Those who make $16*8 = $128/day before taxes, and <$100 after taxes, most definitely cannot afford to pay $5.80/day on the stupid bus fare, nor should they have to. They're getting a raw deal as it is for their labor.
> Anyone making that little doesn't pay net taxes.
The IRS certainly taxes an annual income of ~$30k, basically anything above $11k. Any benefits require jumping through a lot of hoops. Moreover, like everyone else, they also have to pay a sales tax for every non-food item they buy. There is also a property tax that they're indirectly responsible for if they're renting. When choosing between rent and bus fare, the choice is obvious.
