Smart Shuttle Costs
In his letter, “Smart Shuttle System,” (Ventura County letters, Nov. 28) Charles Devlin of R&D; Transportation Services asserts that the Smart Shuttle his firm operates in the West San Fernando Valley “[provides services] at cost levels up to 70% below MTA [Metropolitan Transportation Authority] cost to serve the same communities.” His figures evidently are only a direct comparison of the per-hour wages of bus operators. Once one evaluates the cost of service per passenger mile (the industry standard), it is quickly apparent the service Mr. Devlin touts is in truth grossly cost inefficient.
The only benefit that Smart Shuttle has produced so far is to the bottom line of the contractors who operate it.
DANA GABBARD
President
Southern California
Transit Advocates
Los Angeles
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