I always thought my city’s bus system would be more efficient if they didn’t have to bother with charging everyone $1.50 for a ticket when they board.
In fact, they did have free fare this summer in an effort to improve the air quality. Ridership was much higher, and the driver didn’t have to mess with the finicky cash machine at every stop.
Most of the people who take the bus here are poor and/or disabled, anyway. I’d love it if they could do away with fares, but I know they’re doing the best they can with their limited funding.