Play stupid games...
That move always seems clever until you get slapped with a fine you can't talk your way out of. It's not just about the money, it's about getting caught in a lie over something so small. Transit systems audit this stuff, and getting flagged ruins your day way more than paying the full fare. Just feels like a silly risk for very little reward.
Ask Patricia554 how she'd feel getting that fine notice in the mail. Getting caught turns a small saving into a big headache fast. The risk just isn't worth the few bucks you save.