RIDER Safety ACT Aims to Curb Transit Assaults Nationwide

Across the country, transit workers continue to face the growing threat of being attacked on the job every day.

Now, this serious issue is finally being addressed on a national level.   

Introducing “Transit Support Specialists”

Sponsored by Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (CA-12) and endorsed by SMART-TD, the “Rapid Intervention and Deterrence for Enhanced Rider Safety Act” also known as the “RIDER Safety Act” would allow public transportation systems to use crime prevention and security grants for Transit Support Specialists. These individuals are tasked with de-escalating disputes before they become violent and ultimately improve public safety.

“No one should have to face violence, intimidation, or disorder simply to get to work or do their job,” said SMART-TD’s Deputy National Safety & Legislative Director Don Roach. “Yet every day, our members are assaulted, threatened, or put in harm’s way while serving the public. That is unacceptable.”

Transit Support Specialists are “unarmed personnel responsible for performing a variety of duties designed to provide an added sense of security to transit patrons through the presence of such personnel on transit vehicles…deterring disruptive behavior within transit systems.”

Some of those duties include monitoring transit stations and vehicles, observing and reporting suspicious activity and security threats to law enforcement, and handling minor, non-criminal conflicts.   

Similar Effort Proven Successful in Previous Pilot Program

Back in 2020, Congresswoman Simon led this same effort for San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit. After a successful pilot, the agency established the country’s first-ever transit ambassador program.

With fare disputes causing the bulk of assaults against transit workers, operators are often forced to choose between enforcing payment policies and protecting their own safety.

Transit Support Specialists are not a substitute for local law enforcement and would only have reporting authority, but they’re an important, proactive tool in the fight to curb attacks against transit workers and de-escalate situations before they turn violent.   

Proactive, Fact-Based Legislation Benefits Riders and Operators 

Roach praised Representative Simon for being proactive in protecting the safety of both operators and the riding public.  

“This legislation takes a smart, practical approach to improving safety on public transit—one that reflects the real experiences of riders and transit workers every day,” he explained. “By allowing federal safety grant dollars to fund transit support specialists, this bill emphasizes prevention, visibility and early intervention.”

SMART-TD calls on Congress to support and pass the RIDER Safety Act. Together with our transit brothers and sisters across the country, we will continue fighting until all operators are guaranteed the safest work environment possible!