I don't know about Edmonton/Alberta, but provincial and municipal transit in British Columbia and Vancouver (which is a separate entity but likely still benefits from provincial resources) are subsidized with taxpayer money. Fare collection supposedly makes up a minority of the funding for Vancouver's transit system.
Also, with 68 fare machines in the city in 1978, how many repairmen do you really need?
Also, with 68 fare machines in the city in 1978, how many repairmen do you really need?