Lower Bucks Today

A legislative proposal aimed at protecting transit operators from assault has been advanced by the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee. The bill, introduced by Senators Frank Farry and Christine Tartaglione, received unanimous approval from the committee.

Senate Bill 977 seeks to make it a crime to interfere with a bus or mass transit vehicle operator, categorizing such interference as a third-degree felony. Additionally, if an aggravated assault is committed against an operator, the penalty would escalate to a first-degree felony.

The necessity for this legislation has grown due to a rise in threats and assaults on transit operators in Pennsylvania since the pandemic began. Incidents involving Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operators have included gun violence and physical assaults.

“Our hope is this legislation will not only help safeguard our transit operators so they can safely do their job but protect passengers and other commuters on the roadway,” Senator Farry stated. He further explained that the bill is named after Bernard Gribbin, a U.S. Army veteran and SEPTA bus operator who was murdered while on duty on October 26.

Support for the bill comes from both transit agencies and their employees. With committee approval secured, the bill now moves forward to be considered by the full Senate.