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Keeping in mind that the NJ Transit is subsidized primarily at the federal and state levels, the Northeast Corridor (the line that Princeton students use) pays for itself in passenger fares. Even if it didn’t, subsidies are federal/state - I’m not sure any part comes from local property taxes, if any. </p>
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The problem with this sort of argument, as other posters have claimed numerous times on here, is that it proves too much. According to your line of reasoning, ALL non-profits, including charitable organizations, must pay property tax. Such organizations employ people who utilize these public services as well. In fact, given that everybody uses public services to some extent (i.e. roads, schools, hospitals, etc.), then NO non-profit should be able to claim tax-exempt status. </p>
<p>Same with the hospital. All employees of non-profits will utilize the health care system in some way. So all non-profits should pay property taxes.</p>
<p>There is something inherently wrong with any argument that targets an entire class of organization in order to target a specific one, namely the University. Unless you’re claiming that all non-profits should pay property taxes, which nobody is actually doing in this case, then your argument fails.</p>