The other day I was renewing our cars’ registrations online because, as always, I had waited until the last minute. Seriously, what did people do before online billpay?? If they’re anything like me, they paid a lot of late fees. But anyway.
As I was pulling out the mailing from the DMV, I noticed a new rule/law/something that has gone into effect that actually rewarded me for my procrastination!! It was actually cheaper to renew online than in person at the DMV. They actually charge you MORE to go out of your way, wait forever and then finally get a turn to do something that takes all of 5 minutes to complete. I was ecstatic!
But the funny thing is, within seconds my happiness dissipated. Why? Because when I happily reported my “accomplishment” to Brent, he quickly pointed out the unfortunate truth. While the DMV is trying to save money in their operations by not needing as many employees available (and therefore trying to get people to stay OUT of the DMV), they are actually hurting the most vulnerable of our society. The poor. They are hurting those who don’t have enough money for computer/internet access (not to mention bank accounts and credit cards) by charging them more to appear at their office. I’m guessing I’m not the only person who despises having to go into the DMV. Can you imagine willingly paying extra money for the obligation? But there are people who don’t have a choice. And unfortunately they don’t have the extra money to spare either.
I am sure that whoever came up with the plan to cut costs for the DMV didn’t intentionally try to harm this part of our community. But I wonder how many other ways we unknowingly harm those less fortunate than us simply because we don’t take them into consideration.
Like parent teacher-conferences that only happen during the school day.