TokyoCalling

Just so.

I do live in Tokyo and you do make good points.

I do not have any problem with automation and see it as absolutely essential (along with more open immigration) to Japan's future. I do not have any problem bussing my table in an establishment where that is the norm and has been for decades.

I do feel, however, that it is important for business owners to continue pay something for automation that replaces workers. This is hardly a new idea. Or a popular one. But it is what I believe is right.

I don't mind if they want to pay me for doing the job of a cashier (this would probably just be a small reduction to price similar to the reduction in price for transportation if you use an IC card or app and in contrast to how asking for a plastic bag results in a small addition to price) though I think the best way to handle this is for owners to pay fees to the government just as they would have if humans were doing the jobs. Just as I think those who own robotic assembly lines should.

No tipping where I live so I don't benefit from that. Happy to accept a lower charge for my groceries in lieu of pay, though.

I do not experience bullshit small talk or judgement of my purchases. Since I'm not getting that benefit, I'm happy to be paid. Thanks!

Now that you mention it, yes. But that ship sailed a long time ago.

The self-service registers are new and we should consider how they are used now. I do go to the regular cashier lane. I'd be happy to ring myself out for the cost of doing so.

Sounds good. Please cut 30 cents off my bill.

I do feel like I ought to be paid when a business offloads their work onto me. Not much, I suppose. But something.

I shouldn't have to. Any God worthy of the title would provide clear and irrefutable proof of its own existence.

Hopefully, the mixture is 1% anger to 99% admiration. And that they are inspired to demand more for their labor as well.

Honestly, I'm okay with parking lots if we can do away with street parking.

Yes.

With this sort of insight, it's obvious that management doesn't deserve the money it earns.

What they are not saying is that in the long term UPS profits will rise. Their workers will be secure in their jobs. They will be excited about helping UPS succeed. They will innovate. Shareholders should be celebrating, but they are just as dim as UPS management and only understand success as making more money every quarter even if that means ruining labor and hollowing out the company.

You make some excellent points. I hope you'll understand a little nuanced disagreement.

In new cities (towns, suburbs, what-have-you) it is a great advantage to put in any kind of rail because of just the investment security you suggest. Stations here in Japan offer little predictable bubbles of goods and services. I know I'll find a convenience store and a restaurant or two. The lines create corridors for residential living with little need for cars.

My neighborhood was designed around passenger rail services rather than light rail. But knowing where the stations would be allowed the planners to put in many, many kilometers of paths for walking, bicycles, strollers, and the like that connect the stations with schools, apartments, clinics, supermarkets, parks, and most other stuff you're looking for in a place to live and raise a family.

In older cities, however, I think it best to hang on to bus lines. Cities evolve over time and it is very useful to have buses that can link areas that have been repurposed or rezoned due to unforeseen trends. For example, a warehouse district may become defunct as the city grows and shipping needs change. That warehouse was set up for trucks and/or ships but never had train service. As the warehouses are turned into lofts and galleries and what-not, it is probably better to quickly set up a bus line and allow people and businesses to move in right away without needing to rely on cars. It may seem impossible, impractical, or just too expensive to ever put in light rail, but a successful bus line might (just might) convince folks to make the transition.

TLDR: Rail is great for new towns. Buses are better for rezoned parts of older cities.