Silver Spring, Md. – On August 12, representatives of ATU Local 689 and several Metro bus operators held a press conference at the Silver Spring Metro Station to protest a WMATA policy that requires drivers to announce the fare, “Hello, the fare is $2.25,” to each passenger.

Union says the rule fuels conflict

The union argues the mandatory greeting escalates tensions with riders, leading to verbal abuse, spitting, liquid attacks and, in some cases, physical assaults. The union cited an incident on August 1 in which a driver who reminded a passenger of the fare and the prohibition on open alcohol was repeatedly punched by a masked rider while the bus remained in service.

WMATA’s response

WMATA officials, including General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke, said the agency plans to upgrade its fleet with fully enclosed driver shields and increase transit police presence on routes with a history of attacks. The agency has reported 152 assaults on bus operators in fiscal year 2026.

Calls for policy review

Union leaders urged WMATA to revisit the fare‑quoting rule, noting that a similar policy was eliminated a decade ago without a rise in fare evasion. They emphasized that driver safety should be the top priority and asked the agency to allocate resources now for additional police protection rather than waiting for further incidents.

Community impact

Both drivers and riders want a safe, efficient public‑transport system. The dispute highlights the balance transit agencies must strike between fare collection procedures and the safety of frontline employees who serve families and commuters daily.

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.