The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) System in Hong Kong Has

question 159

Essay

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) System in Hong Kong has been running significant losses. Transport Ministry officials have argued over whether to raise fares to combat the losses. One argument against a fare increase is that it will aggravate traffic congestion on the streets during peak commuter hours. Suppose that the current fare is $4 and the government is considering raising it to $6. Officials estimate that this reduces the number of rides purchased from 10,000 to 8,000 per day.
a. What is the estimated elasticity of demand for MRT rides?
b. What does this elasticity of demand suggest to you about what will happen to total revenue earned by the transit system?
c. Last year, the MRT system incurred a loss of $50,000 per day. Do you think the fare increase will resolve the deficit problem as well as Ministry officials anticipate? Explain.

Understand how to apply fixed and variable costs to the work in process inventory.

Analyze the financial implications of closing standard cost variances.

Grasp the concept of how transactions affect the Cash and Work in Process inventory accounts in a standard cost accounting system.

Understand the fundamental concepts of a standard cost system.

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Definitions:

National Resources Planning Board

A U.S. government agency active during the 1930s and early 1940s, part of the New Deal, that conducted research and planning regarding the use of natural resources.

Keynesian Economics

An economic theory stating that government intervention through monetary and fiscal policies is necessary to manage economic cycles and stimulate economic growth.

Laissez-Faire

An economic philosophy advocating for minimal government intervention in business and the economy.

Progressivism

Broad-based reform movement, 1900–1917, that sought governmental action in solving problems in many areas of American life, including education, public health, the economy, the environment, labor, transportation, and politics.