An update in case any of ya'll lovely people are wondering,

The hearing officer (seemed like a nice lady... but I guess you never really know) REJECTED my appeal and so now I have to pay this ticket ($100). It's a civil/parking ticket equivalent, but it's annoying to have to pay.

She was unforgiving. Life isn't fair but at least now I know to NEVER skip the bus ticket process unless my hair is on fire.