Dear Editor, The viability of a fare-free transit system is probably best analogized by comparing the two primary Austin print media. Our local daily raised newsstand rates twice in recent years. Still it cuts staff, loses readers, and struggles to survive. The Chronicle stays free, yet its circulation increases and it is generally regarded as a good place to work. It lives within its means and generates revenue through hard work and creativity. Realtor John Cowman might think "buy it, flip it" is how the world works, but he's wrong, and there are real-world examples to prove it.