From: "Matt Spencer" <matt.spencer@earthlink.net> "One more point on the topic of fares - I think that people in general show greater respect for things when they have to pay for them compared to when they are "free" or nearly free. Having lived near and with people who enjoy public housing or section 8 housing, I have limitless evidence that many of that population disrespect the property that is provided to them. My concern is that "free Muni" would be similarly disrespected, leading to a fall-off in ridership which is the opposite of what we all have as our goal. As great as free Muni sounds as a concept, I fear that people would abuse the service making it much more ghetto-ized than it already is. " Interesting point but in reality ridership went up. In Austin Texas, the bus service was free for 15 months and the ridership went up 60 %. However the city was not prepared for such an increase. No increase in buses. Hence the system started to fail, (e.g. long delays and breakdowns.) No reports of the public or riders disrespecting the system. Plenty of reports of over use and breakdowns. So they returned to pay fares pay, but only for 25 cents, (much lower than the previous fare). Through it all the ridership stayed high. Only if the riders are disrespected (by the city official, MUNI, or non-riders) will MUNI get "ghetto-ized". Pi Ra