DC-Maryland-Virginia Metro Reminds Riders How to Report Safely

Metro Transit Police remind riders to call 202-962-2121 or text 696873 for safety concerns

Metro Police Share Contact Numbers for Riders

Metro Transit Police reminded riders how to report disruptive behavior or safety concerns on trains and buses across the DC-Maryland-Virginia system. Passengers can call 202-962-2121 or text 696873 (MyMTPD) to reach Metro Transit Police directly, officials said January 9. The text reporting service has been available since around 2016, giving riders a discreet way to contact police without drawing attention.

Multiple Contact Methods Available

The reminder highlights Metro's dual approach to safety reporting, allowing passengers to choose between calling or texting based on their situation. Text reporting can be particularly useful when riders don't want to speak aloud in crowded train cars or buses, transit safety experts note. Metro didn't specify whether recent incidents prompted the January 9 reminder or if it's part of routine safety communications. The agency serves approximately 600,000 to 700,000 passengers on average weekdays across 98 rail stations and 269 bus routes.

Standard Practice Among Major Systems

Metro's approach aligns with industry standards for transit safety communication. Other major systems including New York's MTA and Chicago's CTA offer similar text-to-report services alongside traditional phone hotlines. Ronald Pavlik, Chief of Metro Transit Police Department, oversees the agency's safety operations across the three-jurisdiction system. Metro didn't release specific statistics about how many reports the department receives through phone versus text, or recent incident trends on the system.

Existing Service Continues

The announcement serves as a reminder of contact methods that've been in place for years rather than introducing new services. Metro Transit Police launched the MyMTPD text service nearly a decade ago to modernize how riders report concerns. Officials didn't announce changes to response protocols or staffing levels with the reminder.

What Riders Should Know

Passengers who witness disruptive behavior, safety concerns, or emergencies can use either contact method depending on their comfort level and situation. Metro Transit Police respond to reports across the system's 129 miles of track and extensive bus network. Riders can also check Moovit for real-time service information and route planning across the Metro system.