By Angelica C. Gualpa
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Hollywood) yesterday announced the Safe and Affordable Transit Act, new bipartisan legislation to improve safety and restore affordability on America’s public transportation systems.
The measure, which was announced at the Burbank Airport Metrolink Station, supports local transit agencies by creating a new federal grant program to hire additional police officers and fund key safety infrastructure upgrades.
The bill aims to reduce crime on public transit, lower costs for local agencies, and increase rider confidence. Notably, U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), who is close to the Trump Administration, co-sponsored the measure.
“Every Angeleno and every American deserves access to safe and affordable transit — and that’s exactly what my new, bipartisan legislation is all about,” said Friedman. “The Safe and Affordable Transit Act will restore confidence and help make sure public transportation is reliable, affordable, and safe for every family, every day.”
Amalgamated Transit Union International President John Costa said the bill addresses the fact that every day, at least 42 transit workers are assaulted on U.S. transit systems.
“In 2024, there were more than 11,000 incidents of bus operators or other transit workers being attacked. By investing in transit security measures, including increased law enforcement, we are better protecting our riders, communities, and transit workers,” said Costa.
Locally, LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said the bill will help accelerate the implementation of the safety and security initiatives that are being rolled out across the County. “As we look forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028, these type of investments will ensure Metro is safe, secure, and ready to make America proud,” she said.
LA Metro Chief of Police & Emergency Management Bill Scott said the measure comes as the Metro Department of Public Safety will need to hire more than 600 sworn officers over the next 4 years. “We’re revolutionizing the way safety is delivered on transit by building a multilayered public safety ecosystem on Metro, and we thank Rep. Friedman for her leadership in helping us make Metro safer for everyone,” said Scott.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger lauded Friedman for “introducing this important legislation.”
“As a Metro and Metrolink board member, keeping our riders and employees safe is my top priority. I’ve championed security enhancements like reinforced fare gates and our tap-to-exit pilot—I believe these are important investments,” said Barger.
“Over the past year and a half, these and other improvements have already delivered meaningful safety benefits. Approval of this bill would provide the critical funding we need to expand and scale these types of improvements across our transit system. Our riders deserve a system where safety is the standard, not the exception.”
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