Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA)
OAKLAND, CA – On Friday, January 30, Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA) announced the introduction of the Rapid Intervention and Deterrence for Enhanced Rider (RIDER) Safety Act, alongside representatives from labor and public transit agencies. The bill encourages the use of transit support specialists across transit systems by expanding funding availability for these important, customer-focused roles.
The RIDER Safety Act specifically allows transit agencies to use federal capital investment grant money to hire transit support specialists who are trained in crisis intervention, de-escalation, customer service and more. These specialists – already in use at several agencies across the country – help riders navigate transit systems, access assistance, and add a crucial safety presence to trains, buses, and stations across a transit network.
“On behalf of our members at LA Metro, we thank Congresswoman Simon for her leadership on transit safety,” said Michael Winston, Chairman of TCU Local 1315 which represents members at LA Metro. “Union members know that safer transit is built by trained, professional workers – not just enforcement alone. The RIDER Safety Act recognizes the value of this work and supports the growing role TCU members play in creating safer, more welcoming transit systems — all while advancing good union jobs and long-term career pathways in public transportation.”
Josh Ott, President of TCU Local Lodge 1315
TCU members at LA Metro have seen the benefits of transit support specialists firsthand with their deployment through a pilot program at LA Metro in 2022. A UCLA study found that since their deployment, customer satisfaction has increased across the system and public safety perceptions have also increased.
Josh Ott, President of TCU Local 1315 stated, “The RIDER Safety Act recognizes that rider safety and system reliability depend not only on law-enforcement, but on trained, visible and engaged transit professionals who are present everyday on our vehicles, platforms and stations. Investing in transit support specialists is an investment in public safety, workforce support and transit reliability. Its impact will be long lasting, benefitting riders, employees and the surrounding communities that depend on safe accessible public transportation.”
“I want to thank Congresswoman Simon – and the 11 other cosponsors – for their leadership in helping make our transit systems a better place for both riders and employees,” said Ott.
Full text of the RIDER Safety Act can be found here.