Senate Approves Transit Tax

Critics Protest “Refugee Exploitation”

SENATE ROTUNDA, CORUSCANT – By a narrow margin, the Senate has approved a surtax on passengers traveling via registered starliner, effective immediately. Those looking to travel can now add a 15 percent levy on all ticket prices.

Opponent Senators were vocal in their criticism towards this new source of revenue. “This is no better than predators picking off the weakest of the herd, or scavenging the remains,” said Senator Bail Organa (Alderaan). “So much of the traveling is now undertaken by refugees leaving the Republic or seceded worlds, people who have abandoned homes, families and careers. Do we need to burden them even further?”

Some independent traders and starship operators look forward to prospering from the new tax, as those heading in the right direction can offer transit at rates undercutting the passenger liners. “We may not offer much in terms of amenities,” says free trader Eridan Lanclo, “but at the rate that they’re packing them into the liners, neither can they. And I know better then to get my aft shot up by pirates.”

The passenger liner business is hesitant about the new tax, as expressed by Galaxy Tours Vice President Bronwynn Koft. “The reports of starport crowds has everyone thinking that we’re making phenomenal money here, but keep in mind that many of those poor souls scraped together all they had in order to make a flight. This 15 percent may be the deciding factor in whether or not they travel, and that will affect our bottom line. We may have to have seat sales to see that we break even.”