Metro’s violent offenders ban goes into effect – NBC4 Washington
- The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is set to enforce a new policy monday, barring individuals who commit violent or sexual offenses from using the Metro system.
- The policy targets those who commit sex crimes, sex-related offenses, violate passenger conduct rules, or assault Metro employees, contractors, or customers.
- Now, the WMATA will implement tiered penalties for offenders.
Metro Implements Policy Banning Violent Offenders
Updated June 2, 2025
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is set to enforce a new policy monday, barring individuals who commit violent or sexual offenses from using the Metro system. this includes trains, buses, and parking facilities.
The policy targets those who commit sex crimes, sex-related offenses, violate passenger conduct rules, or assault Metro employees, contractors, or customers. Previously, the Metro Transit Police Department could only ban individuals for up to 24 hours for violating conduct rules.
Now, the WMATA will implement tiered penalties for offenders. A first offense results in a 45-day ban. A second offense leads to a 90-day ban, and a third offense carries a one-year ban.
WMATA saeid that riders who are banned will have the prospect to appeal the decision.
WMATA indicated in March that a database would store information on banned riders, and their SmarTrip cards would be deactivated.
While Metro employees will not be scanning faces or checking IDs, WMATA believes its personnel are capable of identifying problem passengers and contacting police if trespassing occurs. This new policy aims to improve safety and security across the Metro system, addressing concerns about violent crime and passenger conduct.