Congress Is Right To Prioritize Public Transit Worker Safety
To the Sisters and Brothers of Local 689,
Last month, a coalition of more than one hundred bi-partisan members of Congress sent a letter to Federal Transit Administrator Fernandez urging action to protect public transit workers by fully implementing the FAST Act. Public Transit workers face an alarming trend of increased harassment and violence from unruly passengers each and every day. As our country continues into the third decade of the 21st century, modernizing public transportation is essential. While policy is discussed to bring about that change, conversations ensuring a safe work environment for the dedicated workers who operate public transit is a necessary facet.
As with many things, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed cracks in DC’s Metro and brought to light challenges faced by the system and its employees. During the Trump Administration, the FTA decided not to implement new safety standards to protect transit worker safety, determining the then current regulations were sufficient. Their decision was contrary to the law passed by Congress and reality. Since the decision in 2019, the circumstances have only become more dire. According to data collected, at least one transit worker is assaulted per day while at work. Over the past decade, the dangers public transit workers face have increased in frequency and veracity, and there is nothing to suggest the alarming trend will not continue. The persisting effects of the pandemic, widespread apprehension about the economy, and neglected community investment are examples of factors contributing to the increase in violence public transit workers face each and every day. More must be done by elected leaders at all levels of government to curb the increase in violence.
Earlier this year, a Metro engineer and member of ATU Local 689 was shot and killed while defending passengers from a man with a gun. Since then, we continue to partner with WMATA to improve the safety of the Metro system for all passengers and employees. We’re committed to continuing to improve safety conditions, but we cannot do it alone. Updated Federal regulations is a corner piece necessary for constructing the whole puzzle.
The public transit workers throughout D.C. move the region, transporting millions of people every year. Transit workers provide an important public service and prioritizing their safety will also protect the safety of the passengers. The importance of protecting public transit workers should not be an afterthought for lawmakers and regulators. Instead, it should be emphasized in order to ensure a safe and reliable transportation system for everyone. The efforts by members of Congress to ensure the FTA protects the public transit workforce is appreciated. The FTA should heed their call and take action. Twice in the past eight years, Congress has taken action to protect the safety of public transit workers. There is no reason to wait for Congress to take action a third time to use the tools at their disposal to impact change.
It is clear that more work has to be done to account for the current and future transportation needs of our region. While there are many individuals proposing a variety of solutions, it is essential that improved safety for transit workers be included in these solutions, in all solutions. An enhanced and constantly improving public transportation is vital for future generations of employees and tourists. Safety concerns will always persist, but that doesn’t excuse not doing anything. It is important that steps are taken now to improve safety in the short-term and build a foundation for a safer transit system which will serve future generations. With the government funded for this fiscal year, (at least for the next few weeks), it is time for the FTA and Congress to shift their focus to protecting public transit operators. Restarting the process for developing new regulations aimed at protecting public transit workers is a great start. But there is still more to do.
In Solidarity,
Raymond N. Jackson
President and Business Agent
