The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced its support for new legislation designed to strengthen public transit safety and clarify dispute authority.
The Safe Transit Accountability Act, introduced by U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Burgess Owens (R-UT) this week, would clarify requirements under the Public Transit Agency Safety Plans to ensure dispute resolution on a transit agency’s Safety Committee lies with the authority ultimately responsible for rider and employee safety. Officials said the change would also guarantee federal grant disbursement is not stalled by bureaucratic gridlock.
“The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) commends Representative Smucker for his outstanding leadership in introducing the Safe Transit Accountability Act,” Paul P. Skoutelas, APTA President and CEO, said. “This important legislation reflects his strong commitment to public transit safety and a clear understanding of the challenges public transit agencies face. We’re grateful for his dedication to strengthening safety for the millions who rely on public transportation every day.”
Currently, federal regulations require that public transit agencies that receive federal funds must establish a safety committee. However, the law doesn’t provide clear direction for resolving disputes within the committees. Smuck and Owens said their legislation would address standards to help resolve compliance challenges and implement agency safety standards.
“The Safe Transit Accountability Act restores common sense by removing bureaucratic roadblocks and putting safety decisions back in the hands of those responsible for running our transit systems,” Owens said. “I’m proud to co-lead this bill with Congressman Smucker to empower agencies like the Utah Transit Authority, protect riders, and ensure Utah’s growing communities have the safe, reliable service they deserve.”