Pittsburgh Metro Rider Rules and Code of Conduct

The Pittsburgh Metro system operates under a formal code of conduct that governs passenger behavior on buses, light rail vehicles, stations, platforms, and all transit authority property. These rules exist to protect the safety of riders, operators, and staff, and violations can result in removal from service, civil penalties, or criminal referral under Pennsylvania law. Understanding the full scope of these conduct standards helps riders avoid enforcement actions and contributes to a system that functions reliably for all users. The Pittsburgh Metro home page provides orientation to the broader network of rider resources connected to these rules.

Definition and scope

Rider rules and the code of conduct constitute the enforceable behavioral standards adopted by the transit authority for all persons who access or use transit infrastructure — including vehicles in motion, stopped vehicles, fare-paid zones, paid platforms, unpaid waiting areas, park-and-ride lots, and transit authority administrative property.

The scope extends beyond the vehicle itself. A rider is subject to the code from the moment they enter any property boundary controlled by the authority. Transit Police, fare inspectors, and contracted security personnel all carry enforcement authority within this boundary. Pennsylvania's Second Class City Code and Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Vehicle Code) provide the broader legal framework within which transit authority conduct rules operate.

The code applies equally to:

• Fare-paying passengers holding valid tickets, passes, or reduced-fare credentials
• Non-fare individuals on transit property (e.g., meeters, greeters, or individuals sheltering at covered stops)
• Vendors and contractors operating on authority property under permit

How it works

Enforcement follows a tiered structure based on severity of the conduct violation.

1. Verbal warning — Issued by operators or security for minor infractions such as eating in a prohibited zone or blocking a doorway. No record is generated unless the rider refuses to comply.
2. Exclusion order — A written notice banning the individual from transit property for a defined period. Under Pennsylvania law, violation of a lawful exclusion order can constitute criminal trespass.
3. Civil citation — Issued for fare evasion or specific code violations. Fines vary by infraction type and are established in the authority's published schedule of penalties.
4. Criminal referral — Applied to assault on transit employees, vandalism exceeding the felony threshold under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3304, or threats involving weapons.

Transit Police employed by the Port Authority of Allegheny County (the operating agency behind the Pittsburgh Metro system) have full police powers under Pennsylvania law, including the authority to arrest, issue citations, and coordinate with the Allegheny County Sheriff and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

Fare enforcement operates separately from general conduct enforcement. Riders are expected to pay before boarding or to tap a valid Pittsburgh Metro transit card at fare gates. Inspectors may request proof of payment at any point during a trip; failure to produce valid payment constitutes a fare evasion violation distinct from conduct offenses.

Common scenarios

The following scenarios represent the enforcement situations most frequently encountered on Pittsburgh Metro vehicles and stations:

Prohibited items and substances — Open containers of alcohol, controlled substances, and smoking (including vaping) are prohibited on all transit property. Riders transporting permitted items such as bicycles or personal mobility devices must comply with the rules detailed at Pittsburgh Metro bikes and scooters.

Animal transport — Service animals are always permitted under federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Non-service pets are subject to specific containment and size rules outlined at Pittsburgh Metro pets policy. An unleashed or uncontained animal constitutes a conduct violation regardless of temperament.

Disruptive behavior — Loud audio without headphones, harassment of other passengers, blocking seats or aisles with luggage, and aggressive solicitation are all violations. Operators are authorized to radio Transit Police for removal when verbal redirection is unsuccessful.

Safety equipment interference — Tampering with emergency stop cords, fire suppression equipment, intercom systems, or doors is a criminal offense under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3303 (endangering transit facilities) and results in immediate criminal referral rather than a conduct citation.

Station behavior — Loitering in fare-paid zones without a valid ticket, skateboarding on platforms, or blocking accessible pathways triggers removal from property. Accessibility pathway obstruction also implicates ADA compliance obligations; riders with concerns about accessibility enforcement should review Pittsburgh Metro accessibility resources.

Decision boundaries

Not all enforcement situations are equivalent, and transit staff apply discretion within defined policy boundaries.

Conduct violation vs. criminal act — A single act of harassment directed at another rider is a conduct violation addressable by removal. The same act directed at a transit employee elevates to potential criminal charge under 18 Pa. C.S. § 2702 (aggravated assault on transit employees), which carries mandatory felony-level exposure.

Exclusion order duration — Short-term exclusions (1–30 days) are issued by Transit Police officers at the scene. Extended exclusions (31–365 days) require supervisor review and written documentation. Exclusions exceeding 365 days require an administrative hearing, during which the rider has an opportunity to present their account.

Medical emergency exception — A rider who appears to be in medical distress is not subject to conduct enforcement during the emergency. Transit operators are trained to summon emergency services; enforcement review, if applicable, follows after medical stabilization.

Age considerations — Unaccompanied minors under 14 are subject to the same conduct standards but enforcement escalates to notification of a parent or guardian rather than direct citation. Transit Police coordinate with Allegheny County's Office of Children, Youth and Families when minors present repeated or serious conduct issues.

Riders seeking to report a conduct violation, appeal an exclusion order, or access Pittsburgh Metro safety and security resources should use the authority's formal complaint channels rather than confronting the offending party directly.

References

• Port Authority of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh Regional Transit)
• Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18 – Crimes Code (Pennsylvania General Assembly)
• Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 75 – Vehicle Code (Pennsylvania General Assembly)
• Americans with Disabilities Act – U.S. Department of Transportation, ADA Requirements for Transit
• Federal Transit Administration – Safety and Security Programs
• Allegheny County – Office of Children, Youth and Families