I would argue that prices don't really keep them off the bus. Originally from Chicago with a pay-per-ride system and moved here to San Francisco to a (weak)pro

I would argue that prices don't really keep them off the bus. Originally from Chicago with a pay-per-ride system and moved here to San Francisco to a (weak)proof-of-payment system, sure it's faster but far more people take the risk of not paying in the proof-of-payment system (even those who can afford it). Pay-per-ride keeps them off the bus, but as the article pointed out, the latency of the bus stopping until the bus moving is much higher and unacceptable in larger suburban areas. Proof-of-payment does not keep anyone off the bus. Especially the "foul-smelling derelicts". 1) they game it by getting on and then getting off before the proof needs to be presented and 2) if they're caught, the fines are too steep for them to afford anyways. A night in jail may cost the city as much as the fine that would've been issued. Free public transportation has a lot of benefits, but the elephant in the room is "Who is going to pay for it?". In cities that have a lot of tourists, the residents may complain and prices at businesses may be higher due to passed down costs to consumers. On the other hand, I pay for a monthly pass on a recurring schedule, it might as well be the same as tax, as it would make no difference coming out of my wallet anyways.