A new Metro policy allowing authorities to ban violent and sexual offenders from the system took effect Monday. Officials say the policy gives transit police another tool to stop repeat offenders.
Under the policy, anyone who commits a sex crime or a sex-related crime, violates Metro’s Passenger Conduct Rule or commits any assault on a Metro employee, contractor or customer would be unable to enter or use Metro systems and properties for more than 24 hours, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. This includes spaces like trains, buses and parking lots.
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WATCH HEREUnder the new policy, repeat offenders could face a year-long ban from Metro.
According to Metro, penalties are:
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SIGN UP - Forty-five days for a first offence
- Ninety days for a second offense
- One year for a third offence
How does the banning process work? If a rider is arrested for a violent crime, they will be issued a banning citation then and there, officials said.
Banned riders will have the ability to appeal the decision, WMATA said.
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“Having this policy in place will enhance our efforts and provide MTPD an extra tool to prevent repeat offenses," Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke said in a release.
WMATA told News4 in March that when a rider is banned, their information will go into a database and their SmarTrip card will be deactivated.
While Metro employees won’t be scanning faces or checking IDs at stations, WMATA said they believe employees are already aware of passengers who cause trouble at stations and are ready to call police if they see someone trespassing.
Previously, the Metro Transit Police Department only had the power to ban someone for up to 24 hours if they violated conduct rules in Metro’s Tariff, which WMATA said includes “abusive, unacceptable, or unsafe conduct.”
