Elon Musk Ignites Meme Coin Frenzy with Explosive Pepe Tweet!

Elon Musk's Controversial Pepe Tweet

Elon Musk's recent tweet featuring Pepe the Frog has sparked significant controversy and excitement within the meme coin community. Known for his influential presence in the digital world, Musk's tweet coincided with the unexpected explosion of SpaceX's Starship 36 rocket. This timing seemed more than coincidental to many within the crypto sphere, particularly entertaining those with vested interests in meme coins like PEPE and BabyDoge. The tweet quickly ignited social media discussions, with users humorously debating Musk's motives and expressing their hopeful enthusiasm for a surge in PEPE's market value. This incident underscores Musk's ability to use his platform to stir up attention and reaction across various sectors, from space exploration to cryptos, with a single tweet .

The reaction from the crypto community to Elon Musk's Pepe the Frog tweet was nothing short of fervent. Memecoin enthusiasts, especially those invested in PEPE and BabyDoge, took to social media to share images and memes in homage to their crypto mascots. Despite the excitement, PEPE's price did not see a significant increase, highlighting the speculative and often unpredictable nature of meme coin markets. This scenario is reflective of the broader trend in the world of cryptocurrencies, where price movements can be erratic and heavily influenced by public sentiment and celebrity endorsements, rather than intrinsic value or technological fundamentals .

While Musk's tweet added excitement in the meme coin markets, another facet of his recent public commentary focused on the potential impacts of Artificial Intelligence on the global economy. Musk posits that AI could amplify economic productivity by a thousand-fold, yet he remains cautious about its risks. He warns that AI might surpass human intelligence, a threat exacerbated by simple errors like using weak passwords. These assertions have sparked debates regarding the reliability of AI, the necessity for secure practices, and the role of policymakers in regulating technology. His thoughts invoke the image of a future where AI substantially alters economic landscapes, for better or worse .

The reference to a Kardashev Type II civilization in Musk's discourse adds another layer to his futuristic predictions. This hypothetical concept describes a society so advanced it can harness the total energy output of its host star, suggesting Musk sees such progress as feasible with AI and space exploration. The idea serves as a motivating analogy for the potential advancements achievable in our current technological trajectory. While it paints a rather optimistic outlook, it also aligns with Musk's broader vision for humanity's future—a vision involving sustainable interstellar exploration and a technological revolution that defines new realms of possibility .

SpaceX Starship 36 Explosion: Causes and Implications

The recent explosion of SpaceX's Starship 36 during its pre-flight fire test has sent ripples across the tech and meme coin communities, underlining both the unpredictable nature of aerospace testing and the unwavering influence of Elon Musk. The event was more than a mere technical setback for SpaceX; it sparked diverse reactions from different sectors, including investors, government bodies, and meme coin enthusiasts. Coinciding with the explosion, Musk's Pepe the Frog tweet added a layer of complexity, tying the incident to a broader cultural and economic narrative. Such interactions reveal the unique position Musk holds, capable of affecting not just markets but also public sentiment and regulatory dialogues. His whimsical "Just a scratch" comment mirrors the resilience often required in space exploration, where anomalies are not just possibilities but expectations on the path to progress towards ambitious goals like Mars colonization.

The causes behind the Starship 36 explosion are currently under investigation by SpaceX, with early indicators suggesting a "major anomaly" during the static fire test. Musk has hinted at a nitrogen Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV) failure, an assumption that underscores the high-stakes nature of space engineering. Each anomaly, while challenging, is also instructive, providing valuable data that helps refine future test protocols and technical designs. These unforeseen challenges are part of SpaceX's audacious strategy, where rapid iteration and real-time adjustments are prioritized to maintain the momentum of human space travel initiatives. The incident also reinforces the importance of transparency and technical openness, practices SpaceX is known for as it invites public engagement and support, vital for sustaining its long-term objectives.

