FUCK PARKING TICKETS: A brief timeout for something on a tangent

I'd like to take this brief break from the usual ramblings and vent for just a few paragraphs. I try not to use this blog for political means, but sometimes you just have to vent in front of an anonymous audience. Perhaps I'm not alone in how I feel.

For those of you who live and possibly drive in my beloved San Francisco, you know, or will know of the horrors of the driving in the City and the penalties that come as a consequence. This is for you. An article written by the usually disagreeable C.W. Nevius attempts break down the SFMTA's financial game plan for the 2011 year. This is my reaction:

One of the many hot button topics on the table, especially in recent months, has been parking enforcement. Because the SFMTA revenue is down $7 million over the last year the MTA has decided to crack the whip and cast down their fists of fury, ie attempt to hand out as many tickets as possible. That means, in the past year you gave out $7 million less in citations. One could speculate the many reasons why this drastic drop in funds took place. People are: driving and parking smarter (aka following the law), riding bikes or taking the bus (another source of income for MUNI and the SFMTA).

Because people are being good behind the wheel or seeking alternative forms of transportation, that makes the SFMTA furious. While they choose to deny this, they factor income from citations into the budget. I cannot prove this, but it sounds like a good idea.

The common parking ticket costs between $55 and $65, depending what part of town you're in. That's the almost as much as a person earning minimum wage makes in a day. OF COURSE THEY'RE GOING TO TRY REAL HARD TO AVOID A TICKET! I also find it hilarious that the city with the highest minimum wage also has some of the most costly citations in the country.

This increase in traffic and parking enforcement also sends a scare to anyone with a car. It sends a message that says, "Don't drive in the city because you're likely to get a ticket of some kind." Instead, go to shopping malls with parking garages, or stay home and shop online! This deterrent to drive into the city is also bad for small businesses. Neighborhoods are already tough enough to drive and park in. By scaring people away, you're scaring away business. Doesn't City Hall claim to defend small businesses?

SFMTA: quick trying to put your hands deeper into my pockets. Come up with less destructive ways to raise money. And why are you so strapped for cash anyways?

Thanks for listening. FUCK MUNI!