The side windows of the wagon are a combination of safety glass on the outside and polycarbonate on the inside. With the exception of the windows in the operator's cab, all other windows are made of safety glass. Metro provides a free web-based service called Trip Planner, which offers instant, accurate, and up-to-date information up to the minute. To use it, simply enter your starting point, destination, and time of day you plan to travel.
The trip planner will provide up to three of the best routes and will include information on fares and walking directions from a Metrorail station or bus stop to a certain direction. Every local government purchases the Metro service, and the frequency of service is determined by the number of people traveling and the amount of service funded by the local government. Service animals that help people with disabilities are the only animals allowed to travel without restrictions on the Metrorail and Metrobus. However, a pet can be transported on Metrorail and Metrobus, provided it is carried on board in a secure container from which it cannot escape. Eating, drinking, or smoking in the subway system is illegal due to labor and the costs associated with maintaining the cleanliness of the transportation system, as well as for safety reasons.
The Metropolitan Traffic Police can fine customers for violating these rules. Metro is one of the largest parking operators in the Washington region; however, in some places, demand for parking exceeds available spaces. A number of parking facilities have been expanded, and Metro is adding spaces at several other facilities. To reduce congestion at stations with limited parking spaces, customers are encouraged to consider using bus service instead. Parking on weekends and most federal holidays is free at Metro-owned facilities. The warning campaign starts in October and system-wide enforcement will begin in November.
During the first two weeks of the campaign, digital signs will display information about fines associated with non-payment of fares on Metrorail and Metrobus. After this period, digital signage will remain in place and MTPD officers and other Metro personnel will deliver physical warnings. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of existing fines associated with Maryland and Virginia and to inform fare evaders about new civil penalties in the District that will take effect in November. The warning campaign began in October and system-wide enforcement will begin in November. The October warning campaign is designed to inform Metro customers that they are necessary and expected to pay fees to use Metrorail and Metrobus; inform them about different fines and penalties associated with citations in each jurisdiction; and prepare them for citations that will be issued by MTPD once the warning campaign ends. The campaign will focus on an adult who doesn't pay fares. To prevent demagnetization of payment cards, customers should carry their cards in a wallet or purse where it lies flat; keep it away from portable electronic devices; not place it in a bag or wallet so that its magnetic stripe touches that of a credit or debit card; and see station managers if their fare card isn't working properly. Failure to pay rates hurts everyone and unfairly punishes customers who follow the rules.
This campaign will educate and warn fare evaders throughout the system about consequences associated with non-payment at Metrorail and Metrobus, as well as identify penalties associated with citations in each jurisdiction. MTPD already issues citations in Maryland and Virginia; they will issue system-wide fines including those for District residents starting November. Bicycles are welcome on Metrorail around the clock; however, cyclists should consider other customers when traveling with their bike. Bicycles are not allowed in crowded wagons; use designated seating areas if another passenger needs them; board trains using doors at each end of cars; don't ride bicycles at stations, platforms, or trains; keep both wheels on ground when riding bike; don't take bicycles on escalators; and be aware that Metro reserves right not to allow bicycles during special events or days when large numbers of passengers are expected. The District's history with fee enforcement policy has been complex. Prior to this year, there was no mechanism for MTPD to issue citations in District.
WMATA board members and district leaders have worked together on a solution that makes law enforcement consistent across region. The tickets are provided by each jurisdiction, but until recently there was no award or appeal process for Metro.
