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It also depends on how far you want to take the tax issue.

Jasper, you say that "WMATA riders don't even completely pay for their transportation, so we're getting off well." While true, it is also true for drivers in Loudon County (with jobs in DC) with similar incomes as those in Clarendon. One uses less road to get to work, but the same taxes are paid. In effect, one gets off well while the other makes up the difference. Or in my case, I bike, and although I use the roads, biking has negligible impact on road conditions, but I still pay the same taxes as everyone else that makes what I do (very little haha).

So is a WMATA fare a tax? I would say yes, albeit one that is implemented more fairly, as you pay based on distance, not per ride. I have no problem with this (and would support a mileage tax initiative if it was indexed to the car's fuel economy). I think your description more appropriately fits transit regimes that charge a flat fare like SEPTA or MTA. Just my two cents.

by JTS on Mar 9, 2009 9:23 pm • link • report

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