(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Following years of vocal advocacy by Bus and Transit Members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ Transportation Division (SMART-TD) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Lawmakers have now introduced the bipartisan Bus Operator Safety and Security Act. This legislation would require newly-purchased, Federally-funded fixed-route buses - with a length of 30 feet or longer - to include protective barriers fully enclosing the Operator’s workstation. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (Rhode Island) and Josh Hawley (Missouri). Its House of Representatives companion Bill was introduced by Representatives Shomari Figures (Alabama) and Jefferson Van Drew (New Jersey). SMART-TD is hailing the tireless efforts of its Bus Department, National Legislative Department and Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee as key to helping this issue breakthrough in the halls of Congress. “Not a day goes by that I don’t hear about one of our Members being shot, stabbed, spit on, verbally abused and more. Every day, at least (42) Transit Workers are assaulted on U.S. Transit Systems,” ATU International President John Costa said. “The Bus Operator Safety and Security Act invests in critical transit security measures, including an enclosed Driver workstation, to better protect our Transit Workers, riders, and communities. Operator safety is about public safety.”

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: Critical Bus Operator Safety Legislation Results from Years of Advocacy - SMART Union And ATU Applauds the Introduction of the Bipartisan Bus Operator Safety and Security Act | Amalgamated Transit Union