I wonder if this kind of thing will ever happen in the United States? I read an article about Australians getting a special treat for the holidays. This is what the Herald Sun published today:
LONG-suffering commuters will get an early gift in 12 days – free public transport on Christmas Eve.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky confirmed last night commuters would get free travel on trains, trams and buses as a goodwill gesture for the raft of cancellations this week. It’s on top of the free travel already confirmed for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The peak rail union late yesterday reached an agreement with Connex for a bonus to be paid to all staff in recognition of a smooth transition to the new timetable introduced last month. The bonus of about $1000 will be paid to 2700 staff next Tuesday, costing Connex about $2.5 million.
I am unsure as to whether this free deal extends to everyone – Australian or not – but it looks to be that way. If you know anyone who will be in Australia during the holiday season, it would be good for them to know about this deal.
It just got me thinking, this would be a sweet deal for all commuters in the US and other parts of the world. Maybe other governments and train/bus operators should consider offering similar deals in their own jurisdictions. What do you think? Any hope of this happening?