Pre-K, the Riverfront Streetcar Line in New Orleans was operating at 95% to 103% of operating costs from the farebox + ad revenue (on the sides of the streetcars).
St. Charles (with 1923/24 rolling stock) was about 80%, and Canal was about 100% (data was not fully available for a complete year, but that was the trend when Katrina drowned many records).
The best buses were in the mid to high 40% recovery. New Orleans could operate a streetcar for less/hour than a bus.
Thanks Garry Glazebrook, an excellent case made for what could be done with relatively modest sums.
Does anyone have a good argument against conductors? Their demise might only be due to neoliberal prejudice against what was a well-unionised workforce, eg. Maggie Thatchers pogroms in the UK coal industry, Howards replumbing of tertiary sector in Aus.. Biggest problem i can see with bringing conductors back here in Melbourne is fitting them onto the peakhour trains.
Free-fares i don't support, as it messes with peoples ethics to give even the illusion of something for nothing. Instead maybe a combination of a compulsory regional levy (via rates or other local taxes) + a personally purchased subscription of modest but not inconsequential amount (?$20-50), giving you a 3-12month all zones ticket.
Pre-K, the Riverfront Streetcar Line in New Orleans was operating at 95% to 103% of operating costs from the farebox + ad revenue (on the sides of the streetcars).
St. Charles (with 1923/24 rolling stock) was about 80%, and Canal was about 100% (data was not fully available for a complete year, but that was the trend when Katrina drowned many records).
The best buses were in the mid to high 40% recovery. New Orleans could operate a streetcar for less/hour than a bus.
Best Hopes for Streetcars (trams)
Alan
Thanks Garry Glazebrook, an excellent case made for what could be done with relatively modest sums.
Does anyone have a good argument against conductors? Their demise might only be due to neoliberal prejudice against what was a well-unionised workforce, eg. Maggie Thatchers pogroms in the UK coal industry, Howards replumbing of tertiary sector in Aus.. Biggest problem i can see with bringing conductors back here in Melbourne is fitting them onto the peakhour trains.
Free-fares i don't support, as it messes with peoples ethics to give even the illusion of something for nothing. Instead maybe a combination of a compulsory regional levy (via rates or other local taxes) + a personally purchased subscription of modest but not inconsequential amount (?$20-50), giving you a 3-12month all zones ticket.