Rider Code of Conduct

RIDER CODE OF CONDUCT

INTRODUCTION

 PVTA is concerned about the security and safety of the traveling public and our operators.  We believe that it is our obligation and the obligation of the traveling public to work together to achieve this through the observance of a standard of conduct.  Any time inappropriate behavior is exhibited on transit properties or vehicles, the person(s) may lose the privilege of using PVTA services.  Safety is everyone’s responsibility and we request anyone that witnesses inappropriate behavior in or around transit facilities to report it to PVTA as soon as possible.

DEFINITIONS

Violence – Physical force employed so as to violate, damage, abuse, injure, or strike in any manner.
Threat – An expression or action showing intent to inflict harm.  The giving of signs or warnings of violence or the announcement of violence as a possibility.
Inappropriate Behavior – Any conduct that does not demonstrate respect for the safety and welfare of themselves and/or others or that interferes with the orderly provision of transportation services.  PVTA may use its sole discretion in determining the level of violations for any/all other inappropriate behaviors(s)/conduct that are not listed below.  The following represents only a partial list of behaviors and conduct which will not be tolerated in or around transit facilities or properties.  It is not intended to be all inclusive.

Typical Minor Violations

  • Profanity and/or offensive language
  • Talking too loudly
  • Trying to distract the operator’s attention
  • Pushing and jostling when getting on or off the transit vehicle
  • Crossing the “white standee line” before the transit vehicle stops
  • Eating or drinking on the transit vehicle
  • Playing audio playback equipment at a level audible to other passengers
  • Discourteous treatment of passengers or transit operators

Typical Major Violations

  • Physical violence, intimidation, and/or harassment toward another passenger or transit operator
  • Participation in illegal activity, including but not limited to sale, distribution, possession of stolen property or use, possession, manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, purchasing, transferring or being under the influence of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, or other intoxicants at any time on, in, or around transit facilities or property
  • Sexual touching or inappropriate comments
  • Damaging or destroying transit facilities/property or the personal property of another passenger or transit operator
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages
  • Language intentionally used to threaten or intimidate another passenger or transit operator
  • Use of racial slurs, racial/ethnic name calling, displaying racist behaviors
  • Throwing objects in transit vehicle or out of windows
  • Use of tobacco or smoking on transit vehicle
  • Spitting
  • Failure to follow direction from transit operator
  • Public Intoxication

PROCEDURE

A range of consequences and/or actions will be used to address non-compliance with appropriate rider conduct.  PVTA is responsible for writing up an incident report and correcting inappropriate behavior on transit facilities/properties.  Transit drivers are responsible for preparing an appropriate incident report and correcting behaviors that occur on transit vehicles with PVTA guidance/direction.

Consequences and/or actions could include one or any combination of the following:

Minor Violations of Conduct Rules:

First Offense – Verbal warning by PVTA operator to correct behavior.
Second Offense – The operator will notify PVTA and the offender(s) will be put off the transit vehicle.  If a passenger is put off the transit vehicle, the passenger is suspended from riding privileges on any PVTA vehicle for the remainder of the day.  Anytime a passenger is put off the bus for conduct violations, their fare shall be forfeited.  An incident report must be completed by the operator.

PVTA management will determine if the violation justifies notifying law enforcement.

Third and Subsequent Offenses of Minor Violations – Same as “first offense” major violations.

Major Violations of Conduct Rules:

First Offense – Riding privileges can be suspended at the discretion of the Potomac Valley Transit Authority.  When suspended, the offender is not allowed to ride any PVTA vehicle.  Anytime a passenger is put off the bus for cause, their bus fare shall be forfeited.  Operators will contact his/her supervisor with any/all major violations.

When a passenger exhibits inappropriate behavior on a transit vehicle or PVTA property, transit personnel will complete an incident report.  The incident report is given to a supervisor by the end of the next working day.

PVTA administrative staff will prepare a written letter of suspension from transit privileges by the end of the next working day.  The letter will state why the passenger was suspended, any documented history of disruptive behavior, and the length of the suspension.  The letter of suspension will be reviewed for finalization by the PVTA General Manager.

Second and Subsequent Offenses – When a passenger returns from suspension, the returning passenger’s behavior will be closely monitored.  If there is another documented incident of disruptive behavior, the passenger may be suspended for an additional period of time and/or all transit privileges permanently terminated.