Cities are ending fares on transit. Here’s why

Tough one. It's hard to say whether the growth was from those who couldn't afford transit or those that would have been in cars. Either way it's a good thing, but the question of funding is a valid one.

Fares made up, on average, 12.5% of transit agencies’ operating expenses in 2021, down from 31.4% in 2019, according to the American Public Transit Association

I’m sure the pandemic has affected these numbers greatly with many still working from home.