WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Beginning June 2, Metro is enforcing a stricter policy aimed at curbing bad behavior on public transit.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) now has the authority to issue longer bans to individuals who commit sexual or violent offenses on trains and buses, extending potential penalties from just 24 hours to up to one year.
The new policy is part of Metro’s initiative to improve safety for both riders and employees.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Metro moves to expand on system to ban violent offenders from using bus, rail system
Previously, passengers who engaged in serious offenses such as assault or indecent exposure could only be banned from Metro services for 24 hours. Under the updated rules, offenders may now face a 45-day suspension for the first offense, a 90-day ban for the second offense and a third violation could lead to a full year-long ban…