Sen. Lee Introduces Safe Transit Accountability Act

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Safe Transit Accountability Act, Sept. 30. Reps. Burgess Owens (R-UT) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) have introduced the bill in the House of Representatives. The legislation has earned an endorsement from the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), Utah DOT, and APTA.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) requires transit agencies who receive certain funds to create Safety Committees equally composed of labor unions and agency members. Safety Committees are required to review and approve Public Transit Agency Safety Plans (PTASPs). This gives labor unions the ability to obstruct PTASPs during negotiations, jeopardizing an agency’s federal funding.

In December 2024, labor representatives on UTA’s Safety Committee stalled approval of its PTASP. This obstruction threatened Utahns’ safety as well as crucial funding for UTA, as FTA threatened to suspend UTA’s federal funds over the issue.

The Safe Transit Accountability Act will protect Utahns by ensuring the timely implementation of safety measures and guard against similar such funding losses.

“American families deserve to have safe, reliable public transit,”said Sen. Lee.“Just last year, such obstruction [labor union vetoes] threatened resources for the Utah Transit Authority. The Safe Transit Accountability Act ensures that these disputes can be resolved by the executive authority responsible for rider and operator safety.”  

“The Safe Transit Accountability Act restores common sense by removing bureaucratic roadblocks and putting safety decisions back in the hands of those responsible for running our transit systems,” said Rep. Owens.“I’m proud to lead this bill with Congressman Smucker in the House and Senator Lee in the Senate to empower agencies like the Utah Department of Transportation and Utah Transit Authority to protect riders and ensure Utah’s growing communities have the safe, reliable service they deserve.”

“Millions of Americans rely on public transit every day, and travelers deserve to know their safety is always a priority,” said Rep. Smucker. “I am grateful for Senator Lee’s partnership in introducing the Safe Transit Accountability Act, which streamlines transit system operations and cuts red tape to efficiently address risk and safety concerns. I’m committed to ensuring transit systems here in Pennsylvania and across the nation provide the service America’s travelers deserve.”

“APTA applauds Senator Mike Lee’s leadership in introducing the Safe Transit Accountability Act,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “This bill addresses a real operational challenge by giving public transit agencies the clarity they need to meet federal safety requirements while ensuring the highest standards for the millions who depend on their services every day.”