The explosion's timing, overlapping with Musk's engaging tweet featuring Pepe the Frog, inadvertently linked the sectors of space exploration and meme cryptocurrencies, demonstrating the wide-ranging influence of social media in today’s interconnected economic and cultural paradigms. The tweet enlivened the meme coin market, sending the invested communities of PEPE and BabyDoge into a flurry of excited exchanges despite no remarkable impact on coin prices. This cross-sectional impact highlights how Musk’s digital communications can remold discussions in innovative sectors and community narratives simultaneously, suggesting a new frontier in how events are perceived and discussed socially. Consequently, each of Musk's engagements now carries with it the potential for market volatility, public discourse transformation, and a reevaluation of the intersections between technological advancements and cultural phenomena.

Meme Coin Market Reactions to Musk's Tweet

The meme coin market is notorious for its volatility, often driven by social media trends and influential figures like Elon Musk. Recently, Musk's tweet featuring Pepe the Frog set off a flurry of activity among meme coin enthusiasts. Investors in coins such as PEPE and BabyDoge were particularly electrified, sharing numerous memes and images of their beloved mascots in response . This incident exemplifies the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market, where a single tweet can significantly sway market sentiment.

Musk's influence over the meme coin market cannot be understated. His tweet came at a time when the meme coin community was already buzzing, adding fuel to the fire. Despite the immediate excitement, the actual market impact, especially on PEPE's price, was surprisingly subdued, highlighting a pattern where hype does not always translate into tangible financial movement .

While some investors hoped for a significant price surge following Musk's tweet, the reality was more complex. PEPE's value remained relatively stable, suggesting that while social media buzz can captivate the community, it doesn’t necessarily trigger the expected economic shifts . This serves as a reminder of the speculative nature of meme coins, where prices are prone to fluctuate on a whim, often detached from the coins' intrinsic value.

The timing of Musk's tweet, coinciding with the explosion of SpaceX's Starship 36, added an ironic twist to the situation. As the SpaceX anomaly captured global attention, so did Musk's playful engagement with meme culture. It was a testament to his eclectic interests and his propensity to influence multiple sectors simultaneously—space exploration and cryptocurrency in this case .

This event underscores the importance of understanding how social media influences investment habits, particularly in niche markets like meme coins. While traditional financial markets operate on established economic indicators, meme coin markets heavily rely on public sentiment and social media momentum. The interplay between these elements can lead to rapid, and sometimes inexplicable, market changes .

Elon Musk's Predictions on AI and Economic Impact

Elon Musk has often vocalized his forecasts on artificial intelligence, painting a picture of immense economic growth potential. According to Musk, the evolution towards Digital Super Intelligence could catalyze an economic transformation, amplifying the global economy up to 1,000-fold. However, the prospect of AI's capabilities surpassing human intellect is accompanied by cautionary notes, particularly concerning cybersecurity vulnerabilities such as weak passwords. Musk emphasizes the need for stringent safeguards to prevent potential AI-driven disinformation campaigns and cyber threats, urging that robust regulatory frameworks must accompany technological advancements. This intricate balance between leveraging AI's economic potential and mitigating its risks forms a critical aspect of Musk's vision for the future.

Musk's dialogue on AI does not only encapsulate economic forecasts but extends to socio-political dimensions. He envisions a scenario where AI's massive productivity leap could result in significant job displacement, thereby paving the way for discussions on social policies like Universal Basic Income (UBI). The idea is that UBI could act as a buffer against the shockwaves of automation, providing a safety net as conventional employment landscapes transform. This conversation echoes broader societal concerns regarding the speed and scale of AI adoption, with debates ongoing about the timing and readiness of infrastructure to support such a transition.

Beyond economic impacts, Musk's predictions on AI align with the concept of achieving a Kardashev Type II civilization, where humanity harnesses energy from its entire star. This notion underpins the transformative potential of AI not just in scaling economic output but also in advancing human technological capabilities to unprecedented levels. However, Musk's insights also serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between technological ambition and the ethical dimensions of AI development, highlighting the imperative for informed regulatory oversight as we navigate this frontier.

