I don’t get my transfer in time”). But her implied answer is, “You’re the exception. You pay again. So sad for you.”
That’s always a nice attitude from public officials at your regional mass transit agency.
RELATED COVERAGE: METRO urged to keep discounted fares (Rad Sallee, Houston Chronicle).
BLOGVERSATION: TBIFOC.
