One of the great mantras of the neoliberal crowd is the idolization of privatized spaces. Most Black people understand that privatization was merely code for segregation, but because of the aggressive rebranding within propaganda, most people see this as a good thing. For example, when a house is sold by the owner instead of a realtor, there can be several standards hidden from the average buyer. Even though a space can be considered largely public based on its usage, like a mall, there can still be criteria that an owner keeps to themselves unless confronted. Moreover, with privatized spaces, the owner can maintain whatever standard chosen that still effectively accomplishes the good or service being advertised.
Several charter bus companies are losing their urban stops due to cities’ resegregating based on race and class, as well as commercial property management companies overcharging due to glutting the market. Therefore, many bus stops are being closed, many of which were previously comfortable and accessible by public transportation. In Austin, there was a very popular charter bus stop at the intersection of East 15th Street and San Jacinto Street. Many people, including students, were very familiar with the location since it was off several public transportation buslines. It included water fountains with water bottle attachments, as well as comfortable bathrooms. Well, of course the pandemic affected many businesses, but instead of simply reopening a convenient and comfortable location, charter bus riders had two options: either go east away from the downtown area to a new depot that was not convenient due to inconsistent public transportation service; or stand in the sun behind the police station with no seating, shade, water, bathroom, or food–with all movements being monitored by the police.
On the way to this egregious bus stop, it is assumed that people will be coming either by driving or by ride services, since taxis no longer exist in Austin for the most part. Street signs are extremely difficult to see when getting off public transportation services, and many of the streets in the downtown area have narrow sidewalks designed to deter the unhoused population. Imagine trying to find a bus stop in the month of August in Texas while carrying luggage on a narrow sidewalk while not being able to see the street signs and therefore the street numbers. Meanwhile, most of the buildings in downtown Austin are private spaces or government offices where pedestrians are largely invisible and nobody can easily ask for directions.
Finally, the way businesses are run is up for a much longer debate than this post will allow. Suffice it to say that any change of any sort requires more money. People use charter buses because they are relatively inexpensive and were supposed to encourage more travel by the lower classes. Now, since all of the larger transportation conglomerates are encouraging price gouging, people can be charged for the slightest of changes up to the cost of buying the ticket in the first place. Many will argue that a business has the right to make money, but consider this: how are people who are not rich supposed to do anything other than go to work and come home? Since railroads were blown up due to the legal requirement to integrate, it seems like one of the last bastions of shared spaces is being eliminated due to those unable to fathom that everyone is not and cannot be rich.
Chasing A Dying Empire 