Metro issues stricter ban on people who commit sex crimes and assaults

State of play: As of now, if a person violates Metro's "passenger conduct rules," they can be banned for only up to 24 hours. Under the new policy, individuals can be banned for weeks or even a year, likely starting June 2.

• First offense: 45 days
• Second offense: 90 days
• Third offense: 365 days

How it works: After a person is arrested by Metro police or MPD, they'll be issued a ban notice and their information and photo entered into a database.

• During the ban, the person's SmarTrip card will be deactivated and they'll be arrested if found on Metro property.

By the numbers: Overall, Metro crime is at a seven-year low, according to WMATA, but hundreds of people still suffered incidents in 2024.

• 227 employees were assaulted, including aggravated and simple assault, and threats.
• 76 sex crimes occurred, including indecent exposure and lewd acts. Of those, 61 crimes were committed by repeat offenders.

Between the lines: The new policy comes while the Trump administration is casting its focus on Metro, including an executive order last week that includes directives to crack down on Metro fare evasion and "other crimes."