DiDomenico acts to protect transit workers

Bill heightens punishments for assaults on MBTA, RTA, Commuter Rail employees

Special to The Advocate

State Senator Sal DiDomenico took action to support public transit workers by advocating and voting for a bill (S.2697) that steps up penalties for people who assault them while they are on duty. DiDomenico is an S.2697 cosponsor and spoke on the Senate floor advocating for the bill — titled An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker — which responds to an increased number of assaults targeting workers on Massachusetts’ public transportation systems by ensuring a greater minimum punishment. The Senate’s and House’s versions of the bill were both passed unanimously and amended. On November 24, the Legislature enacted the bill and it was placed before the Governor for her signature and/or other action.

“I was proud to co-sponsor and fight for the passage of the transit worker protection bill in the Senate,” said Senator DiDomenico. “Transit workers have been increasingly targeted by assaults while on the job, and this bill ensures that these essential workers are explicitly protected while bringing people to their jobs, doctor appointments, schools, grocery stores, and keeping our community connected.”

Boston Carmen’s Union, Local 589 President Jim Evers said, “This is a significant victory for everyone who rides or operates public transit. We are thankful for the Senate and the House for supporting this common sense legislation and look forward to Governor Healey signing it into law. Our MBTA bus and train operators deserve to be safe on the job and commuters deserve to know that public transportation is safe. This bill will ensure that those who assault public transit workers will be held accountable and that our valued transportation employees are protected. Our transit workers keep Boston moving every day and deserve our utmost respect. This legislation adds transportation personnel to the list of public employees who need extra protections so they can do their job safely and efficiently and improve our communities for all.”

Reportedly, according to testimony at a recent Massachusetts Legislature public hearing, MBTA workers in 2024 were targeted by 33 assaults with weapons and 72 physical assaults. Public transit systems workers also face possible assault with bodily fluids, such as saliva. This legislation explicitly holds individuals accountable for bodily substance assaults and other types of assaults. The bill ensures that all transit workers are covered, including those who are not directly employed by the Commonwealth, such as workers employed by Keolis, the state’s contracted commuter rail operator.