Maryland Transit System to Ban Code of Conduct Violators

Passengers who harass or assault other riders could face permanent bans from the system per a new Rider Code of Conduct.

1 minute read

August 31, 2025, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Security officer in dark blue uniform stands next to silver subway train on platform.

A Maryland transit security officer. | everythingforall / Shutterstock

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) announced it will begin suspending or banning passengers who violate the agency’s code of conduct by harassing or assaulting other passengers, reports Daniel Zawodny in The Banner.

“The new policy, which goes into effect Oct. 1, comes alongside an updated ‘Rider Code of Conduct’ that formally prohibits many commonsense prohibited behaviors on MTA vehicles and at stations like smoking, stealing and unlawful possession of a firearm.” The code is part of an effort to increase safety on transit.

Agency officials say the goal of the policy is deterrence, not surveillance, and that “The agency is developing a mobile app that riders can use to discreetly report prohibited behavior to MTA police.”

According to the agency, the rate of serious incidents on MTA vehicles has fallen by roughly 56 percent over the past decade, with 159 such incidents reported last year.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 in The Banner

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