Transit is deeply deserving of public subsidy because its use produces societal benefits that economists call positive externalities, such as reduced emissions and traffic crashes, while also helping to achieve social goals related to equity. It is entirely appropriate for state, and local governments to provide financial support, particularly in ways that make transit service more frequent and reliable (and therefore useful).
But the very strong case for subsidizing transit need not — and should not — devolve into flawed arguments that passengers should pay nothing to ride it.
It is not a public good nor a second class commodity. It is a first class commodity that should be funded by both the state and a reasonable fare structure for users.
We do not want to create a two-tier society where public transit is seen as a public service only for the poor and disadvantaged. Nobody living in an urban community should have to own a car just to participate in society.
