WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Metro will soon ban anyone who commits a sex-related crime or assault on the transit system from using its services for an extended period, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced Thursday. WMATA said the Metro Board of Directors adopted t he policy, which will take effect on June 2, to prohibit anyone who commits a sex or sex-related crime or assault on a Metro employee, customer or contractor from entering or using Metro services for more than 24 hours. Currently, if someone violates the ridership conduct rules outlined in Metro's Tariff, Metro police can only ban them for up to 24 hours. This includes "abusive, unacceptable or unsafe conduct." PREVIOUS COVERAGE | WMATA to consider banning violent offenders from using bus, Metro system Courts can also issue bans on the Metro system; however, the prohibitions are short-lived and limited to the station or bus line where the offense happened. Under the new Metro policy, offenders will be banned from using Metro services for the following periods: First offense: 45 days Second offense: 90 days Third offense: 365 days “The implementation of this policy is about creating a safer, more secure environment where both customers and employees can confidently utilize the system,” said WMATA Board Chair Valerie Santos. “Banning individuals who display violent or lewd conduct promotes trust, reduces risks, and reinforces Metro’s commitment to well-being and accountability.” WMATA noted that bans that are longer than 24 hours are open to appeals. “We appreciate the Board’s support as we take every step we can to maintain a safe system,” Metro general manager and CEO Randy Clarke said. “Crime is at a seven-year low as a result of the many steps we’ve already taken — including making it harder to fare evade with taller faregates and putting more officers on trains. Having this policy in place will enhance our efforts and provide MTPD an extra tool to prevent repeat offenses.” The policy comes over a month after WMATA said it was considering implementing a banning program against "repeat and egregious offenders" as part of the transit system's annual public safety initiatives. “This is not just a quality of life issue. This is a fundamental safety, security, integrity issue. This is about protecting some of the most vulnerable people who are in the WMATA system, which are our employees and women,” said Dr. Tracy Hadden Loh, Principal Director on WMATA’s Board of Directors during a Jan. 30 meeting. ...read more read less