U.S. Rep Lateefah Simon (D-CA) introduced new legislation recently that would support the creation of transit ambassador programs across the country.
The legislation, the Rapid Intervention and Deterrence for Enhanced Riders (RIDER) Safety Act, would allow public transit agencies to hire transit ambassadors trained in de-escalation, crisis response and rider education and engagement as a “visible, non-enforcement presence to deter low-level incidents and reduce conflict,” Simon’s office said. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Shomari Figures (D-AL), Nellie Pou (D-NJ), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), and John Garamendi (D-CA).
The legislation mirrors the work Simon did at Bay Area Rapid Transit to create the first-in-the-nation Transit Ambassador Program which earned awards as an “innovation in public safety.”
“We have seen the success of the transit ambassador programs here in the East Bay, and I am dedicated to bringing this proven public safety model to the rest of the country,” Simon said. “These are strong local jobs for people who want to support public safety on transit and serve as a resource to individuals who may be in crisis or in need of services. Strengthening safety on transit benefits us all and helps ensure our public transportation systems remain places of opportunity, dignity, and trust.”
The legislation is endorsed by the BART, LA Metro, AC-Transit, SF-MTA, Amalgamated Transit Union, Transport Workers Union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO (Transportation Trades Department), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Transportation Division, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and Transportation Communications International Union.
“At BART we are listening to our riders, and they have been loud and clear that we need to be safe, clean, and reliable,” BART Board President Melissa Hernandez said. “Our overall crime rate dropped by 41 percent compared with the previous year. Traditional officers and unarmed staff are working together to provide a visible safety presence that is working to deter unwanted behavior.”