Understanding Kardashev Type II Civilization

A Kardashev Type II civilization represents a profound level of advancement, where a civilization has managed to harness the total energy of its home star. This concept, introduced by Russian astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev in 1964, posits a framework for categorizing the technological progress of civilizations based on their energy consumption capabilities. Achieving this level of advancement implies monumental leaps in technology, infrastructure, and scientific understanding, allowing such a civilization to build vast, energy-collecting structures like Dyson Spheres around their star. These are hypothetical megastructures that encompass a star to capture and utilize a large percentage of its power output. Such capabilities would enable unprecedented developments in energy management, space exploration, and potentially even interstellar colonization. [1](https://u.today/elon-musk-sets-meme-coin-communities-on-fire-with-pepe-tweet-but-heres-catch)

Elon Musk's interest in AI and energy aligns with the concept of a Type II civilization as it highlights the transformative potential of technology and energy on human civilization. In discussions about AI, Musk often references the significant economic growth AI could spur, hinting at an eventual state where technology overtakes traditional economic resources, much like a Kardashev Type II civilization captures energy from its star. The implications of reaching such a status are vast, touching on the potential for self-sustaining energy economies and the alleviation of many resource-based conflicts that currently hinder global cooperation and development. [1](https://u.today/elon-musk-sets-meme-coin-communities-on-fire-with-pepe-tweet-but-heres-catch)

The journey towards a Kardashev Type II civilization involves overcoming immense engineering and scientific challenges, including how to efficiently capture and store solar energy on a colossal scale. Current human technology struggles with efficiency and energy density in solar technology but theoretically lays the groundwork for the basic principles needed. Steps toward this journey could include enhancing solar panel efficiency, developing new materials for energy absorption and transmission, and overcoming the limitations of current battery and grid technology to ensure seamless energy distribution. The theoretical underpinnings offered by Type II civilization can drive innovations that support not only space-based energy collection but also robust, sustainable solutions to Earth's energy needs. [1](https://u.today/elon-musk-sets-meme-coin-communities-on-fire-with-pepe-tweet-but-heres-catch)

SpaceX's Response and Future Plans

Following the unexpected explosion of SpaceX's Starship 36 rocket, SpaceX and Elon Musk have been actively addressing both the setback and revealing their strategic future plans. Although the explosion during a static fire test was cited as a 'major anomaly,' Musk maintains his characteristic optimism, humorously referring to the incident as 'just a scratch' in his initial reactions . SpaceX is committed to meticulously investigating the cause, suspected to be a nitrogen COPV failure, to prevent such occurrences in future tests .

In the wake of Starship 36's explosion, SpaceX remains undeterred in its ambitious vision for space exploration and colonization. Future plans not only focus on improving safety measures but also aim to continue the development of next-generation rockets crucial for significant milestones like Mars colonization. This setback underscores the inherently iterative and challenging nature of space exploration, yet it also serves as a catalyst for innovation and improvement .

Looking ahead, SpaceX is focusing on enhancing rocket design and testing protocols to ensure higher safety standards. Elon Musk has emphasized the importance of rigorous testing and the lessons learned from each test case, including this incident, as essential components in the path to success. Despite the challenges, SpaceX's ultimate goal of reducing space travel costs and enabling sustainable habitation on Mars remains a guiding principle for the company's ongoing and future projects .

Moreover, the company is actively engaging with NASA, aiming to align its future plans with the agency's lunar landing objectives. The Starship's role in NASA's Artemis program highlights its pivotal importance in the broader canvas of human space exploration. SpaceX continues to refine and test its Starship prototypes, with a commitment to contributing to humanity's next giant leap in technology and exploration .

The Power of Celebrity and Social Media in Cryptocurrency

Elon Musk has once again demonstrated the immense power of celebrity influence in the realm of cryptocurrency through his recent tweet featuring Pepe the Frog. This simple yet impactful tweet coincided with the dramatic explosion of SpaceX's Starship 36, creating a significant stir within the meme coin communities invested in PEPE and BabyDoge. The timing of Musk's tweet, whether intentional or not, underscores his capability to ignite a frenzy within the crypto world with just a few words or images shared on social media. This phenomenon illustrates how social media platforms serve as powerful tools for celebrities to drive market trends and reshape investor sentiment, often leading to noticeable, albeit short-term, fluctuations in cryptocurrency valuations.

The reaction from the cryptocurrency community to Elon Musk's Pepe tweet highlights the compelling dynamics between social media influence and digital currencies. Meme coins, which largely derive value from cultural trends and internet personalities, are particularly responsive to such high-profile endorsements or mentions. In this scenario, Musk's casual reference to a popular internet meme catalyzed a wave of enthusiasm among holders and followers of the PEPE and BabyDoge currencies. Despite these coins not experiencing an immediate price boost, as seen with past endorsements, the cultural and social validations from being recognized by a major influencer like Musk significantly impact market perception and investor morale. This demonstrates the volatile yet influential nature of celebrity engagement in cryptocurrency markets.

