Lynx Pricing An Urgent Fix Is Needed

Anyone with a basic understanding of business would recognize that correct pricing in retail is the difference between success and failure.

Up to date income and balance sheet information is critical.

Sales numbers and COGS values are imperative. 

CATS doesn't have the numbers to know how bad things are. Staff can't answer how many paying vs non paying riders they have daily. Staff can only say how much total revenue they take in. But they do not know how many riders they have except via estimates. They need to fix that.

But they won't because CATS management has zero profit goals or incentives, and they are oblivious as to how to price their product.

They simply rely on "all the other cities price this way" guidance.

The old saying in the restaurant business is "If you want your 3 star restaurant to become a 5 star restaurant just raise your prices".

First the $2.20 one way fare is too low. Immediately increase the fare by 25% and in doing so the Blue Line won't lose 25% of their customer base and even if they do, they will be taking in the same amount of money with 25% less wear and tear. 

Fewer passenger same revenue equals success!

Taking the Blue Line to and from work Uptown currently costs me $4.40 a day and if I buy a week pass it will cost me $22.00

There is absolutely zero savings if I pay in advance, the only value is not paying each time I use the train and trying to work the insane kiosk with my back turned to passersby. 

Who thought this was a good idea?

The pricing inherently encourages cheating. 

Who is going to buy a ticket when it's raining and there is a line?

Solution

Discount a pre-paid 10 ride pass to $17.00 and that $5.00 savings is not chicken scratch to most people.

It ends up being slightly better than a 20% discount and you don't have to buy the ticket but one time at the start of your work week.

This discount and ease of use encourages voluntary compliance.

Under the current monthly price of $88.00 you save absolutely zero each month. What the hello? 

CATS Staff will argue "but you get unlimited rides" which is great if you work every day and don't take vacation or holidays off or are "unhoused" and you have nothing better to do. 

Remember we want to encourage voluntary compliance. 

Monthly plan needs to be $65.00 again to encourage compliance.

The pass is good all month long and it is auto renewed drafted monthly 5 days in advance.

Seniors

Currently seniors 62 and older are 1/2 price. What the heck? Seniors take up more space more slower and are a higher to carry risk. Senior discount no more than 5% just like "my" Harris Teeter. Ditto with ADA-Disabled.

Kids

Kids under 16 are free period and must be with an adult.

Kids 16 and older pay the full adult prices.

They are not our target market and frankly they are a big risk.

Scanning 

All trains should be subject to ticket checking via hand held scanners. Those who are noncompliant are not only booted off the train but arrested. Let the real cops deal with it.

If you are found without a valid pass or ticket more than once you are trespassed and subject to arrest if you are found on a train ever again.. Yes a lifetime ban.

Have all trains randomly run a scroll that says "Ticket Verification in Progress Please Have Your Ticket or Pass Ready" this runs randomly whether or not staff is available to scan tickets and passes.

Again to encourage voluntary compliance.

Cleaning

Clean up the trains. Trash is everywhere no wants to ride in a garbage can. Passengers who litter are banned from CATS for life.

Yes? No? Suggestions?

Speak up Charlotte!