For years, SMART-TD has sounded the alarm about the growing epidemic of violence on transit systems across the country, a problem that’s showing few signs of slowing down. Since our union took on this mission, we have succeeded in changing Federal Transit Administration (FTA) policy, gotten bulletproof barriers installed in some regions, and have been a driving force behind numerous state laws designed to curb transit violence.
Doubling down on our union’s commitment to protecting the safety of not only our bus and passenger rail members but also the riding public, a specialized training at the upcoming Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS) will focus on tackling this problem head on, including what to do if a violent situation arises.
Learn Strategies for Dealing with Unruly Passengers, Tense Situations
Last presented at the Anaheim Regional Training Seminar in September of 2025, the goal of SMART-TD’s Assault Prevention Training is to help our bus operators and passenger rail workers learn strategies for dealing with unruly or abusive passengers and diffuse situations before they escalate.
Specifically, the training covers…
- Handling difficult interactions
- Effective strategies for deescalating tense situations
- Protocols to ensure employee and passenger safety
- Best practices for calm, controlled responses
Led by leadership from SMART-TD’s Bus & Transit Assault Prevention & Safety (BTAPS) Committee, attendees will discuss what constitutes unruly behavior, building rapport with passengers early on, and what to do if a violent incident occurs, including how to document it and report it to the BTAPS Committee.
Please note that this training is primarily geared towards SMART-TD’s bus and passenger rail members.
Specific information, including the tentative day and time for the training, can be found on the Meetings page via the SMART Union mobile app.
Don’t Forget to Register for the Baltimore RTS Today!
If you plan on attending the Baltimore RTS later this summer, you’re encouraged to book your room and register NOW while there’s still availability.
As a reminder, the training begins with your arrival on Monday, August 31, 2026, with an evening Welcome Reception at 6:00 pm in the B&O Railroad Museum.
Registration closes on August 17, 2026, and there will be no onsite registration available. Late registration is subject to an additional $50 late fee.
Register for the Baltimore RTS ►
Book Your Hotel Reservation ►
Attendees are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.
We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore as we work towards ensuring safer buses and trains nationwide!
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