The intersection of social media and celebrity status has emerged as a vital component in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, demonstrating both the opportunities and risks associated with such engagements. While Elon Musk’s vast influence can generate considerable interest and discussion, it also poses risks of market manipulation and speculative bubbles. The unpredictable volatility driven by these celebrity tweets and social media trends highlights the importance for investors to exercise caution and due diligence. As meme coins continue to rise and fall with the tides of public sentiment fueled by influential figures, the power of celebrity in shaping financial landscapes becomes ever more apparent. In this context, Musk’s actions serve as a potent reminder of the unpredictability inherent in modern digital markets driven by celebrity culture.

AI's Potential Economic Transformation

The transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the economic landscape is monumental. Experts like Elon Musk advocate that AI holds the key to revolutionizing industries and enhancing economic efficiency, potentially yielding an exponential increase in economic output. In his discussions, Musk illustrates a vision where AI could lead to a 1,000x economic boost, likening the impact to reaching a Kardashev Type II civilization status, where energy management reaches stellar proportions .

AI technology is rapidly progressing, promising to streamline operations in various sectors by automating processes traditionally handled by humans. This unprecedented level of efficiency is anticipated to unlock new opportunities, driving innovation and creating novel markets. However, the promise of such growth comes with the caution over AI's ability to surpass human intellect, as Musk highlights potential pitfalls such as weak cybersecurity defenses .

As AI advances, the likelihood of significant job displacement emerges, fueling discussions around economic policies like universal basic income. These dialogues are underscored by predictions that AI could lead to mass unemployment, thus governments are encouraged to proactively develop social safety nets to cushion workforce transitions .

The digital superintelligence heralded by proponents such as Musk suggests a pivotal shift requiring both systemic economic restructuring and innovative policy-making. While the potential economic boost is enticing, it's imperative to balance growth with ethical considerations and robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard against misuse and ensure benefits are equitably distributed .

Social Implications of AI and Automation

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies is radically transforming our society, yet it is accompanied by significant social implications that demand careful consideration. One of the primary social impacts of AI and automation is the potential for widespread job displacement. As AI capabilities continue to grow, industries ranging from manufacturing to services are increasingly adopting automated solutions that could replace human labor. This shift could lead to a significant upheaval in employment, necessitating the development of new social safety nets like universal basic income, as suggested by Elon Musk [1](https://u.today/elon-musk-sets-meme-coin-communities-on-fire-with-pepe-tweet-but-heres-catch).

AI and automation also influence cultural dynamics, as seen in the role of AI in meme culture and social media. For instance, Elon Musk's engagement with meme culture through social media platforms demonstrates how influential figures can shape public discourse. Musk's recent tweet involving Pepe the Frog has underscored how such digital interactions can stir entire communities, particularly in niche markets like cryptocurrency, where social media sentiment heavily influences market behavior [1](https://u.today/elon-musk-sets-meme-coin-communities-on-fire-with-pepe-tweet-but-heres-catch).

Moreover, the integration of AI into daily life raises critical ethical and regulatory concerns. The potential for AI to surpass human intellect, as warned by Musk, necessitates the implementation of strong ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and integrity of AI applications. Weak security practices, such as poor password management, could facilitate misuse of AI technologies, emphasizing the need for proactive regulatory frameworks to safeguard against such risks [1](https://u.today/elon-musk-sets-meme-coin-communities-on-fire-with-pepe-tweet-but-heres-catch).

The societal impacts of AI go beyond employment and culture, extending to public and political realms. The explosion of SpaceX's Starship 36, despite being labeled a "scratch" by Musk, has reignited public interest in space exploration. This incident exemplifies how technological advancements can captivate public imagination and stimulate discourse on human endeavors beyond Earth. Such events highlight the importance of maintaining a balance between innovation and public interest, ensuring transparency and accountability in fast-paced technological landscapes [1](https://u.today/elon-musk-sets-meme-coin-communities-on-fire-with-pepe-tweet-but-heres-catch).

