PRESS RELEASE:
Initiatives Strengthen Commitment to Protect Riders, Operators and Employees
BALTIMORE, MD (October 1, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration today announced the implementation of a policy to ban individuals who commit physical or verbal assaults against riders or employees. Supported by legislation enacted this year, the agency will begin to issue permanent or temporary bans across all modes including Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train, Commuter Bus and Mobility. The agency is also launching the Elerts SeeSay® mobile app, which enables riders to discreetly report safety concerns and communicate in real time with the Maryland Transit Police.
"Our riders and employees deserve to feel safe every time they take transit," said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. "By holding accountable those who commit assaults and by providing riders with a new tool to report concerns, we are reinforcing our commitment to a safe and respectful transit experience."
The Elert SeeSay® platform is a discreet, safety communication tool used by other transit agencies across the U.S. including MBTA, DART, SEPTA, CATA and BART. While riders are strongly encouraged to report safety concerns immediately to transit operators and station attendants, the SeeSay® app allows riders to report concerns in multiple ways: directly through the app, via text to 410-888-0675 or through an online form on the MTA’s website www.mta.maryland.gov.
Beginning Monday, October 6, users may submit photos or videos when reporting a safety concern. Each report is routed directly to Maryland Transit Police dispatch staff for review and response. The app integrates geo-location technology to provide MTA police dispatchers with the rider’s precise location — allowing for a faster and more accurate response. The Maryland MTA SeeSay app is available for free download in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or on the MTA website at mta.maryland.gov/safety.
The agency’s Code of Conduct, ‘Rules of the Ride’ was issued in August and outlines clear expectations for behavior while on buses, trains and in stations. The Code of Conduct is organized into three categories of behavior:
- Courteous Conduct: Everyday respectful actions that contribute to a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. This includes keeping seats accessible, speaking at a low volume, using headphones when listening to audio content, and being mindful of others.
- Prohibited Conduct: Actions not permitted on MTA property or vehicles. Examples include smoking, vandalism, carrying concealed weapons illegally, and disruptive behavior.
- Bannable Conduct: Unlawful acts that will result in a ban. This includes any type of assault—physical or verbal—threats, sexual harassment, or fighting against an MTA employee, another passenger, or anyone else on MTA property.
Enforcement of the Rider Code of Conduct and the policy to suspend or ban individuals who violate the code will be conducted by the Maryland Transit Police. If a rider is banned, they will receive formal notice of suspension or banning, as well as the process to appeal. The agency is sharing information about the Code of Conduct and enforcement policy on its website, social media and through announcements on buses, trains and at stations.
The public is encouraged to review the full Rider Code of Conduct at mta.maryland.gov/safety or contact the Transit Information Contact Center at 410-539-5000 for more information.
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:
Courtney Mims
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 667-392-0157
cmims@mdot.maryland.gov
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov
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