The plummeting U.S. dollar, which is causing almost every other currency in the world to post record gains in comparison, has finally raised our collective penis size our dollar value past the $1.06 mark, hitting a 130-year high. Essentially our dollar has the highest value compared to our neighbours than it’s ever had in modern history.
Which just gives me yet another excuse to post this graphic:
I just don’t get tired of it.
Interesting how just after we hear the news that metros will run more frequently in the hours around rush hour (though not during rush hour when they run pretty well at capacity), we get the first hints that transit fares may go up again for the 11th straight year.
In 1997-1998, the last time fees didn’t go up, a regular monthly pass was $45 ($19 for reduced fare) and a single adult fare was $1.85. That puts today’s prices into perspective.
The problem, of course, doesn’t lie with the transit authority (or its 90% unionized workforce) but with the government, which is forcing the users of public transit to fund its operation to an increasing extent. In 1990, users were funding 42.5% of the STM’s revenues, now that number is above 50% (though not as high as the 58% of 2001).
How much the government should be funding public transit operations is a matter of personal opinion. If you think we should be paying all the basic operating costs, expect to pay $130 a month on transit passes, or up to $400 a month if you live in the suburbs. If you think it should be free, well you’re not going to be happy with this news.
Dream Listener is proposing a “meet Neath” day where people can meet Neath.
It’s planned for Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2pm at the Green Spot, 3401 Notre Dame in St. Henri. (Corner Greene, near Lionel-Groulx metro)
I like the idea. In fact, I think there should be more meet-bloggers-in-person nights (at least for those who don’t regularly attend Yulblog meetings).