California’s San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) board of directors approved a new Code of Conduct and Enforcement Policy for all passengers and members of the public using District services and facilities.

The policy supports the District’s commitment to the safety of all transit worker staff, including frontline bus operators and passengers. It's designed to improve rider experience and prevent bus operator harassment.

SamTrans’ New Policy

The policy is part of a comprehensive effort by SamTrans’ Bus Operations, Legal, Office of Civil Rights, and Safety and Security departments to address these issues.

The public transit industry is experiencing an increasing number of incidents in which the behavior of passengers threatens the safety of bus operators.

“According to Federal Transit Administration statistics, there has been a four-fold increase in operator assaults reported since 2009,” said SamTrans Director, Bus Transportation, Ana Rivas. “At SamTrans, the numbers are not as high, but we want to get ahead of the increase and prevent as many incidents as we can.”

In response, SamTrans has established this new policy to improve transit staff and public safety, deter passengers from engaging in disruptive and dangerous behavior, and minimize the risk of harassment against its operators and other onboard passengers.

Code of Conduct and Enforcement Policy

The Code of Conduct and Enforcement Policy covers all passengers and members of the public using SamTrans, Redi-Wheels, RediCoast, Ride Plus, and other District services and facilities, including at bus stops and stations.

The policy addresses behaviors that disrupt the safe operation of public transit vehicles, including harassment, discrimination, fare evasion, sexual harassment, physical and verbal assault, tampering with emergency exits, use of prohibited substances, blocking entry and exit ways, carrying and using weapons, and disregarding safety instructions.

Bus operators and other frontline employees are the primary observers of any violations and will report incidents to appropriate responders, including the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Transit Bureau.

Violators can be removed from SamTrans vehicles without a fare refund and may be excluded from using District services for a defined or indefinite period of time.