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I live right above the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station.  For starters, this is not a traditional neighborhood...it is mostly office buildings and hotels.  We have a few high rise apartment buildings and condos.  The population is mostly white followed by Asian with a small percentage of citizens of color. 

Second, during the past four years living here, I have witnessed  frequent incidents of gate jumping.  Almost all the fare evaders are young men of color.  I believe they are riding the Green Line up from Anacostia--that explains why the Anacostia station has the second highest incidence of fare evasion. Third, Metro recently has placed large signs at fare gates warning that fare evasion is illegal--I believe these signs have been helpful in deterring fare evasion, except for young boys that see jumping gates as a cheap thrill. 

Fourth, decriminalizing this act of theft will likely lead to even higher levels of fare evasion.  Does anyone seriously believe these young men will voluntarily pay fines or show up in court?   I doubt it.  I salute Metro Police for the restraint they show in arresting these criminals.  Keep the law as it is.