Safe and Affordable Transit Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6298

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-26: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Last Updated

2026-01-24T09:06:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Safe and Affordable Transit Act aims to enhance safety on public transportation systems in urban areas by authorizing federal grants to cover operating costs for crime prevention and security measures. It also mandates a study to evaluate effective strategies for reducing crime in transit environments.

Key Provisions

• Grants for Operating Costs: The U.S. Secretary of Transportation may provide grants to public transportation systems in urbanized areas (eligible under existing federal transit funding rules in section 5307 of title 49, U.S. Code). These grants bypass certain population size requirements to broaden access.
• Eligible Uses of Funds:
• Hiring additional police officers to patrol public transportation vehicles and stations, including nearby areas.
• Contracting with local police departments to boost officer presence on transit routes and stations.
• Upgrading physical infrastructure to improve safety for passengers and operators, such as installing monitoring devices (e.g., cameras), protective shields for drivers, and other structural changes.
• Funding Authorization: $50 million is authorized annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support these grants.
• Required Study: The Secretary of Transportation must partner with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies to conduct a study on crime prevention in public transit. The study, developed in consultation with labor unions representing transit workers, will examine:
• Current crime prevention efforts by transit agencies.
• Successful tactics for deterring crime.
• Unsuccessful tactics.
• Best practices for reducing crime in public transportation systems.

The study's findings must be submitted to Congress.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends section 5321 of title 49, U.S. Code (which governs investigations and research by the Department of Transportation), by adding a new subsection (b) specifically for these security-focused operating grants. Previously, federal transit funding under section 5307 focused more broadly on urban public transportation without dedicated provisions for crime prevention operating costs or exemptions from population thresholds. The amendment introduces targeted funding for security without requiring matching state or local funds in the same way as other programs.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation will administer new grants and oversee the required study, potentially increasing its workload and coordination with research bodies and labor groups. Local transit agencies gain access to federal funds for security enhancements, which could reduce reliance on local budgets.
• On Citizens: Public transit users, especially in urban areas, may experience safer travel through increased policing and infrastructure improvements, potentially encouraging more ridership and reducing crime-related fears. Transit workers benefit from enhanced protections.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic public transportation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Transit Agencies: Urban public transportation operators eligible for section 5307 funds, who can apply for grants to bolster security.
• Law Enforcement: Local police departments, which may receive contracts to provide more officers on transit routes.
• Transit Workers and Unions: Frontline employees (e.g., drivers, station staff) involved in consultations for the study and benefiting from safety upgrades.
• Passengers and Communities: Urban residents relying on public transit, particularly in high-crime areas, who stand to gain from reduced risks.
• Federal and Research Entities: The Department of Transportation and the National Academies' Transportation Research Board, responsible for grant distribution and study execution.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill expands federal support for public transit security without altering core eligibility for existing programs, potentially streamlining funding access. It emphasizes evidence-based approaches through the mandated study, which could influence future regulations or appropriations.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; the legislation falls under Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8) to fund interstate commerce and public welfare, including transportation safety.
• Political: By prioritizing urban transit security, the bill addresses rising concerns about crime in public spaces post-pandemic, potentially appealing to bipartisan interests in infrastructure and public safety. The $250 million total authorization (over five years) represents a modest but targeted investment, which could set precedents for similar niche funding in transportation policy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-26: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
• 2025-11-25: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-11-25: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-25: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Safe and Affordable Transit Act — issued 2025-11-25 — PDF (3 pages)