April 11, 2007

Dear Editor,

I applaud Frank Gruber's courage, not for recommending higher fares per se, but rather for writing about economics in a rational, holistic way. (Lest anyone forget -- and we usually do -- that traditional economic theory does not equate rational self-interest with selfishness.)

As for the fares, I frequently ride the Blue Bus 10 to my office in downtown LA, and I know exactly how much I am benefiting from the Blue Bus' current structure: $5 in gas plus $5 in parking, minus the $3.50 roundtrip fare. Plus I get to read the newspaper and avoid the perils of driving.

With provisions for folks whose livelihoods hinge on paying only $3.50, if handing over $5 or $6 or $7 to the Blue Bus meant more frequent buses and more timely service, I would be on board. But maybe that would be too rational.

Sincerely,

Josh Stephens