Rider Code of Conduct

MTA’s Rider Code of Conduct (Code) is intended to be an informative and transparent resource for all MTA passengers about what behaviors are encouraged and expected, what behaviors are prohibited, and what the potential consequences are for engaging in prohibited behaviors while using MTA service or within MTA facilities. This information is designed to help passengers make choices that respect the safety, comfort, and dignity of MTA staff and other passengers while also maintaining the cleanliness and good condition of MTA’s vehicles and facilities. Whether MTA is your workplace or your ride home, everyone deserves a safe and comfortable experience.

Behaving courteously while riding the MTA System contributes to a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers and employees and is a way that you can contribute to a positive experience on MTA. To be a courteous passenger, please follow the below guidance:

• Let passengers exit before you board.
• Stand away from the doors and the edge of the platforms.
• One person, one seat: Keep your bag on your lap or at your feet, and scoot over to make room as needed.
• Follow all directions on signs and/or given by MTA personnel.
• Have your fare, pass, or qualifying ID ready to board or for inspection.
• Speak courteously to MTA employees and other passengers.
• Speak at a reasonable volume to MTA employees or other passengers.
• Use headphones when listening to music or other content on your phone.
• Leave no trace: Dispose of trash in proper receptacles, and never litter.
• Do not eat or drink on any MTA vehicle (except as allowed on MARC or Commuter Bus).

The following behavior is prohibited on MTA vehicles and in MTA facilities because of the negative impact on the health, safety, and comfort of MTA employees and fellow passengers. Engaging in prohibited behaviors, or any behavior explicitly prohibited in the Maryland Transportation Article, could result in a citation or you being asked to leave the vehicle or facility. Some of these prohibited behaviors are also illegal, and engaging in them could be subject to police intervention to enforce all applicable laws.

• Unlawful possession of a firearm.
• Harassment, including verbal abuse, use of racial or other slurs, intimidation, excessive screaming and yelling, and excessive foul language or gestures.
• Sexual harassment: Any of the above types of harassment with sexual overtones or unwanted solicitation of dates/sexual acts.
• Exposing yourself to others.
• Smoking.
• Using illegal drugs.
• Intentionally breaking or damaging MTA property or vehicles, including writing or drawing on them.
• Stealing from others or stealing MTA property.
• Spitting on MTA property

Assaulting an MTA employee, other passenger, or anyone else on any MTA service or on MTA property is illegal and may result in a ban – either permanent or temporary – from MTA service.

Assault includes:

• Intentionally hitting someone.
• Threatening someone with a weapon.
• Unwanted sexual contact/groping.
• Fighting.
• Intentionally spitting on someone.
• Overt verbal threats of violence.
• Other behaviors defined as assault by Maryland law, as interpreted by any law enforcement officer(s) present.

If you are banned from MTA service, you will be notified of the appeals process.