Pitting the Working Class Against the Unhoused Won’t Solve Columbia’s Transit Issues
A response to ABC17 Investigates article on the state of the public transit system
“Bus drivers and passengers say GO COMO public transit system is overcrowded, unsafe,” was the title of an ABC17 News Investigates article published earlier this week. The piece highlighted valid concerns about overcrowding and safety on Columbia’s Go COMO buses. However, the suggestion of reinstating bus fares to reduce the number of unhoused individuals using the service is misguided. This approach would only deepen the divide between the working class and the unhoused, both of whom depend on public transit. Instead, we should address the systemic issues at the heart of these challenges.
Overcrowding and safety concerns are symptoms of a larger problem—underinvestment in our transit system. Insufficient bus routes, long headways and wait times, inadequate staffing, and limited resources have contributed to the current state of the bus system in Columbia. Blaming the unhoused population for these issues overlooks the fundamental problems affecting all riders, drivers, and the community as a whole. Addressing these root causes requires a focus on systemic improvements, not punitive measures that further marginalize already vulnerable populations.
Reinstating bus fares might seem like a quick fix, but it disproportionately impacts those who rely on free transit for essential services, jobs, and education. Fare-free transit has been shown to increase ridership and promote equity, benefiting the entire community, especially the working class. Keeping buses fare-free fosters inclusivity and reduces financial barriers for those who need public transit the most.
As we tackle the challenges facing our transit system, it’s crucial to recognize the vital role of bus drivers. They deserve safety and support at work, just as passengers deserve a safe ride. Improving safety for bus drivers involves addressing systemic issues, not reinstating fares or targeting the unhoused. By standing in solidarity with bus drivers and advocating for better staffing, competitive pay and benefits, and supporting LiUNA 955 City workers, we can create a transit system where everyone—drivers and passengers alike—can thrive.
Pitting the working class against the unhoused does nothing to solve the real problems within our transit system. It distracts from the need for solutions like expanding bus routes, enhancing driver recruitment and retention, and ensuring safety measures are in place without penalizing vulnerable populations. The City’s current transit study, conducted by the Olsson Consulting Group, is a step in the right direction, and the upcoming public meeting on Tuesday, August 24, at Wabash Station, offers an opportunity for the community to advocate for a more inclusive and effective transit system.
As a community, we must reject divisive solutions that pit us against one another and instead advocate for policies that unite us in the fight for a better transit system. I’ve experienced the struggles of begging for bus fare in Kansas City before the city transitioned to fare-free buses, and I know firsthand how vital accessible transit is for those of us who rely on it daily. Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive Columbia, where public transit serves as a bridge to opportunity, not a barrier.