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"What's interesting here is to compare SF mass transit, and European mass transit. You won't find a single country in Europe trying to decriminalize ‘free-riders’. Without the fares, none of them would flourish or survive."

Individual European cities and even entire countries (Luxembourg) have introduced "payless Saturdays" on which everyone can ride for free.

It "grinds my gears" although I suppose that there's no political (Socialist) message behind it, but rather only an attempt to alter traffic patterns, reduce the number of cars on the road, or stimulate shopping.

Regards,

--- " an attempt to alter traffic patterns, reduce the number of cars on the road, or stimulate shopping"

Our experience in Germany was that government did indeed "attempt to alter" not only traffic patterns, but tempt drivers onto mass transit, and more. Our experience was also that it -- and Merkel's version of 'cash for clunkers' -- only looked like it worked, but taken across a couple of years' observation, it was all -- in your words -- another government "attempt to alter."

Humorously, I also worked in Belgium during those 500+ days when there was no political government to find new ways to "alter." Everything worked fine enough, and most Belgians didn't really notice the absence. Both the Walloon and Vlaamse. Perhaps more absence of government is a potential solution to much?