Issue Question: Public Transportation

With the cost of gas continuously on the rise people are now looking for cheaper was to get around. One of these ways is public transportation, like buses. Some people feel that public transportation should be free. If public transportation was free more people would be likely to use it. Free transportation would also help reduce the number of cars on the road and help with global warming. Tax payers’ money is already being used to pay for roads and buses-- so taxpayers feel that they should be able to ride for free because they are already partially paying for it. Others feel that free public transportation could have its consequences. If public transportation was free more buses would be needed to keep up with the demand and buses harm the environment just like cars do. Taxes would also need to be increased in order to keep public transportation running and keeping up with the maintenance of the buses.  We want to know what you think: Should all forms of public transportation be free? Why or why not?