I wonder how the costs of "working at taking your fare" measure up to just eliminate that work, and accept that people ride public transport for free and is paid from public funds, as they have decided in Luxembourg (where there is ample tax revenue) and Belgrade (where people have historically refused to pay, then the city made it official policy).
Do not discount the many benefits, which might be difficult to quantify!
Do not discount the many benefits, which might be difficult to quantify!