Fitzpatrick, Malinowski, Moulton, and Bacon Lead Effort to Protect Frontline Transit Workers

Statement

day, April 15th, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Don Bacon (NE-02) led a bipartisan letter to the Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) urging the agency to take stronger measures to ensure that frontline transit workers are protected amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Over 140 members of Congress signed on in support of the letter.

"In the brief time since Congress passed this historic funding, we have already seen the tragic death of frontline transit workers as a result of the novel coronavirus. Bus drivers, station agents, cleaners, and other frontline transit workers are contracting the virus at a rate much higher than the general public. Nationally, at least 60 transit workers have died as a result of COVID-19," wrote the lawmakers.

"Our transit workers are out there every day, risking exposure to COVID-19 to provide vital services. The FTA should require public facilities, including buses and trains, to be disinfected, and enforce safe distancing between riders and transit operators," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "Taking these steps, in addition to current FTA guidance, will better protect our workers."

"Just last week a long-time conductor on the Raritan Valley Line running through my district passed away due to COVID-19," said Congressman Malinowski. "Our transit workers are risking their lives by going to work each day so that other essential workers -- doctors, nurses, first responders -- can continue to get to work. The very least we can do is provide them with a safe environment in which to do their jobs."

"Transit workers are braving exposure to the coronavirus to get first responders, health care professionals, and other essential workers to the front lines of this pandemic. Transit workers need PPE and stronger guidance on how they can minimize their own exposure and it's up to the Federal Transit Administration to step up and lead," said Congressman Moulton.

"Our public transit workers are at a much higher risk for contracting COVID-19 as they continue to provide essential services to communities," said Congressman Bacon. "Congress has a duty to ensure transit agencies and Americans are receiving the proper relief and guidance on how to safely go about their job."

"Thank you to Congressman Malinowski, Congressman Fitzpatrick, Congressman Moulton, and Congressman Bacon for fighting to protect frontline transit workers, who have been risking their health and that of their families every single day during this crisis. The FTA must issue requirements about providing PPE and mandating proper social distancing on board public transit before more brave workers are needlessly thrown in harm's way," said Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen.

"Industry-wide, thousands of transit workers have already tested positive for Coronavirus, and 21 of our members have died," said ATU International President John Costa. "Our members are getting infected at a rate that is higher than the general population because we are continuously exposed to dozens of riders at close range without adequate protections to keep us safe. It's time for the FTA to require transit agencies to take these stronger actions to better protect our members and the riding public."