[kevindong]

Larger countries can, but the political willpower isn't there.

NYC's subway was originally projected (pre-COVID) to take in $3.6 billion in fares in 2020 [0]. Some 8.4 million people live in NYC. $3.6 billion / 8.4 million residents = ~$429/resident/year would suffice to make the subway free of fares.

Note: this would be for _just_ the subway; it does not include buses/commuter rail/MTA HQ expenses. Additionally, replacing just the fares for the subway would not suffice for balancing the budget since a deficit was planned.

[0]: Page VI-123 of https://new.mta.info/document/15221

[bogidon]

Probably somewhat lower than $429/resident/year since transit agencies spend significant resources on labor and maintenance just operating the fare collection.

(Sorry, looked but didn’t fare collection cost numbers in the MTA budget)

[mandelbrotwurst]

It might cost a bit more than that since if it were free then ridership would likely increase.

[jdsully]

The fare recovery of New York City Transit is 47%, so the true cost to the taxpayer would be $912/resident/year using your numbers. The numbers are higher still if you scope to residents over 18.