U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concerns on Friday regarding the safety of transportation systems in Chicago and Boston, warning that federal support could be at stake if improvements aren’t made.
In a recent statement, Duffy criticized local leadership for what he called a “failure” to protect both riders and transit workers, highlighting several violent incidents linked to the Chicago Transit Agency (CTA) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Notable incidents included an attack on a 27-year-old CTA employee who was assaulted and thrown by a truck, as well as an elderly woman being pushed off an MBTA bus and a man attacking passengers with a belt.
Duffy emphasized the federal government’s commitment to cities and their residents, lamenting that local officials seemed to prioritize criminal behavior over public safety. He urged Chicago and Boston to take concrete steps to enhance safety and reduce crime affecting commuters and transit personnel.
In a formal letter addressed to CTA President Nora Leerhsen and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, Duffy requested both agencies to provide a written report within 14 days. This report should outline specific measures being implemented to combat crime, improve cleanliness, and address freight avoidance. Additionally, the agencies need to clarify their funding sources for safety and security in the years 2025 and 2026, particularly regarding federal support, including from the Department of Homeland Security.
Duffy also voiced criticism of cashless bail policies in both cities, suggesting that such laws allow criminals to continue endangering public safety.
In response to these incidents, Eng defended the safety of the MBTA, especially following the incident where an elderly woman was pushed out of a bus. He highlighted the importance of reporting concerns anonymously through the See Say app, assuring the public that safety remains a top priority.
This recent communication marks Duffy’s ongoing efforts to enhance transportation safety, following similar warnings issued earlier in the year to transit systems in New York and Los Angeles.
Last month, a tragic event saw a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Irina Zaltoska, fatally attacked on a North Carolina light rail train, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The CTA and MBTA have yet to respond to requests for comments on this matter.
