Following President Trump's executive order signed on March 29, 2025, WMATA has been designated to collaborate with local law enforcement to tackle fare evasion and crime on its transit services. This directive, aimed at enhancing immigration and crime enforcement, raises concerns over WMATA's role in potentially facilitating repressive policies that may disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

In 2024, WMATA implemented a series of targeted safety measures—including comprehensive staff training on risk management, completion of system-wide safety assessments, installation of modernized faregates at all stations, and enhanced police surveillance measures—that contributed to a nearly 40% decline in system-wide crime and an 82% reduction in fare evasion, while also saving costs through a new police training academy.

The WMATA Metro Board approved a new four-year labor agreement with ATU Local 689, which represents around 8,000 employees. The contract includes a 2.4% annual wage increase, a potential additional 1% wage hike linked to ridership growth, preservation of the defined benefit pension program, and modifications that allow Metro to hire directly for new positions.

WMATA workers overwhelmingly (90% approval) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement that reinstates retiree healthcare, guarantees future wage increases, and enhances workplace accountability. This union victory marks a significant step in bolstering fair labor practices post-pandemic.

WMATA's Board of Directors approved a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with ATU Local 689. The agreement, effective from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028, includes provisions such as scheduled wage increases, fatigue management safety protocols, and enhanced operational cost controls, all of which support worker rights and safety.

A federal district judge ruled that WMATA's restrictive advertising guidelines, which had led to the rejection of four religiously themed ads submitted by WallBuilders, were unconstitutionally vague. The ruling mandates that the ads be accepted, thereby upholding constitutional free speech protections.

WMATA announced the deployment of special police officers across buses, trains and stations along with a vast network of over 30,000 surveillance cameras to enhance passenger safety. While the initiative has reduced fare evasion and crime, its heavy reliance on surveillance and policing measures raises concerns about potential authoritarian overreach and the impact on community relations, particularly among marginalized groups.

WMATA announced a safety campaign involving the deployment of 30,000 surveillance cameras and a 70% increase in police patrols, in collaboration with local law enforcement and special officers, aimed at reducing crime on the transit system. While the initiative has led to a decline in crime rates and increased ridership, the expanded use of advanced surveillance technology and increased police presence raises concerns about potential empowerment of authoritarian practices.

On December 12, 2023, the ACLU and First Liberty Institute filed a lawsuit against WMATA alleging that its policy restricting advertisements that may influence public opinion – including those with religious viewpoints – violates the First Amendment. The complaint highlights concerns that WMATA’s selective enforcement of its advertising guidelines undermines free speech and may reflect an authoritarian approach to public messaging.

A lawsuit filed by First Liberty Institute on behalf of WallBuilders alleges that WMATA applied its advertising guidelines inconsistently by rejecting a Christian non-profit's requests while allowing other political and religious advertisements, raising concerns over selective censorship and viewpoint discrimination.

In 2023, WMATA increased its safety measures by boosting patrols with special police officers and deploying over 30,000 surveillance cameras across its transportation network. While the initiative aims to reduce fare evasion and crime, the heavy reliance on increased police presence and extensive surveillance raises concerns about potential over-policing and authoritarian control over public spaces.

WMATA announced a pilot program to install new video surveillance systems on 22 X2 buses in September to deter assaults on drivers and passengers. The system features dual displays, with one screen showing the recording to the bus operator and another for passengers, promoting transparency and accountability.

WMATA has initiated an $81,000 pilot program to install video surveillance monitors in 22 buses on the X2 bus line. The installation aims to deter crime following a series of violent incidents, but it also raises concerns about enhanced surveillance and potential misuse against marginalized communities.