METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

D.C. Metro campaign aims to 'STOP' harassment

The ads empower riders to report and intervene if they witness or experience an incident of harassment.

April 9, 2019
D.C. Metro campaign aims to 'STOP' harassment

Larry Levine/WMATA

2 min to read


Larry Levine/WMATA

Washington, D.C.'s Metro announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign to stop harassment. The new ads will begin running in stations April 9, 2019, in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Stop Street Harassment Week.

The ads, developed in partnership with Stop Street Harassment and Collective Action for Safe Spaces (CASS), empower riders to report and intervene if they witness or experience an incident of harassment. The campaign features the message “You can help STOP harassment” with four simple strategies that spell out STOP – Sidetrack, Tell, Observe and Postpone.

Ad Loading...

“Harassment of any kind is unacceptable in the Metro system,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Ron Pavlik. “It’s important for riders to have the tools to know how to report harassment and how they can help if they see it happening.”

D.C. Metro's new anti-harassment ads empower riders to report and intervene if they witness or experience an incident of harassment. WMATA

The latest campaign is part of an ongoing effort that began in 2012 to raise awareness and combat sexual harassment in the Metro system. In a report last year, Understanding Sexual Harassment on Public Transportation, Metro found that familiarity with the campaign increased the likelihood of reporting incidents of harassment.

"Everyone can help make our transit system a more welcoming place by taking action when they witness sexual harassment. We hope this new PSA campaign can empower riders to know what to say and do in those situations," said Holly Kearl, founder of Stop Street Harassment.

Metro has developed a variety of tools to provide a safe, convenient way to report incidents of harassment. Customers may text Metro Transit Police at MyMTPD or call 202-962-2121, tell a Metro employee or go to wmata.com/harassment.




More Security and Safety

A Waev Gem vehicle with a ramp deployed.

ABC Teams with Waev, Knorr-Bremse in Boston Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Denver RTD Police's BRIT team
Security and Safetyby StaffMay 5, 2026

Denver RTD Transit Police launch Bus and Rail Impact Team

BRIT patrols are over and above those already occurring within the district. For example, the agency experienced three copper wire thefts along the G Line in April, followed by others later in the month and in early May.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
Photo of disaster in neighborhood near a highway
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

How the Motorcoach Industry Supports Disaster Response and National Preparedness

Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.

Read More →
DART light rail and transit bus.
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 29, 2026

Dallas Area Rapid Transit Strengthens Safety with Expanded Security Presence

The approved contract modification will increase funding for transit security officer services to a total not-to-exceed amount of $32.1 million, ensuring a continued and visible security presence across DART’s buses, trains, stations, and facilities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Trains at railroad crossings
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

Read More →
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.

Read More →
SEPTA Transit Police officers
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 21, 2026

Report: Crime on Philadelphia's SEPTA Continues to Drop

According to the new quarterly data, there were double-digit reductions in five of the eight serious crime categories, including aggravated assaults and robberies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A product grouping image of the AngelTrax Vulcan Series VX4AI All-in-One MDVR and V1284HC MDVR
Technologyby StaffApril 8, 2026

AngelTrax, City of Freeport Partnership to Enhance Fleet Safety

The project, finalized on February 12, provides the city with two different configurations of high-definition cameras to outfit 16 buses in the Pretzel City Area Transit fleet.

Read More →