Bus Operator Safety and Security Act

Bill Number: H.R. 6635
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Last Updated: 2026-06-19T08:06:42Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Bus Operator Safety and Security Act aims to improve the safety and security of bus operators on fixed-route public transportation by mandating protective barriers in the operator workstations of certain new buses funded by federal grants. This legislation addresses vulnerabilities faced by drivers, such as assaults or intrusions, by requiring physical enclosures to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining visibility.

Key Provisions

Applicability: Applies to new fixed-route buses that are 30 feet or longer in length and have a useful life (expected operational duration) of 10 years or more.
Federal Funding Requirement: The barrier must be installed on buses purchased using federal funds under the Federal Transit Administration's programs, excluding funds from Section 5311 (which supports rural and tribal transit).
Barrier Specifications:
Extends from the bus floor to the ceiling.
Fully encloses the operator's workstation to block unwanted entry by people, liquids, or objects.
Does not obstruct the operator's view of the bus's exterior.
Timeline: The requirement takes effect 2 years after the law is enacted.
Waiver Option: A transit agency (recipient of federal funds) can certify that a labor union representing most frontline workers (or those of a contractor) has agreed to waive the barrier for a specific bus purchase.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends Section 5329 of Title 49, United States Code, which governs the Public Transportation Safety Program. It adds a new subsection (f) focused on bus operator workstations, shifting existing subsections down in numbering. Previously, this section outlined general safety certification and program requirements for transit agencies but did not specifically mandate protective barriers for bus operators. This introduces a targeted safety feature as a condition for federal funding, emphasizing operator protection in fixed-route services.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will need to enforce compliance during grant approvals and audits, potentially increasing administrative oversight for bus procurement. Transit agencies may face higher upfront costs for compliant buses, affecting federal grant budgeting.
On Citizens: Bus operators gain enhanced physical protection, potentially reducing workplace injuries or assaults and improving overall transit safety. Passengers may experience minimal changes but could benefit indirectly from safer operations. Rural or tribal transit users (under Section 5311) are exempt, preserving flexibility for smaller systems.
On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic transportation safety measure focused on U.S. public transit.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Bus Operators and Labor Unions: Primary beneficiaries through improved safety; unions play a key role in potential waivers, giving them influence over implementation.
Transit Agencies (Recipients): Must comply when using federal funds, which could raise procurement costs and require coordination with manufacturers.
Bus Manufacturers: Need to design and produce buses with the specified barriers, potentially standardizing features across models.
Federal Government (FTA): Oversees enforcement, ensuring federal funds support safer vehicles without exemptions leading to non-compliance.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal Implications: Strengthens federal oversight of transit safety under the National Transit Database and certification processes, potentially setting a precedent for equipment mandates in other transportation modes. Waivers tied to labor agreements ensure collective bargaining rights are respected, avoiding conflicts with labor laws.
Constitutional Implications: No apparent challenges; the bill aligns with Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and condition federal funding on safety standards, without infringing on free speech or due process.
Political Implications: Highlights bipartisan support for worker safety in public services (introduced by representatives from different parties). It may encourage similar protections in state laws or influence negotiations between transit agencies and unions, while balancing costs against safety in budget-constrained environments.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]

Cosponsors (25)

Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]

Recent Actions

2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
2025-12-11: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
2025-12-11: Introduced in House
2025-12-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Bus Operator Safety and Security Act — issued 2025-12-11 — PDF (2 pages)