New SamTrans Policy Strengthens Rider and Employee Safety

The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), San Carlos, CA, has adopted a new Passenger Suspension Policy, strengthening its commitment to safety for passengers and employees.

The policy authorizes SamTrans to temporarily suspend individuals who engage in unsafe, threatening, or disruptive behavior on its vehicles or property, including fixed-route buses, Redi-Wheels, RediCoast, Ride Plus, SamCoast, shuttles, bus stops, and stations.

“This gives us an important tool to protect both our passengers and front-line employees,” said General Manager/CEO April Chan. “Safety is fundamental to public confidence in transit, and this policy reinforces our commitment to that principle.”

The Passenger Suspension Policy builds upon the agency’s Code of Conduct and Enforcement Policy, adopted in April 2024, which outlines prohibited behaviors such as harassment, assault, fare evasion, and tampering with safety equipment. The new policy provides a clear, enforceable mechanism to respond to repeated or severe violations of that code.

SamTrans will partner with law enforcement to enforce the new policy, removing disruptive riders when necessary and, in serious cases, continuing to seek restraining orders through the courts.