I’m not against measures to stop fare evasion, per se, but I do think the idea that public transportation needs to be entirely self-funded is entirely misguided. These are people going to work, going shopping, going to school, and in general participating in society. Every dollar spent on infrastructure pays back multiple dollars in the overall economy. It’s literally the reason why we organize into societies rather than living out a Neal Stephenson novel. It’s more economically efficient to lose money on public transportation if the ability to move people and goods keeps the local economy running.

I get that it’s a multidimensional problem that isn’t easily summed up in a post, but it’s an aspect I don’t see mentioned enough in articles like these.