By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | WMATC Compliance Attorney | Shin Law Office
If you’re running a passenger transportation service in Northern Virginia, D.C., or Maryland, I want to be clear: your business lives or dies by WMATC compliance.
I’ve worked with transportation companies of every size, van fleets, bus lines, black car services, limousines, and shuttles, and what I’ve learned is simple: you’re not just moving passengers.
You’re operating inside one of the most tightly regulated corridors in the country under the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission (WMATC), and one misstep can bring everything to a halt.
One Mistake Could Shut Down Your Entire Operation
I’ve seen it happen.
A missed insurance filing.
A rate deviation.
A vehicle is missing required markings.
These aren’t minor administrative hiccups, they’re violations that can lead to:
- Fines of up to $5,000 per day
- Immediate suspension or revocation of your operating authority
- Forced removal of your fleet from the road
- Loss of revenue, contracts, and business reputation
You don’t get warnings. WMATC enforcement actions, like those detailed in Order No. 8640, prove that the Commission acts fast and decisively.
If you think you can ignore them or try to “wing it,” I assure you: you can’t afford the outcome.
Where Most Transportation Companies Get Tripped Up
Over the years, I’ve identified the six main compliance battlegrounds where passenger carriers lose ground:
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Operating Authority Applications
I help you apply for—and defend—your WMATC authority from day one. It’s the foundation of your legal ability to operate. If it’s weak, everything else collapses. -
Rate and Fare Filings
WMATC monitors your pricing structure with precision. I make sure your filings are compliant, defensible, and error-free. -
Insurance Mandates
A single lapse in coverage is a red flag for immediate enforcement. I work with your insurer to guarantee continuous, compliant policies. -
Safety Compliance
WMATC’s safety rules are not suggestions. I audit and document your compliance so you’re never caught off guard. -
Vehicle Markings
I ensure your fleet meets every requirement, down to font size and placement, so you never lose authority over a technicality. -
Taxicab Regulations
If you’re running a taxicab service, I’ll guide you through the maze of WMATC rules that apply only to you, and ensure you’re not violating service or fare restrictions.
Why Work With Me?
Because I don’t wait for the WMATC to find a problem—I find it first.
At Shin Law Office, I conduct confidential compliance audits to identify and neutralize issues before they escalate.
I also provide full-service legal navigation, including:
- Application strategy for new and expanding fleets
- Fare tariff structuring
- Real-time regulatory updates
- Enforcement, defens,e and appeal representation
If you’re already under investigation or facing a fine, I will be your frontline defender, challenging improper enforcement, negotiating penalties, and preserving your right to operate.
This Isn’t Just About Compliance—It’s About Survival
The WMATC doesn’t care how long you’ve been in business or how many 5-star reviews you have.
If you’re not compliant, you’re not protected. Every vehicle, every filing, every tariff matters.
So I’ll ask you this: Do you know the last time your business had a full WMATC compliance review?
If the answer is “no” or “not recently,” you’re at risk.
Let’s fix that—before you get a violation notice.
Call my office today to schedule a confidential WMATC strategy session.
We’ll review your filings, insurance, fares, and markings line by line so your business stays protected, profitable, and fully operational.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
Call 571-445-6565 or book a consultation online today.
