Bill Summary
The "Rapid Intervention and Deterrence for Enhanced Rider Safety Act" (RIDER Safety Act) is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing security within public transportation systems. The bill seeks to amend Title 49 of the United States Code to allow for crime prevention and security grants specifically for "transit support specialists."
Transit support specialists are defined as unarmed personnel tasked with improving the safety and security of transit patrons through their presence and engagement. Their responsibilities include monitoring transit stations and vehicles, assisting riders, responding to medical emergencies, deterring disruptive behavior, reporting suspicious activities, managing minor conflicts, and providing crisis intervention services.
By expanding grant eligibility to include these specialists, the legislation aims to bolster the security framework of public transportation systems, ultimately enhancing the safety of riders and improving the effectiveness of transit operations.
Possible Impacts
The "RIDER Safety Act" could have several impacts on individuals and communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Improved Safety and Security for Transit Riders**:
With the introduction of transit support specialists who are present at transit stations and vehicles, the overall sense of safety for commuters could increase. This could lead to more individuals feeling comfortable using public transportation, potentially increasing ridership and reducing traffic congestion. The visible presence of personnel dedicated to monitoring and assisting riders can deter disruptive behavior and enhance the overall security of the transit environment.
2. **Enhanced Emergency Response and Assistance**:
Transit support specialists are tasked with assisting riders during various situations, including medical emergencies. This could lead to faster response times during incidents, as these specialists are trained to handle such situations and can coordinate with emergency services. Consequently, riders may experience improved support during emergencies, which can be crucial for their well-being and safety.
3. **Conflict Resolution and Community Engagement**:
The ability of transit support specialists to engage with the public and handle minor conflicts through alternative channels could reduce the need for police involvement in non-criminal disputes. This may foster a more community-oriented approach to conflict resolution, leading to a more positive atmosphere within transit systems. Riders might appreciate the focus on de-escalation and community support, potentially improving the overall experience of using public transportation.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6069 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6069
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for eligibility of
transit support specialists for crime prevention and security grants.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 17, 2025
Ms. Simon (for herself, Mr. Figures, Ms. Pou, Mr. DeSaulnier, and Mr.
Garamendi) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for eligibility of
transit support specialists for crime prevention and security grants.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rapid Intervention and Deterrence
for Enhanced Rider Safety Act'' or the ``RIDER Safety Act''.
SEC. 2. CRIME PREVENTION AND SECURITY.
Section 5321 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(a)
Capital grants.--The Secretary'';
(2) by inserting ``and, notwithstanding section
5307(a)(1)(D), operational grants from amounts available under
section 5338 to public transportation systems for transit
support specialists'' after ``crime prevention and security'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Definition of Transit Support Specialist.--In this section,
the term `transit support specialist' means unarmed personnel
responsible for performing a variety of duties designed to provide an
added sense of security to transit patrons through the presence of such
personnel on transit vehicles, stops, and stations and engagement with
the public, deterring and reporting disruptive behavior within transit
systems, including--
``(1) monitoring transit stations and transit vehicles;
``(2) providing assistance to transit riders and personnel;
``(3) assisting with and reports medical emergencies;
``(4) engaging with transit system personnel and the public
to establish an official presence and deter disruptive behavior
and security risks;
``(5) observing and reporting suspicious activity and
security threats to transit system personnel and law
enforcement;
``(6) handling minor, non-criminal conflicts through
alternative channels to preserve law enforcement resources for
critical or emergency incidents; and
``(7) connecting patrons with or performing crisis
intervention services to de-escalate conflicts.''.
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