Over the past few weeks the positive bike news, moves and articles that I’ve been able to attribute to the existence of CarFreeBrad.com have been flowing like the mighty Charles River.

Well it appears the tide has turned.  I saw this article this morning and it just took the wind out my sails because with the rate hikes by the MBTA the question “Is Driving a Better Deal for Commuters?” is now a legit debate.  As I read the piece, I slowly sank lower in my chair because I couldn’t disagree with a lot of the points made by commuters who may go back to driving.

For the majority of people using mass transit is not an ethical thing.  They need to get from A to B and mass transit is the most economical and efficient way to do that.  This article brings to light the question “What is convenience worth?”  when the difference between driving and mass transit is $30-$40 with gas and parking it’s a tough call.  If I had a car sitting in my driveway, it would only take one trip when the first few trains don’t show up and the one that does is filled with trash and smells of urine for me to start to think……I’d pay $1.25 a day extra to be in my car!

I hate to admit it as CarFreeBrad but the truth is the truth.

It’s sad to me that the MBTA’s plan to hopefully win back some of the anticipated  7% loss in riders in future rather than work to keep existing customers.  It’s a simple question, “Is it easier to keep current customers, acquire news one’s or win back customers that left?”

Is Driving a Better Deal for Commuters?