Bribery on the bolt
Moral dilemma!
Taking the bolt bus from Boston to New York today for $20, our driver, “Flash” decided to solicit a bribe from passengers for taking a faster, toll route. He asked for a ‘tip’ of $2 from each of the 60 or so passengers. Even taking every toll possible on that trip, I can’t imagine how it would stack up to $120. Also, there are many other options along this trip to shorten it or avoid traffic, without paying tolls.
I could not help immediately thinking of the inherent problems with a privatized transport system, with flashbacks to matatus in Kenya, which really emphasize what an impact a lack of sufficient regulation on these systems can have. It is a tough balance because without liberalizing the bus system, could a $20 bus trip between Boston and New York even be possible?
I would add I did not offer Flash my $2. Any thoughts on this decision?
