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Some time back I had written a piece about my experience with Atlanta’s transit system – Marta. Recently I had an opportunity (or should I say, misfortune) of travelling on Marta again. Because of current economic conditions Marta had decided to make some changes in its fare structure. And guess what, in my opinion, they took the wrong step. The fare has been increased from $1.75 to $2.00 and if you don’t have a breeze card (that costs $5.00) then you don’t get a transfer. C’mon!!!

But instead of complaining again, I want to look at Marta’s fare structure from a different viewpoint – fairness.

As I had spoken in my last writing, I do not find it correct that Marta charges everyone the same fare. If I have to travel 1.5 miles to school, I pay the same amount as someone who has to travel 15 miles to the other end of the town. It seems that because of simplicity of operational implementation, Marta decided to adopt this fare structure. But I feel that I am actually subsidizing the passenger who wants to travel longer distances. This assessment can be done by looking at some principles of fairness. Is the fair equitable or proportional? Definitely not. Is it efficient? Possible and will require further analysis. Is it envy-free? H**l no! So why does Marta have to adopt such a pricing structure?

Are there other solutions to this problem? Check out fare structure of Singapore’s transit system, one of the best in the world. It has a tiered pricing scheme that works well and hopefully caters to all the fairness requirements much more than that of Marta’s. It is important that Marta plays around with the supply demand curve much more intimately than just moving up the curves.

Don’t exactly remember where I got the reference for this book but I would like to thank the person/site that mentioned it to me.

Influence: Science and Practice, by Robert B. Cialdiniis a book that opens your eyes. To the world surrounding us and to the compliance tactics smart and cunning people have used to exploit us of our money and joy. No matter who we are, what we want to become, or what we already do, we are constant preys to such people. Think about the TV advertising you just saw, your car salesman, or even the innocent looking boy who came to sell you magazine subscriptions. They are all employing some common tactics that “forces” you to take decisions favorable to them.

Most common uses of these practices are during the course of a negotiation. An intelligent negotiator can employ these mind games to gain an upper hand. You will be astounded when you realize the simplicity of the idea and the enormity of the results it produce. Maybe even you can learn a trick or two to weave into your next negotiation. I also believe that this book will aid you in your relationships – be it as a father, employer, or a friend. The goal should be to reach a conclusion that is favorable to all, not just oneself. Per this book, most of it is psychological!!!

Dr. Cialdini offers great insights into a number of such tactics used. He explains, clearly and lucidly, the fundamentals behind our reactions and backs it up with rich examples and references to research publications. Popular blogger Guy Kawasaki has an interview of Dr. Cialdini on his website. Do check it out.

I would most definitely recommend this book to just about everyone. I am going to buy this book (borrowed from the library this time) and keep in my meaningful-self-help-books shelf.

Watched Pixar’s UP tonight and what a roller coaster ride it was. Coasting on the tides of a man’s emotion, of a child’s simplicity, of an animal’s innocence, and of human imagination. Touching at times, and hilarious the next moment, UP is a movie for all ages. It is visually stunning movie with some incredible special effects. There were moments when it did not feel like animation but an authentic fantasy world.

What differentiates Pixar from other movie houses is the human touch in every of its movies and that is what attracts me to animation flicks. I am not a big fan of animals based movies and feel that they are more suited for kids. But Pixar manages to capture not only the imagination of a kid but titillates an adult mind too. The trials and tribulations that a protagonist endures, its emotional aftereffect, and his final victory touches every human. Such was The Incredibles, Wall-E, and UP. Great job Pixar!

Two thumbs up.