> The problem is fear of crime. I imagine most pickpocketing is done due to lack of funds. Not having to buy a transport ticket will leave these people with ad

> The problem is fear of crime. I imagine most pickpocketing is done due to lack of funds. Not having to buy a transport ticket will leave these people with additional funds. If anything, I would guess this kind of welfare would reduce the reasons to steal. Then there's the point that people who would pickpocket probably wouldn't buy a ticket even if required. However maybe most importantly, not letting these pickpocketers on the bus would just move the location of the act. They could hunt for wallets at the bus stops instead, without getting on. Thus I think this problem needs to be addressed independently and shouldn't be too big of a factor in public transport decisions. I recognize your point however that if there's a theft problem in an area, people can become afraid of public transport due to it.