The tricky job of raising bus fares

The City Council is gingerly, delicately, carefully, tentatively considering a bill to raise bus and HandiVan fares a bit. Obviously, it’s a hot-to-the-touch issue. And there is nothing hotter or touchier than raising the fares on senior citizens or people with disabilities — even though, compared to regular fares, they are quite low.

A regular annual bus pass costs $770; a senior/disabilities annual pass costs just $35. Attempts to raise the senior annual fare, whether to $120 or $45, have been roundly panned. But it seems inevitable that fares will go up to cover increased operational costs. Let’s hope those increases, while giving due deference to seniors, are fair for everyone.

The stars show up for Super Bowl music fest

The show must go on, despite the swirl of political controversy around the Super Bowl. Not so long ago, the half-time show was a coveted gig for any musical act — but that was before kneeling during the national anthem to protest social injustice divided fans, and the nation. That’s extended even to the innocuous Super Bowl Sunday half-time show, prompting performer boycotts and criticism.

But the protests go only so far. Witness the stellar lineup for the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest in Atlanta, culminating with Hawaii’s own Bruno Mars on Saturday night.