FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

New Rider Code of Conduct, Campaign Developed with Youth Transit Council

Reinforces Agency is Serious About Safety for All

BALTIMORE, MD (August 19, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) today launched “Rules of the Ride,” a new public awareness campaign grounded in a formal Rider Code of Conduct. Developed in partnership with the agency’s Youth Transit Council, the Code outlines clear expectations for rider behavior while on buses, trains and in stations. The Code is designed to foster a respectful and safe environment for everyone and enhance the overall transit experience. Beginning October 1, a new law grants the MTA the authority to suspend or ban individuals who violate the Code, particularly in cases involving physical or verbal assault.

"We are serious about ensuring the safety of our riders and employees," said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. "Most people ride with respect every day. The Code of Conduct is about making sure everyone can count on a safe transit experience.”  

The public is encouraged to read the full Rider Code of Conduct and explore campaign material at mta.maryland.gov/safety.  The Rider Code of Conduct organizes expectations into three easy-to-understand categories:
 

• Courteous Conduct: Everyday respectful behaviors that contribute to a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers and employees, such as keeping seats accessible, speaking at a low volume, using headphones when listening to music or other content, and being mindful of others.
• Prohibited Conduct: Actions not permitted on buses or trains or in and around stations include smoking, vandalism, carrying concealed weapons, sexual harassment or disruptive behavior.
• Bannable Conduct: Any type of assault (physical or verbal assault, threats, sexual harassment, fighting) against an MTA employee, other passengers or anyone else on any MTA service or on MTA property is illegal and will result in a ban.

Supported by HB1144 that was enacted this year, the new Rider Code of Conduct empowers the agency, starting October 1, to suspend or ban individuals who violate the code — particularly in cases involving physical or verbal assault. The enforcement process will be coordinated by MTA Police and includes documentation, formal notice and an opportunity for appeal.

Any rider that experiences a safety concern while using transit is encouraged to report it immediately to the operator or station attendant onsite or Maryland Transit Police at 410-454-7720. This fall, to complement the Code of Conduct, the agency plans to launch a mobile app that gives riders another reporting option with the ability to discreetly notify Maryland Transit Police, in real time, when safety issues arise during their trip. The app will be another component of the agency’s strategic plan to improve the overall customer experience.

The agency’s Youth Transit Council played a central role in the development of the Rider Code of Conduct and the creative direction of the Rules of the Ride campaign.  This year’s cohort brought real-life perspectives, honest conversations and fresh ideas to the table. Their insights helped ensure the Code is relatable, easy to understand, inclusive and resonates across generations.

The new Rider Code of Conduct reinforces MDOT’s Serious About Safety initiative – an enhanced, department-wide initiative to drive safety goals and save lives. The Maryland Transit Administration will publicize the new Rider Code of Conduct on the agency’s website, social media platforms, signage and announcements on buses and trains and at stations. The agency encourages all passengers to review the Rider Code of Conduct at the website mta.maryland.gov/safety or call the Transit Information Contact Center at 410-539-5000.

The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, operating systems that include Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit network. Our goal is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland, Instagram at MTA Maryland and follow us on X @mtamaryland and bluesky@mta.maryland.gov.
 

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov

Courtney Mims
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 667-392-0157
cmims@mdot.maryland.gov 

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