WMATA launches campaign to combat sexual harassment of riders

Yesterday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) introduced a public awareness campaign designed to prevent the sexual harassment of riders.

The campaign’s first phase includes an online portal at www.wmata.com/harassment, where riders can report incidents to WMATA Transit Police using a web-based form. Information submitted through the portal is immediately transmitted to police for follow-up action, and riders who report sexual harassment incidents have the option of remaining anonymous.

The portal also includes improved data tracking of incidents, WMATA officials said in a prepared statement. Campaign awareness posters soon will be displayed in train stations and onboard buses, and materials will be distributed across the system.

“The purpose of this outreach is to let people know that it’s not OK to sexually harass people on [our system],” said WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Richard Sarles. “We are encouraging anyone who may be harassed to report the incident.”