Category: Legislation
RIDER Safety ACT Aims to Curb Transit Assaults Nationwide
Transit operators could gain critical support while on the job under a new bill that provides federal funds for “transit support specialists,” unarmed security responsible for detecting and defusing disputes and other risks before they become violent. Read on to learn about the impact they could have on transit systems across the country and in the lives of riders and operators.
Rail Safety Is Too Important For Corporate Discretion
A veteran Louisiana railroader dismantles the myth that safety mandates hurt efficiency, arguing from lived experience that federal rail safety rules exist because companies repeatedly choose profit over people when left to police themselves. Read on to see why rail workers, not think tanks or lobbyists, are the true experts on what it takes to keep crews and communities safe, and why the Rail Safety Act deserves a full vote in Congress.
Virginia 2-PC Law Could Become a Reality if We Act Now
After falling victim to former Governor Glenn Youngkin’s veto pen in 2024, legislation requiring a minimum two-person crew (2-PC) on freight trains is one step closer to becoming law in Virginia. With a new governor in office, the momentum is on our side —read on to learn how you can help get the bill over the finish line.
Federal Protection for Train Crews Promised by Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act
As transit workers across the country continue facing the near-daily threat of assaults on the job, a new bipartisan bill endorsed by SMART-TD would make the assault of passenger rail workers a federal crime. Read on to learn more about the bill, including why this is only the first step in protecting all members of our union.
New Rail Safety Bill Addresses East Palestine “Vent and Burn” Failures
As the third anniversary of the East Palestine, Ohio derailment approaches, SMART-TD has endorsed the Under Pressure Act. Introduced Jan. 15, 2026, the bipartisan bill is an important step in safely responding to tank cars involved in a derailment. Read on to learn why this is important for us all.
Victory in Chicago as SMART-TD Helps Establish New $1.5 Billion Transit Agency
On December 16, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act (NITA) into law, ensuring that Chicago’s transit systems are guaranteed the funding they need to avoid service and job cuts. SMART-TD was invited to attend the signing and was instrumental in passing this critical legislation. Read on to learn more about another legislative win for our union.
New Jersey Train Length, Crew Size Law Awaits Governor’s Signature
A historic, first-of-its-kind rail safety bill has passed both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature! Read on to see more on the major protections like maximum train length limits and strict two-person crew requirements for freight rail workers.
Transit Funding Boost Proposed by SMART-TD Backed Bill
The Moving Transit Forward Act reignites interest in helping transit agencies meet operational and security shortfalls. The act taps into a funding mechanism that already provides grants to city transit systems. Read on to learn more about the Act and SMART-TD's support.