"The Google bus is a problematic symbol of inequality produced in the area by the tech boom and its high-earning progeny."
The transportation of ushering thousands of workers from their homes in San Francisco to Silicon Valley through the Google Bus can be an issue pointing to social and technological inequality.
"...the Google Bus has become the go-to symbol for discord in Silicon Valley", says San Francisco writer Julia Wong. Many view the Google Bus (a term used for any private bus chartered by employers) as a safe way to commute workers, have them arrive in a timely manner, and even take cars off of the street. But there are others who view the Google Bus in a completely different perspective. Not only do these private buses cause congestion, but they are using the routes illegally. And on top of that, what's really concerning people is that rent is going up in areas surrounding the bus routes. Rental owners are well aware of the highly paid techies from various companies who are being commuted every day. Recently there has been protests and blockades in an attempt to bring awareness to the issue, causing controversy in the streets of San Francisco.
These rising prices for rent are pushing those with lower income out, and recruiting those with substantial funds. This can be viewed as a form of gentrification, but should the google buses be blamed for this? Some definitely do not think so, “Wake the hell up! Stop trying to put transportation and housing issues together!” shouted Christa Jones, a shuttle bus employee, to a protesting crowd. I can see how employees for the shuttles and the riding employees see this as unfair treatment from the protesting individuals. People are always trying to put blame on one thing for the reason of their misfortune. The problem lies much deeper than the shuttle and company employees and I do not believe that it is their intention to drive locals out of their homes.
No comments:
Post a Comment