That's all the statute says and requires intent. That you paid for a ticket should show that you had no intent to evade, especially if the prices are close to being comparable.P.C.640(c)(2) Misuse of a transfer, pass, ticket, or token with the intent to evade the payment of a fare.
You don't have to "understand" why you have to appear in court. You just have to appear.
Since you have to appear anyway, you might as well plead not guilty, explain what happened, and see how it goes.

