The Massachusetts Bay Transit Animals
Code of Conduct
Introduction
In general, “members” and “attendees” (defined below) must act appropriately at all times. Any behavior that may interfere with the operation of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (“MBTA”) or Massachusetts Bay Transit Animals (“Transit Animals” or “MBTAnimals”), causes harm/discomfort towards the public, misrepresent the Transit Animals in anyway is prohibited. Violation of these rules and the code of conduct may lead to removal from the group or a ban from our events.
The Massachusetts Bay Transit Animals and its members, attendees, contributors, organizers, management, and leaders pledge to make participation in our community a positive, inclusive, and safe experience for all. Our events encourages contributions from everyone who shares our goals and wants to participate in a healthy, constructive, and professional manner.
We are committed to being a community that everyone feels good about joining and we will always work to treat everyone well. No matter how you identify yourself or how others perceive you, you are welcome. We gain strength from diversity and actively seek participation from those who enhance it.
This document outlines both expected behavior and behavior that will not be tolerated. The Code of Conduct isn't an exhaustive list of things that you must do or can't do. Rather, take it in the spirit in which it's intended. It's a set of guidelines to make it easier to enrich our community.
A “attendee” is defined as an individual who has been given a Transit Animals badge at a event.
A “member” is defined as an individual who is in our public Telegram chat.
This Code of Conduct applies to both in-person events and online spaces administered by Transit Animals.
Transit Animals have the right to change the code of conduct without notice. In addition, organizers and event management may remove an individual at any time for any reason.
Knowingly assisting an individual in evading enforcement, re-entering events, or circumventing restrictions is prohibited will result in removal.
Venue Policy
Attendees must adhere to the rules listed in each venue. Public spaces must be kept clean. Damaging or defacing property (which includes affixing stickers) is strictly prohibited at any venue.
All attendees and members must read and agree to the MBTA Rider Rules and Regulations (see apendix 1.)
The following is some of the regulations the MBTA has listed:
Obstruction of MBTA Operations
Riders cannot interfere with MBTA duties and operations. Follow the directions of station staff.
Photography & Filming Rules (See section. 4)
Only personal photography is allowed (no commercial photography). Images of restricted areas (e.g. areas that are not open to the public or marked with "employees only") are not permitted. MBTA states that supportive equipment is not allowed anywhere in the MBTA. This includes (but is not limited to) tripods, monopods, wiring, or drones.
Fare Payment
All attendees must pay travel fares. Fare evasion of any kind is not allowed.
Eating & Drinking
MBTA rules states that Food and Drink must remain in closed containers.
The MBTA is a public space. Drinking alcohol from an open container in public is illegal.
Smoking & Vaping
Smoking, vaping and use of e-cigarettes are prohibited in all MBTA stations and vehicles.
Public Decorum
Attendees must wear appropriate attire at all times during our event in any venue areas. Transit Animal events are strictly family friendly during all times.
The following items are not allowed during our events:
Kink/fetish gear (e.x. Pup hoods, latex, leashes), nudity, display of weapons (including props), and any items that can reasonably be interpreted as promoting a partisan political message are not allowed during MBTAnimals events.
In addition, any items that may interfere with operations of both the MBTA, Transit Animals, or attendees, and/or the safety of attendees is prohibited.
The above list is not exhaustive. MBTAnimals organizers always have the final say whether if a attendee’s attire is appropriate.
Attendees are not required to wear Transit Animal badges for the duration of the event.
Safety
In an event of an emergency, guidance will be given from emergency responders which may include MBTA staff, venue staff, MBTA Transit Police, local police, fire marshals.
Attendees must not interfere during these responses. Interference may result in removal.
Harassment or discrimination based on someone’s race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, arrest or conviction record, marital status, gender, or sexual orientation is prohibited.
Harassment, violence, threats of violence, acts that may endanger others, or any actions that knowingly misrepresent in a way that causes harm, confusion, or reputational damage to an individual, a group, other events, or the Transit Animals is strictly prohibited. This may originate from in-person, online, or press statements.
Sales of goods during our events (even outside of MBTA property) is strictly prohibited as stated in the MBTA Rider Rules and Regulations.
Alcohol and illegal/controlled substances are not allowed during our events. The use of may result in both removal and reports to local authorities.
Instances of abusive, harassing, or otherwise unacceptable behavior may be reported to organizers and management. If you would like to discuss your concerns or if you have personally experienced unacceptable behavior, please reach out to safety@transitanimals.org.
We encourage reaching out to management, even if you are unsure whether something counts as a Code of Conduct incident or even if the situation is merely something you observed and did not happen to you directly.
Media
All individuals who intend to take any form of media must report to Transit Animals organizers (this is a Transit Animals policy and does not replace MBTA permissions) with their equipment and intentions. This includes those who intend to take pictures, videos, or any form of media.
You may not use the following when on MBTA property: tripods, monopods, wiring or any like equipment that may have an impact on the safety of customers or employees and are prohibited from interfering with the free flow of passengers, disrupting service in any manner or interfering with any transportation activity. See Appendix 2. for more information.
In public areas, you must adhere to venue rules and local laws when using any media equipment.
Photography or videography must be used for non-commercial usage only. By taking media during the event, Transit Animals have the right to use the photos you have taken.
Transit Animals organizers and management have the right to revoke an attendee’s right to photograph, film, or record at anytime.
Appendix 1.
MBTA Rider Rules & Regulations
Taken from mbta.com/safety/rider-rules-and-regulations on Jan 5, 2026 2:08 AM
Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. Allowing animals off leash, out of carriers, and/or taking up vehicle seats is not permitted.
Small domestic animals are allowed at all times if they're in a secure animal carrier. Keep carriers on your lap, if possible, and away from vehicle doors, especially during rush hour.
