Outer areas use STA

Thu., May 8, 2008

The Spokesman-Review

In response to “Let users pay for STA,” Mr. Leach, I challenge you to research the nation and tell me of any city in the nation in which the riders pay for the transit system to keep afloat.

The transit system was never built on the expectations that it should be kept afloat by the riders. You can’t make money without putting money into it. The transit system serves everybody, not just the riders.

I may understand your feelings that STA does not come to your particular area; however, many people from outlying areas (including me, STA vanpool) commute by various means to the park-and-ride lots and use STA as a means to get around the city. Isn’t that what it is all about? Keeping our cities green?

Maybe the fares should be raised a bit, but not by 200 percent.

I do not consider myself to be “poor” and am insulted by your classification. I am a blind individual who would not have any other means of transportation to my employment, where I pay taxes. I’m very thankful for STA. Being disabled happens quickly; where would you be in these same circumstances?

Russell Smith

Medical Lake

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