When are the citizens of this country going to learn that there is no free lunch? When a person or organization gets a handout or a government grant, others are footing the bill. This is true, either by tax benefits or higher personnel tax assessments of a very wide variety.

While I believe that Island Transit is an asset to our community, I strongly feel that they can make some changes that benefit the system and the tax paying public. It is my feeling that fares should be charged for those who are capable of paying them. I have personally made this suggestion to the administrators, and all I got was a rapid canned response that it can’t be done because of the cost of accounting would cost more than the receipts. When mentioning that other systems are charging fares, then another canned response is given. This pattern holds true to other questions or suggestions offered.

Since the passage of the sales tax increase, several announcements have been made. One is the park and ride lot in Coupeville, at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars. The other is the request for a grant of $25 million for plant improvements and additional equipment. Included were some very impressive numbers that are questionable.

What assumptions were made to come up with these figures? I am also bothered seeing apparently healthy young adults getting aboard with their iPods and cell phones. Can’t they afford a nominal fare? While a fare will never cover the costs of the system, it may give the user a feeling of contributing, even if only a very small donation.

I am not anti-transit as it does offer a service to a lot of people who would have problems going to various places they need to go to. This includes elderly, disabled and low income families. As a disabled person (legally blind), I use the system quite frequently. However, I am able to pay a fare and will gladly do so if and when fares become a reality.

While I commend Ms. Rose for the awards the transit system has received in the past, sitting on those accomplishments will not always be forthcoming. I just want to urge Ms. Rose to be much more transparent and listen to those of us who feel that some changes are in order. I am sure there are others who feel the same.

Paul E. Bovey

Oak Harbor