Maryland Bus Company Owners: The Real Cost of Losing WMATC Operating Authority

By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | WMATC Compliance Attorney | Shin Law Office

Maryland Bus Company WMATC Revocation: Real Financial & Operational Risks

If you’re running a bus company in Maryland that operates within the Washington Metropolitan District, losing your WMATC operating authority isn’t just an inconvenience it can be a business-ending crisis.

In my experience as a WMATC attorney, losing that authority can mean:

  • Immediate suspension or revocation of your certificate, shutting you down overnight
  • Civil fines ranging from $1,000 up to $5,000 per day for repeated violations or willful non‑compliance
  • Expenses for enforcement proceedings are passed directly to the carrier, including litigation, audits, and administrative costs
  • Loss of contracts, reputation damage, and stranded assets, as any service across D.C., Montgomery County, or Prince George’s County is prohibited without a valid authority

What Triggers This Risk?

Common causes of revocation or enforcement include:

  • Insurance coverage lapses or misfiling
  • Failure to file annual reports or safety certifications
  • Unauthorized changes to vehicle markings or fare tariffs
  • Operating without a valid WMATC certificate

I guide clients through proactive compliance audits, filings, and swift legal responses to prevent these scenarios or respond if enforcement has already begun.

If you’re a bus operator in Maryland and you rely on WMATC authority, don’t wait until a notice arrives.

Let’s get ahead of the risk and safeguard your business.

Call my office today for a confidential compliance review.

Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
Call 571-445-6565 or book a consultation online today.