Public Perception of Space Exploration and Risks

Public perception of space exploration has always been a complex mix of fascination, fear, and skepticism. The recent high-profile explosion of SpaceX's Starship 36 rocket is a perfect illustration of this intricate relationship. Elon Musk, a figure often associated with pioneering ventures into space, has a unique ability to sway public opinion due to his outspoken nature and significant media presence. Following the rocket's explosion, Musk's response—describing it as "just a scratch"—could be seen as an attempt to downplay the incident's severity and reassure the public about the resilience and ongoing potential of space exploration. However, this event underscores the inherent risks involved in space travel and the public's divided opinion; while some view these risks as necessary steps toward groundbreaking achievements, others see them as cautionary tales of technological overreach.

The public's reaction to technological failures in space programs often mirrors society's risk tolerance and trust in technological advancement. When the SpaceX Starship 36 incident occurred, it triggered a range of responses. Some viewed it as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of space exploration, while others saw it as a setback for one of the leading forces in private space travel. Despite this mixed reception, such incidents typically capture the public's imagination, drawing greater interest and support for space exploration projects, ultimately recognized as both daring and essential for human advancement. Historically, these accidents, while tragic, tend to galvanize support for increased safety measures and technological improvements.

Moreover, Elon Musk's notable influence extends beyond space exploration into other technological domains, evident in his commentary on artificial intelligence (AI). Musk has suggested that AI could potentially increase global economic productivity by 1,000-fold with Digital Super Intelligence. However, this transformative view comes with a caveat—AI's ability to surpass human intellect poses serious risks, particularly if our basic security practices, like weak password usage, remain unchanged. This duality—an optimistic vision of technology's promises against a backdrop of potential perils—reflects a broader public ambivalence toward high-tech innovation. As seen in the public's response to the Pepe tweet, which ties humor into serious technological discussions, society remains both awed and cautious about the unforeseen consequences of rapid technological progress.

Simultaneously, the public's perception of Lizzie SpaceX and Musk highlights the broader societal impacts of meme culture and social media. Musk's use of memes, such as the Pepe the Frog, serves as a tool to engage the public and shift narratives, demonstrating the intersection of internet culture and high-stakes technological innovation. While some criticze Musk for leveraging meme culture to soften the public's focus on serious failures, others see it as an ingenious strategy to maintain interest and support among younger, tech-savvy audiences. Ultimately, Musk's approach underscores the power of digital culture in shaping both public perception and discourse around space exploration and its associated risks.

The Starship 36 explosion's timing with Musk's Pepe tweet shows how public perception of space exploration is not only influenced by technological achievements or failures but also by the personalities and narratives crafted by influential figures like Musk. His ability to pivot and engage different aspects of public discourse, from meme coins to serious discussions about AI and space travel, continually shapes the narrative. This dynamic interplay between media coverage, celebrity influence, and technological development frames public perception, raising essential questions about how space exploration risks are communicated to and interpreted by a global audience.

Regulatory Needs for AI Development

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) necessitates stringent regulatory frameworks. With figures like Elon Musk predicting significant economic transformations stemming from AI, a 1,000-fold increase as he suggests, the importance of carefully guiding AI evolution becomes clear. For instance, Musk's insights into AI's potential to surpass human intelligence raise serious questions about ethical boundaries and security vulnerabilities, such as weak passwords that could be exploited by highly advanced AI systems [1](https://u.today/elon-musk-sets-meme-coin-communities-on-fire-with-pepe-tweet-but-heres-catch). This underscores the essential role regulations must play in mitigating risks while fostering innovation.

Recent public and expert discussions, as highlighted by Musk's comments, point to a growing urgency for governments and policymakers to address potential misuse of AI technologies. The risks associated with AI-driven misinformation campaigns and cyberattacks necessitate robust regulatory measures to safeguard societal interests [1](https://u.today/elon-musk-sets-meme-coin-communities-on-fire-with-pepe-tweet-but-heres-catch). Furthermore, the envisioned transition to a Kardashev Type II civilization amplifies the need for global consensus on ethical AI use, ensuring that technological advancements do not outpace our capacity for ethical oversight.

