Kansas City Public Transit: Risk Life To Save Gas Money?!?

On this beautiful Kansas City Sunday, let's talk about tempting fate. 

To wit . . . 

Rising gas prices have emboldened Kansas City environmentalists who tout the many benefits of local public transit without mentioning anything about taxpayer burden and safety. 

To wit . . . We ask locals about their transit plans now that the current White House has seemingly joined the effort to move the public away from auto ownership for the working-class . . . 

WILL KANSAS CITY IGNORE PUBLIC TRANSIT RISK TO SAVE GAS MONEY?!?

Context for consideration . . .

- Kansas City confronts a historic homicide trend, increasing violence and rampant property theft. The streets are, in fact, more dangerous than at any other time in our history. 

- The bus can be risky. Every long term rider has many war stories to share. In most cases riding the bus is totally safe for people who keep their head down and avoid any unnecessary interactions. Still, that's an oppressive ritual that's much worse than getting into a traffic jam.

- The public has already voted on this . . . Used cars are now hot commodities. Given any kind of choice, people will scrimp, save and sacrifice in order to afford the freedom provided by automobile ownership. 

Thankfully, at the outset of the conversation . . . We want to stress that there is a compromise here as THE RISE OF TELECOMMUTING will relieve some of the burden on many workers.

Still, new draconian restrictions targeting automobiles are sadly reinforcing an American class divide and only increasing the 'cost of entry' for car drivers.

Given all THAT . . .

Here's a peek at hype touting a local transit effort . . .

Karen Clawson with Rideshare KC remembers the last time we saw gas prices this high.

"We had standing room only on buses, we had a lot more people calling us asking for assistance, and you know, figuring out how to find a match for carpooling," Clawson said.

Finding a carpool match is one of the popular services offered by Rideshare KC. You provide your trip profile, and a software system provides you with partners. The matches come back fast, too . . .

Rideshare KC is federally funded, primarily to reduce emissions and traffic congestion. Clawson says the cost-saving is still a driving force for the program.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link about this local transit compromise that puts local strangers in close contact . . .

Rideshare KC says it's ready as gas prices rise and carpooling interest grows

With rising gas prices, people are seeking out ways to cut down on driving. Rideshare KC is already seeing more interest in carpooling.

You decide . . .