@TAfranski: idealism, yes, and I think I'd add honesty.  The system isn't set up to police by fear--which is okay--but given the system idealism doesn't police riders either.  Or apparently not me.  I guess now for me it comes down to how I justify my choice.  I see the fine as paying for past bus rides (which I should do). So why not pay for my rides in advance with a bus pass if I am happy to pay for them after the fact? I am not sure. I need to think about that (probably when I am riding the bus to school this morning).