Having a fare wouldn’t affect this much. It’s not too hard to get someone to spot you a couple of bucks at a bus stop.

Honestly it’s not that big a deal if someone sleeps on the bus. Homeless, drunk, tired from work, whatever.

Everyone, but especially the working poor deserve a civilized way to get to work. Without screaming, smelly, sleeping, druggies taking up the seats. Or worse.

If you’re appalled by the idea, you may not be aware: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-14/horror-t...

LAMetro recently woke up and started cleaning this up. Not sure how long it will take before ridership fully returns.

Bus drivers don't seem too excited to enforce the fare either. They're not exactly law enforcement; it might be dangerous and it would delay everyone else on the bus.