This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I have been looking forward to the opening of the Sugar House Streetcar. But I have been dismayed to hear about the price of tickets; $2.50 seems like an outrageous amount to pay for a one-way ride that covers less than 2 miles.

I thought the idea was to get people out of their cars. How many Highland High School students will be able to pay $25 a week for a ride to and from school? How many shoppers will choose to leave their cars at home and take the trolley, schlepping their groceries or packages, and paying $5 for the privilege?

But wait. On opening day, I will be able to ride one way for just $1 — that is, if I pay by credit or debit card, or some other electronic means. Great, suppose I don't have any of those? I have only cash in my pocket.

Do the highly compensated people who run our transportation system have any clue as to the financial situation of teenagers, seniors, people living on minimum wage? Apparently not. Do the elected officials in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County have any influence in the matter? I wait with bated breath.

Ray Wilmot

Salt Lake City