Quote:
Originally Posted by JManc
Cambridge is not exactly a cross section of America with a sizable underclass and minimum wage jobs.
As far as gate jumpers and free loaders, yeah that happens but usually at a risk. I had my chops broken because transit cop in Chicago thought I jumped turnstile. Doing away with controls altogether would further encourage vagrancy.
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I don't really think (potential) vagrancy is the issue with transit in America. New York has a pretty high tolerance for vagrants on the subway, but people of all socioeconomic statuses use the system without a second thought. No one is really discouraged from using the subway because of the chance that they might encounter homeless people, as long as they feel safe. And, despite the very visible homeless population in the subway system, I think most people feel pretty safe using it.
Also, unless the city has an extensive train system like New York's, it is very impractical for vagrants to camp out on the transit system. I've never seen a homeless person sprawled out on a bus like I've commonly seen in NYC subway cars.