Do delays have anything to do with fare increases?

I find it irritating that the Journal complains of transit delays vs. fare increases in this way. Do they really expect the STM or ARTM to say “well, we had some delays last year so we’re cutting you a deal”? That may be how it works in business, but the STM and ARTM are not businesses, and all an article like this does is stoke disdain for public transit on false premises.