It is more reasonable to compare this with stealing parking. For example over-staying the time on a meter, skipping paying at all for a "quick" stop or parking

It is more reasonable to compare this with stealing parking. For example over-staying the time on a meter, skipping paying at all for a "quick" stop or parking in a no-parking zone is about the same as skipping a fare. Now if one wants to argue parking meter violations should result in jail time, that would be different...