The call for regulatory attention in AI development is further echoed by the current socio-economic implications predicted by futurists and technologists. With the potential for AI-induced massive economic growth comes the threat of job displacement, prompting discussions around new economic models like universal basic income. Policymakers must anticipate these changes and enact legislative frameworks that can support societal adaptation, ensuring broad economic benefits and minimizing social disruption [2](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/29/technology/ai-artificial-intelligence-musk-risks.html).

Moreover, the regulatory landscape must evolve to accommodate technological innovations while avoiding stifling creativity and progress. The balance between regulation and innovation is delicate, particularly when prominent tech leaders, such as Musk, emphasize the potential perils of unfettered AI development alongside its monumental benefits [2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C26v6LLwm2w). Recognizing and addressing this balance could include international collaborations and standardized regulations that keep pace with the fast-moving AI sector, reflecting both the risks and the transformative potential AI holds for the global economy.

Government's Role in Supporting Technological Innovation

Governments play a crucial role in fostering technological innovation by creating a supportive regulatory environment that encourages research and development. By investing in infrastructure such as broadband technology and providing tax incentives for tech startups, governments can help create an attractive environment for innovation. Additionally, supporting academic research through grants can fuel breakthroughs that might not be immediately profitable but have long-term benefits. Regulations that are flexible and adapt to the rapid pace of technological change are essential for nurturing innovation without stifling creativity.

Furthermore, public sector support often includes fostering partnerships between private companies and government agencies to tackle significant societal challenges, such as space exploration and renewable energy development. For example, SpaceX's collaboration with NASA showcases how government contracts and support can drive private sector innovation in space technology. Government funding and contracts offer companies the financial stability and risk mitigation necessary to pursue ambitious projects, which can be crucial in industries with substantial up-front costs and long-term return timelines.

Governments also play a pivotal role in addressing the ethical and societal implications of new technologies. By enacting regulations that ensure technologies like AI are developed safely and responsibly, governments can prevent potential misuse while maximizing the benefits. As AI continues to evolve, the need for robust regulatory frameworks becomes more pressing, ensuring technologies enhance economic productivity without violating ethical norms. Elon Musk's insights into AI's transformative possibilities underline this urgency, as society must balance innovation with secure and ethical deployment.

In addition to direct support, government policies can stimulate the broader ecosystem through educational initiatives that align university curricula with industry needs, thereby ensuring a talent pool capable of meeting future challenges. By investing in STEM education and digital literacy from an early age, governments prepare citizens for a future dominated by technology. Integrated approaches that combine education and policy interventions can lead to a society better equipped to handle rapid technological advancements, ultimately supporting sustained economic growth.

Addressing Job Displacement and Social Welfare Policies

The advent of AI and automation technologies brings both promise and concern, as job displacement becomes an increasingly pressing issue. With technology evolving at an unprecedented pace, many traditional jobs are at risk of becoming obsolete. This potential shift necessitates robust social welfare policies to safeguard affected workers and ensure a smooth transition to new employment forms. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is one such policy, gaining traction as a plausible solution to provide a safety net for those displaced by technology. By offering a steady source of income, UBI can help cushion the blow of job loss and provide individuals with the means to invest in retraining and education for new career opportunities.

Social welfare policies must evolve in tandem with technological progress to address the challenges and opportunities presented by job displacement. The complexity of job markets influenced by AI demands innovative policy responses that prioritize both economic stability and personal well-being. Governments must consider comprehensive approaches that go beyond mere financial assistance, focusing also on supporting mental health and social inclusion. Programs aimed at skill enhancement and workforce adaptability are essential to help individuals transition to roles that require uniquely human skills such as empathy and creativity, areas where AI is less likely to substitute human workers.

Furthermore, addressing job displacement requires collaboration between governments, industries, and educational institutions to create a dynamic workforce prepared for the challenges of the modern economy. Public-private partnerships can facilitate the development of tailored retraining programs, ensuring that workers acquire the relevant skills in high demand sectors. Investment in education, particularly in STEM and emerging fields, is crucial to preparing future generations for the AI-driven job market. Without these proactive measures, societies risk exacerbating existing inequalities and failing to harness the full potential of technological advancements for economic growth and social welfare.