Public transportation systems in Chicago and Boston may be in jeopardy of losing federal backing due to escalating crime rates and safety issues, as indicated by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Duffy, in a recent news release, stated, “President Trump cares about our great cities and the hardworking Americans who inhabit them. Chicago and Boston are on notice to take actions that enhance safety and reduce the crime affecting their riders and transit workers – or risk federal support.”
There have been a series of worrying incidents on public transportation across America. In Charlotte, North Carolina, a Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was the victim of a fatal stabbing – an alleged hate crime. In Chicago and Boston, incidents of violence against transit workers and riders have been increasingly reported.
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Both Chicago and Boston rank as the third and fourth-largest public transportation systems in the country, in terms of ridership. The release also mentions both cities’ controversial cashless bail policy, which critics argue may allow repeat offenders to continually disrupt public spaces.
Federal Transit Administrator Marc Molinaro echoed Duffy’s sentiments, indicating their intent to restore safety to public transit. “Our transit systems are the circulatory system of our communities. We’re making transit safe again.”
Duffy has given the Chicago Transit Authority and the Boston Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority 14 days to submit detailed reports outlining measures taken to tackle violence, reduce fare evasion, and improve cleanliness. This also includes a request for details on safety funding for the next two fiscal years, along with any federal assistance that has already been received.
Public transportation is essential to the functioning of America’s urban centers, and the safety of those who use it should be paramount.