Larger pet dogs that don't fit in a carrier are not allowed on the T during peak hours (weekdays 7 – 9 AM and 4 – 7 PM). Larger dogs are allowed during off-peak hours if they're kept on a leash.
Riders should avoid bringing pets onto the T during holidays or large events, such as the Boston Marathon. MBTA personnel have the right to restrict pet access to T vehicles and stations within their own judgment due to conditions such as crowds or the animal’s behavior.
Large items are not permitted on the T. This includes: Appliances, Dirt bikes, Furniture, Instrument set-ups, Large machinery, Motorcycles, Retail or grocery store shopping carts.
With the exception of certain Commuter Rail trains and ferries where concessions are sold, food and drink should remain in closed containers. Please be considerate when eating or drinking on MBTA vehicles and in stations, and be sure to dispose of trash properly.
The MBTA is a public space. Railroad and ferry liquor licensing permit the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages from a Commuter Rail café car or ferry dining area on those vehicles for the duration of the trip, however drinking personal alcohol from an open container in public is otherwise illegal.
Riders cannot bring the following items into MBTA vehicles and stations: Dynamite, Gasoline, Gunpowder, Fireworks, Hoverboards, Propane tanks, Pure alcohol, Uncovered oil or grease containers, Weapons or firearms.
Riders who use respirators and portable oxygen supplies are permitted to board vehicles and enter station
Do not dispose of trash on the tracks as it can cause track fires and service delays.
Littering in MBTA vehicles and stations can result in fines or tickets. Be sure to remove all trash before leaving MBTA property.ons with their items.
Using mobile or music devices without headphones in MBTA stations and vehicles is prohibited.
Avoid loud conversations in person and on mobile devices when riding on the T.
Riders cannot interfere with MBTA duties and operations.
Trespassing, littering, loitering, and walking on tracks and busways is not permitted.
Sitting on or obstructing MBTA entrances, stairways and escalators is also prohibited.
Smoking, vaping and use of e-cigarettes are prohibited in all MBTA stations and vehicles.
Biking, skateboarding, rollerskating, and hoverboarding are not permitted in MBTA vehicles and stations. Bikes are prohibited on all green line trains and platforms, and during rush hour on other lines.
Motorized vehicles are permitted if used as a mobility device for people with disabilities.
Appendix 2.
MBTA Photography Policy & Procedure
Taken from mbtarealty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/mbta-photo-policy-20190104.pdf on Jan 5, 2026 2:09 AM
I. Background
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (“MBTA”) has security and public relations interests in persons who wish to take photographic or video images on, in, or of MBTA property, vehicles, or employees. Although in most instances there is no particular harm involved in taking photographic or video images on, in, or of MBTA property, vehicles, or employees, the MBTA has an obligation to provide for the safety and security of our employees and customers.
II. Policy
In order to provide the highest level of safety and security to its customers and employees and to ensure that marketing rights are protected, the MBTA has adopted this Photography Policy. Persons may take photographic or video images, including but not limited to film, digital or video recordings (Images) of MBTA Property, including but not limited to stations, buses, trains, or other vehicles for their personal use. Persons must not interfere with transportation activity while taking Images. Images of designated Restricted Areas (e.g. an area not open to the public, an area designated for “MBTA Employees Only”, etc.), are not permitted. Any person observed taking Images on, in, or of a Restricted Area may be subject to law enforcement action as appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted by law (e.g. in conjunction with a lawful arrest, etc.), MBTA Transit Police Officers or other MBTA officials shall not demand or take any action to delete, view or confiscate images taken by any person. Nothing in this policy shall preclude a police officer from acting within the authority granted under Mass. Gen. Law Chapter 41 Section 98. Any person wishing to take Images for any type of commercial purpose or use, (e.g., movies, commercials, trade publications, etc.) must first obtain a permit from the Massachusetts Realty Group.
III. Scope
This Policy is being issued by the Chief of Police under the authority granted him by the Board of Directors and the General Manager and applies to all employees, vendors, contractors, and all other persons on MBTA Property or vehicles.
IV. Procedure
Personal Use Photography (Non-Commercial)
No permit is required for personal and/or non-commercial use Images taken in public areas. Non-commercial photographers are prohibited from using tripods, monopods, wiring or any like equipment that may have an impact on the safety of customers or employees and are prohibited from interfering with the free flow of passengers, disrupting service in any manner or interfering with any transportation activity.
Commercial Photography
Any person wishing to take Images for any type of commercial purpose or use must first obtain a Permit by contacting the Massachusetts Realty Group, 20 Park Plaza, Suite 1120, Boston, MA 02116 (617-316-1660). Once issued, the Permit will be valid for a specific location, date and time, which is stated on the Permit.
News Media Photographers
News media photographers who prominently display their Commonwealth of Massachusetts News Media Photographer identification card, News Photographer tricard (See samples attached) or another form of official press/media identification will be allowed to take Images of MBTA Property, vehicles or employees so long as they do not interfere with the free flow of passengers or disrupt service in any manner. News media photographers are subject to the same limitations and restrictions regarding Restricted Areas of the MBTA. News media photographers are requested to make prior notification to the MBTA Public Affairs Office at 617-222-3302 and the MBTA Transit Police Department at 617-2221212.
Please note: Officials should advise the appropriate Line Dispatcher when observing a news media photographer taking Images on, in, or of MBTA Property, vehicles, or employees. However, they do not need to request information from the persons(s) so long as the media credentials are prominently displayed.
News media photographers are not allowed inside any crime or incident scene without the permission of, and an escort provided by, the on-scene MBTA Transit Police Incident Commander or his/her designee.
V. Employee Responsibilities
MBTA Officials: MBTA employees may not prevent or restrict a person from taking Images unless the activity interferes with transportation activity.