If all metro commuters organized to not pay fares and jump on turnstiles just for one day, would that force metro management to stop rampant fare evaders for good?

If I was the mayor, and that happened, I would raise the property taxes, and make transit free.

Doubtful. How many people are actually not paying? Sounds like Metro needs to have more security or police at the turnstiles, and also they need to find out if people need actual help paying.

How much is the metro now (more or less) during rush hour from the last stop on any of the lines to Metro center? The Metro was expensive when I lived there 45 years ago compared to most subways in cities, but of course the DC metro goes out to the suburbs, which is not like a typical city.

Tolls and public transportation fares are essentially regressive taxation. I’m with @RedDeerGuy1!

Yeah, I wonder if there are discounts for the poor? I have a feeling there might be free or discounted metro passes for people on Medicaid. I fully support that.

For one day? Only would affect conversations somewhat. The bottom line of the accounting, not much.

I also don’t think that the logic of the question (mass organized jumping of turnstiles means we need stop all fare evasion for good) would be how metro management would necessarily respond.

I think such an act would be taken as a protest, and hopefully lead to trying to understand the complaint, and address it in the most constructive way. Unless metro management are control freaks.

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is putting in plexiglass barriers to block turnstile jumpers.

It does not have full support of the fare paying ridership. BART keeps raising fees to park at its stations, and continue to pay very high wages while service deteriorates throughout the system.

@zenvelo Wondering if those plexiglass barriers work to address the issue. Also wondering the reasons why the fare-paying commuters don’t fully support it. Guessing it has something to do with aesthetics? I don’t see plexiglass barriers being raised up here in DC, Maryland and VA stations. Not yet at least.

@JLeslie I’m only too familiar with one line and several stations. But been hearing from other commuters that the practice had increased considerably. I sure saw a big surge in the past year and a half. People of all ages now. Students, young professionals, male and female.

Just yesterday we ventured into VA using the new Silver Line and sure enough, I saw jumpers at one of the new stations.

It’s pretty much “optional” is how it is when it comes to paying your way. Not paying has no consequence.

Wow.