Snazy, you said 'I didnt hear too many people complaining that it was a bad call to lower fares when we were in a financial boom and all earning so well.'

Why would people who only have access to public transport (in so far as they can't afford to drive) complain when their costs are reduced?

Many low paid workers (and there are very many in this country) use public transport, many of them don't get much of an annual pay increase, if any. You can say what you like or try to justify it in what ever way you wish. You may be a higher earner, but ?2 will pinch on some people's budgets.

Personal attacks on people, ie whether they smoke or drink isn't really an intelligent argument.