From the Olympian:

Earlier this week, Intercity Transit launched its free shuttle service between downtown Oympia and the state Capitol Campus. Taxpayers can look at this new service and know that the tax increase they approved is being put to good use.

Given that the thing that one hears the most about downtown is the large population of homeless people, and how they discourage shoppers and suppress buisness, I wonder if a shuttle is really the best application of our tax dollars.

Intercity Transit bought the four buses for $1.2 million last year and moved quickly to put up shuttle stop signs in time for the legislative session, according to agency spokeswoman Meg Kester. Operating the shuttles will cost $629,000 a year.

Methinks this much money buys a lot of services and/or shelter for people who have none. Here's what the shuttle buys us:

Hungry state workers, shoppers and tourists are the most likely patrons of the free shuttle service.

The buses should make it easier for the 8,000 state workers on the campus and the 500,000 visitors to get downtown and spend their money, whether it’s for a quick lunch or a trip to the farmers market for fresh vegetables. Heck, workers who pack their lunch to work might even take the shuttle to the waterfront on a sun-splashed summer day to enjoy the scenery and smell of saltwater.

It’s also hoped that the shuttle will ease parking problems in the neighborhood south of the Capitol. That’s been a sore spot for years with residents unable to park in front of their homes because the streets are clogged with vehicles belonging to lobbyists and campus visitors.

Hmm. Let's see. What does the shuttle buy us?

• "Hungry" state workers can buy lunch downtown.
• They can enjoy the scenery and smell of saltwater.
• Homeowners in South Capital can park in front of their houses.

Anyone care to imagine what we could do if we applied that much money to taking care of people living on the street?