Public transit is a public service... the idea that it should be self funding is a pipe dream of conservative economics and a guarantee of long-term failure. We may want some level of fare to ensure safety... and in the short term we may also need to limit demand, but we should be encouraging as much ridership as possible.

Out here in BC we have an issue with poor line coverage, station throughput and extremely infrequent feeder methods. In my neighborhood there's a half/full hour frequency bus route that's so unreliable it's pretty much better just to treat it as if it doesn't exist.