In the San Francisco and Silicon Valley area, there has been widespread protest over techies’ use of the public transit system. Google wants to make up for the troubles.
Google?is donating 6.8 million dollars to fund free public transit rides for children and teenagers age 5-17. It’s one of the largest private grant fundings for any reason?in San Francisco’s history. So far, over 30,000 people have taken advantage of this generosity. The controversy started when Silicon Valley tech companies began using public bus stops to pick up employees in their private vehicles. Community activists have called for tech companies to invest more in the Bay Area, but despite this kind of funding, the protest continue. Some say this doesn’t generate revenue.
I see a lot of underground tension on both sides. First, community leaders and local politicians should be thankful for this generous offer. Some say it doesn’t generate revenue, but yet they got 6.8 million dollars in more business. And think of the one less burden parents have to deal with, especially those that are struggling. So I say have?a little more gratitude. But I can see why some leaders are so suspicious. For Google to make this move in the wake of this controversy. Why be so generous now and towards this particular cause? Is Google really donating in the name of community or trying to bribe the community into it’s good graces?