Senate Acts to Protect Transit Worker

Bill heightens punishments for assaults on MBTA, RTA, Commuter Rail employee

NOVEMBER 21, 2025

Recently, Senator Bill Driscoll Jr. (D-Milton) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate in taking action to support public transit workers by stepping up penalties for people who assault them while they are on duty.

An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker, S.2697, responds to an increased number of assaults targeting workers on Massachusetts’ public transportation systems by ensuring a heightened minimum punishment.

On the MBTA alone, workers in 2024 were targeted by 33 assaults with weapons and 72 physical assaults, according to testimony heard by the Legislature at a recent public hearing. The bill ensures that all transit workers are covered, including those who are not directly employed by the state, such as workers employed by Keolis, the state’s contracted commuter rail operator.

Workers on the MBTA, commuter rail lines, regional transit authorities, and other public transit systems also face possible assault with bodily fluids, such as saliva. MBTA workers were targeted by 38 bodily fluid assaults in 2024. This legislation explicitly punishes bodily substance assaults in addition to other types of assaults. Convicted perpetrators of any such assaults would face a heightened minimum 90 day sentence or $500 fine. The maximum punishment is up to two and a half years in a county facility or up to a $5,000 fine.

“Public transit workers are simply trying to do their jobs every day, and we owe them protection from disrespectful, harmful and violent behavior,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “When public transit workers can do their jobs without worrying about their safety, it benefits every single resident and business that relies on our public transportation infrastructure every day. I’d like to thank Senator Collins for leading on this issue, Chairs Rodrigues and Edwards for prioritizing this legislation, and the entire Senate for standing for the hard working people of this Commonwealth.”

“No public transportation employee should report to work fearful of a physical attack just for doing their job,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Our transit workers do a fantastic job keeping Massachusetts’ public transportation operating so people can get to work every day, and they should not be subject to any violence in the performance of their duties. This legislation expressly prohibits any form of assault and battery on a transit employee and levies stiffer penalties for any such actions.”

“Transit workers are among the most essential employees of our Commonwealth, carrying out the steady and often unseen work that allows tens of thousands of people to travel safely and reliably each day. Their commitment keeps our cities moving, even under challenging and unpredictable circumstances,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston), lead sponsor of the bill. “When the rights and safety of these workers are impinged upon, it is an affront to the invaluable service they provide and the trust the public places in them. We must remain vigilant in safeguarding their wellbeing, as they encounter nearly every facet of public life in this line of work. Legislation like this, which strengthens protections and expands the definition of what constitutes an assault against a transit worker, sends a clear message that we do not take their hard work for granted and that we stand firmly behind those who keep our Commonwealth connected.”

“Transit workers are essential to our city’s daily life, providing vital services to everyone who lives in or visits the Boston area,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-East Boston), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. “It’s more important than ever that these workers are protected and fairly compensated for their dedication to keeping our city moving. Like first responders and law enforcement officers, transit employees serve on the front lines of our community—and they deserve to feel safe and respected while doing their jobs. I’d like to thank Senator Nick Collins for leading on this legislation, Senate Ways and Means for their advocacy, and Senate President Spilka for her support.”

“Public transit workers deserve the peace of mind that throughout each and every one of their work days, they are safe and treated with respect,” said Driscoll. “Following an uptick in assaults against transit workers, this legislation showcases the Senate’s commitment to protecting the wellbeing of public workers on – and off – the job.”

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the bill with a 17-0 vote on November 6, 2025. The House of Representatives passed a similar version of the bill on October 22, 2025 following a favorable report from the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on August 18, 2025.

The Senate passed the bill on a 38-0 roll call vote, sending it to the House for further consideration.

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Statement of Support

Jim Evers, President, Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589

“This is a significant victory for everyone who rides or operates public transit. We are thankful for the Senate and the House for supporting this common sense legislation and look forward to Governor Healey signing it into law. Our MBTA bus and train operators deserve to be safe on the job and commuters deserve to know that public transportation is safe. This bill will ensure that those who assault public transit workers will be held accountable and that our valued transportation employees are protected. Our transit workers keep Boston moving every day and deserve our utmost respect. This legislation adds transportation personnel to the list of public employees who need extra protections so they can do their job safely and efficiently and improve our communities for all.”