Services have to (at least in some part) listen to those who pay for it. As long as tickets are priced to cover costs, there is an incentive to ensure enough pe

Services have to (at least in some part) listen to those who pay for it. As long as tickets are priced to cover costs, there is an incentive to ensure enough people travel and that it hits a comfort/safety/trade of that most people are happy with. When people are not paying, there is no incentive to do anything but what is required to get the government subsidy. In addition because it is so cheap there is a lot less competition from people taking the car instead, which means that there is even less pressure to make the train ride nicer. This hurts everybody, including those who do not have a car as an alternative. Basically: by paying the fee you get a vote. If it is free you don't.