Four nice things for a Tuesday. A laugh, a bloody good idea, a tune, and another top episode from Mr William McCartney.

1.

2.

From a Bluesky thread, damn sound thinking in Albuquerque. God I’d love to see this thinking flourish.

Albuquerque, NM, has become the largest U.S. city to permanently make public transportation free for everyone. It’s a huge way to help those who need it most. And, it’s saving the city money. Here’s how.

ABQ RIDE passengers are largely people of color, low-income, and/or don’t have access to a car. Prior to the program, 90% of passengers reported not being able to afford the fare at least once in the past month.

Albuquerque found that transit fare revenues didn’t even cover the cost of administering the fares. So the city made all rides free. Eliminating transit fares actually saves the city money.

Albuquerque isn’t alone. Cities from Richmond, VA, to Olympia, WA, have tested fare-free public transportation programs. Last fall, New York’s MTA announced its own fare-free pilot program.

Public transit fares are a tax on the poor. They cost too much to administer, and ignore the massive benefits of free public transit. Make public transportation free.

3.

Amsterdam to Hong Kong

William McCartney