Im glad we agree on certain aspects here. Due to certain things there IS a black hole appearing in funding, and its one that needs filling.
Taking the free fares away will make Boris unpopular, as has increasing fares.
Who knows , kids and OAP's might just be the next ones to be changed. I dont think its about guts for Boris, but more making the right choice at the right time.

I personally dont care about the increase, its really not going to cost me a fortune. I realise for others it will though.

Differential fares would make a big difference too, and I think its amazing how quickly people forget how much a zone 3-4 into zone 1 once used to cost. Now we are moaning about a small increase (in comparison)

lol @ Brown blaming Thatcher, I thought most serious Labour supporters still blame her for anything lol. (joking)
As for Boris blaming Ken, I think given the choices that were made by the previous administration, thats actually quite fair to do. Not flawless, but there is certainly some impact (as above)