Lobbying #3- Public Transportation Crime

• Public Transportation Act 2010- implemented to ensure transit safety nationwide.

• The bill is bipartisan and was written by Chairman Chris Dodd, Ranking member Richard Shelby & Chairman Robert Menendez.

The Pubic Transportation Safety Act 2010 aims to:

·      Establish a national public safety plan
·      Increase federal funding
·      Establish a transit monitor
·      Authorize appropriations for the public transportation safetyFederal Transit Administration (FTA)
FTA supports public transportation systems around the United States. Safety is the United States Department of Transportation’s highest priority.
“On December 8, 2009, FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff joined Secretary Ray LaHood at a hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, to discuss the Federal role in rail transit safety.”

Currently, there are no laws regarding crime prevention for SEPTA, however SEPTA Safety Plans and Actions are being negotiated. SEPTA created a Resource Management Review Group to brainstorm ideas for the safety and betterment of the customers and the company.

The SEPTA community affairs unit works with the Transit Police and various communities. The unit communicates with schools, community groups via presentation, etc to discuss crime prevention, transit etiquette, and other issues.