Metro announced on Thursday that it will begin banning violent and sexual offenders from the transit system starting in June.
Metro Transit Police can issue a ban of up to 24 hours to those who violate the passenger conduct rules outlined in Metro’s Tariff (PDF), which addresses abusive, unacceptable, or unsafe behavior.
Additionally, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have either enacted laws or are considering new legislation that imposes enhanced penalties or bans for assaults against public transit operators.
Metro’s new policy, effective June 2 and recommended in the agency’s Strategic Transformation Plan, establishes a 45-day ban for the first offense, a 90-day ban for the second offense, and a one-year ban for the third offense.
The WMATA board has voted to adopt a new banning policy to keep individuals who commit violent and/or sex-related crimes against customers or staff off the system. Safety is our core value. Learn more about the steps we’re taking: https://t.co/aUJrF6EXPF
— Metro Forward (@wmata) March 27, 2025
“We appreciate the Board’s support as we take every step we can to maintain a safe system,” Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke said. “Crime is at a seven-year low as a result of the many steps we’ve already taken — including making it harder to fare evade with taller faregates and putting more officers on trains. Having this policy in place will enhance our efforts and provide MTPD an extra tool to prevent repeat offenses.”
The new policy permits individuals to appeal any ban lasting longer than 24 hours.
Photo: “09.WMATA.SilverSpringMD.28October2022” by Elvert Barnes is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.