More on the Free Inaugural Shuttle Service

Here's a story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about yesterday's free shuttle bus service for the Presidential Inauguration, which included the free rides on Loudoun County Transit buses (as Loudoun County Traffic reported earlier this month).

The Times-Dispatch says the state will pay eight Northern Virginia public-transit agencies to run 300 buses on 45 routes that serve Metro stations, pedestrian access points and park-and-ride lots, according to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

"The one-day special bus service will cost about $975,000, state Transportation Secretary Pierce R. Homer said. 'We are seeking full reimbursement from Congress and the administration for these expenses,' he said. The money for the service will come from state economic contingency funds."

Among the comments on the paper's Web site:

• "Kaine,do virginia a favor and get on one of those buses and do not come back."
• "Well, they are going to seek reimbursement from the federal government. That makes everything all better. Guess where the government will get the money from to pay us? Us!"
• "Free? I suppose this is why VDOT has no money, underpaid state workers aren’t getting a pay raise, and many state employees are being laid off? Another gross display of fiscal irresponsibility..."

How about you? Have a thought on yesterday's free shuttle bus service from Loudoun County and Northern Virginia into D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration?

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