June 6, 2025 —SEPTA bus drivers (including SMART-TD Alternate Vice President Bus-East and General Chairperson Anthony Petty) provided real-world feedback after testing out the bulletproof barriers designed to protect operators.
Developed by Custom Glass Solutions, the glare-resistant barriers are designed to shield operators from physical assaults and gunfire, while allowing quick access for first responders in case of emergencies.
In March, SMART-TD was there when snipers tested the bulletproof barriers, and today’s feedback-gathering from our members is the next step in the process.
Petty says that the company was on site with the drivers to ensure that all concerns were addressed.
“[We’re looking] to see if we need to change anything out, like the fare box might be too close, things like that,” explained Petty.
They’re also examining whether the barriers are too close to the steering wheel, which would mean that they need to be pushed up toward the windows so that drivers can still safely make turns.
Once the kinks are worked out for the barriers on the first eight buses, Petty is hopeful that production will ramp up early next year to outfit the entire SEPTA fleet.
After that, Petty wants to take this push for increased safety nationwide.
“I hope every bus company gets this, but it has to start somewhere, and I’m glad it’s starting with SMART.”
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