28.        The author concludes that the local transit company must either reduce tares for
the shuttle buses that transport people to then- subway stations or increase parking fees
at the stations. The reasons offered to support this conclusion are that commuter use of
the subway train is exceeding the transit company's expectations, while commuter use
of the shuffle buses is below projected volume. This argument is unconvincing because
the author oversimplifies the problem and its solutions in a number of ways.
      To begin with, by concluding that the transit company must either reduce shuttle
fares or increase parking fees, the author assumes that these are the only available
solutions to the problem of limited shuttle use. However, it is possible that other 
factors-such as inconvenient shuttle routing and/or scheduling, safety concerns, or an
increase in carpools—contribute to the problem. If so, adjusting fares or parking fees
would might not solve the problem.
      In addition, the author assumes that reducing shuttle fees and increasing parking
fees are mutually exclusive alternatives. However, the author provides no reason for
imposing an either/or choice. Adjusting both shuttle fares and parking fees might
produce better results. Moreover, if the author is wrong in the assumption that parking
fees and shuttle fees are the only possible causes of the problem, then the most effective
solution might include a complex of policy changes—for example, in shuttle fares,
parking fees, rerouting, and rescheduling.
      In conclusion, this argument is weak because the author oversimplifies both the
problem and its possible solutions. To strengthen the argument the author must examine
all factors that might account for the shuttle's unpopularity. Additionally, the author
should consider all possible solutions to determine which combination would bring
about the greatest increase in shuttle use.