Fine Ideas
13 Oct
Yesterday the TTC announced that their special constables were given new powers to fine people who are rude on the subway and buses. Apparently, constables can now fine people for rude behaviour such as putting their feet up on the seats, laying across several seats and not giving up designated seats to elderly and disabled people.
The other big issue of contention is smoking on TTC property. The fine used to be $95 but it’s now $195 with a victim surcharge of $35. I’m not quite sure what the ‘victim’ surcharge is or whose victims are compensated with the money. Last year, the special constables issued $600,000 worth of fines.
That just goes to show me that the TTC (like other city-run service) just doesn’t know what they’re doing or how to budget. They could triple the amount of money they make on fines by adding the constables to streetcars; that’s where the real money’s at. Do you know how much money could be made from the rude bastards that ride the streetcar?
Where to start?
- Fine any of the douche bags who refuse to take their back-packs and crowd the aisles for everyone else
- Fine every genius who puts their dripping wet umbrellas on the empty seat beside them because they don’t want to get it dirty by putting it on the floor
- Fine each and every twit who takes up more than one seat with their bags, briefcase and other crap. If I can manage to squeeze dry cleaning, a back-pack and groceries into one seat, so can you!
- Fine every jackass who pushes their way onto the streetcar before anyone has had a chance to get off. Nothing like feeling like your in a scene from Fight Club to start your work day.
- Fine each baby momma who crowds the vehicle with their SUV stroller that’s stocked with their make-up, purse, shoes, magazines and headphones while they carry their kids in their arms. Nothing like using your stroller like a grocery cart.
These are just a few of the many potential sources of income the TTC could tap. With all of the money made, metropass prices could be lowered, property taxes could be frozen, hell, we could privatize garbage collection.
I think I need to find someone at the TTC to share my ideas with. I could totally run the show.
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Ha! I’m totally with you! We don’t have fines for rudeness here in PDX, but I wish we did! Asshats who leave their sh!t on a seat while an old person or pregnant woman stands ~ argh! And littering! And all those damned teenagers yelling! And what about stink? Should there be a body odor fine?
Asshats who leave their sh!t on a seat while an old person or pregnant woman stands
That shit drives me crazy! Just this morning, an older gentleman got on with a cane. It wasn’t until he was halfway down the car that someone bothered to offer him a seat. Everyone’s too busy with their headphones, iphones and ‘berries to take note of the people around them.