Federal Protection for Train Crews Promised by Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2026 —INDEPENDENCE, OH

Union Endorses Bipartisan Legislation While Pushing to Extend Protections to Bus Operators 

The SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD), together with its Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee, announces its full and enthusiastic endorsement of the Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act.  

The bill would make the assault or intimidation of passenger rail workers a federal crime, bringing rail protections in line with long-standing federal laws safeguarding airline flight crews. 

Click here to read the text of the bill ►

“For far too long, our members have gone to work knowing there was a distinct possibility they were going to be assaulted during their workday. It has begun to be treated as if it were just ‘part of the job,’” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “That is unacceptable. This legislation sends a powerful and overdue message: an attack on a passenger rail worker is a serious federal crime, and it will be treated as such.” 

This bipartisan legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John Hoeven (R-ND). 

SMART-TD also emphasized that while the legislation marks critical progress, it currently applies only to passenger rail workers and does not extend those same federal protections to bus operators. This is a gap the union is actively working to close. 

“Our Bus Department members face the same threats, the same violence, and the same unacceptable risks every single day,” Ferguson continued. “While we applaud this step forward for passenger rail, we are deeply concerned that bus operators are not yet included. SMART-TD and our BTAPS Committee are actively pushing for the inclusion of our bus members, whether through an amendment to this bill or through stand-alone legislation. Our mission is to protect every member of this union, and while we are encouraged by progress, we will not be complacent until all our frontline workers are shielded at the highest level the law is capable of providing.” 

The legislation applies broadly to engineers, conductors, onboard crews, and station-based personnel, reflecting the real-world dangers frontline rail workers face daily. Penalties include up to eight years in prison for assault or intimidation, and up to twenty years when a dangerous weapon is involved. 

“No worker should ever go to work wondering if today is the day that someone might try to hurt them,” said Jared Cassity, SMART Transportation Division National Safety and Legislative Director. “Yet, just like in the airline industry, rail workers face that unfortunate reality every single day — which is why our members, the onboard conductors and assistant conductors, have long fought for parity with airline crew protections. Today, thanks to Senators Hoeven and Duckworth, we take a giant step forward toward achieving that goal with the introduction of the bipartisan Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act, which makes it a federal offense to interfere with the duties of onboard train crews and station personnel.” 

President Ferguson praised the bill’s sponsors for their leadership and bipartisan cooperation, highlighting their willingness to listen to our members while proving that protecting transportation workers is not a partisan issue—it’s a human one.  

The SMART-TD Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee has been at the forefront of tracking and confronting the growing epidemic of violence across America’s buses and passenger rail systems. Through survivor advocacy, public education, and direct engagement with policymakers, BTAPS works to ensure these attacks are no longer ignored or minimized. Confidential reporting tools, including SMART-TD’s Workplace Assault Reporting Form, provide critical data that strengthens advocacy efforts for stronger protections for all rail, bus, and transit workers. 

“This bill draws a clear line — if you assault a passenger rail conductor, there will be serious consequences,” said Cole Czub, BTAPS Committee Chairperson and passenger rail conductor for Keolis in Boston, MA. “That level of accountability is exactly what BTAPS has been fighting for. From day one, President Ferguson made it clear that assaults on transit workers are unacceptable, and this legislation reflects that commitment.” 

Czub added, “We thank Senators Duckworth and Hoeven for taking this issue seriously and showing bipartisan leadership. While our work is not finished, this bill reinforces SMART-TD’s resolve to end violence against transportation workers and ensure that every crew member, bus operator, and frontline worker can do their job and return home safely.” 

SMART-TD urges Congress to swiftly pass the Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act and stands ready to work with lawmakers to strengthen and expand protections so that all transportation workers receive equal safety under federal law.