This right here. They would probably save a ton of money by just making it free for everyone and if needed adding a small tax somewhere. I’d bet that an extra 0.25% on vehicle registrations to fund it would barely be noticed and would probably cover most of it.
I have no idea what the cost is for the cops going after fare jumpers but that would also cover some of it and free the cops up for more important things, like having an extra donut.