Time to Unload Subsidies
We have a $17 Million shortfall this current fiscal year alone.
The below subsidies are rather small and dropping them should have minimal impact as the table clearly illustrates. Why do we need to subsidize the airport for $12.58 per flight? We can keep the airport, end the controversy among residents for $12.58 per flight. Compare $12.58 per flight with $6.03/rider of the trolley. From a subsidy standpoint, we would be better off flying people around then sending them by trolley. More seriously, the trolley is “free” to riders and only 9 people per hour? It looks like even when you give this service away, people are not interested. If it provides a service for those who are unable to walk, we could give them cab vouchers at a considerable cost savings.
| Subsidy | Amount | Tickets/Passengers/Flights | Cost Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tweed New Haven | $800,000 | 176 Flights/day | $12.58/flight |
| Shubert Theater | $410,000 | 93,000 Patrons | $4.10/person |
| Pilot Pen | $135,000 | 94,639 in 2007 | $1.43/Person |
| Downtown Trolley | $350,000 | 58,000 (9 People per hour) | $6.03/person |
