Duffy warns Chicago, Boston transit systems could lose federal support amid rising violence
Transportation secretary orders 14‑day safety reports from CTA and MBTA and reviews funding for fiscal years 2025–2026 as violence on two largest U.S. systems draws federal scrutiny
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Friday that Chicago and Boston could lose federal support for their transit systems if local leaders do not bolster rider and worker safety. In a Friday news release, Duffy condemned what he described as the two cities’ “failure” to protect riders and transit workers, citing a string of violent incidents on the Chicago Transit Authority and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Among the incidents cited were the assault of a 27-year CTA veteran who was punched and thrown onto the tracks, an elderly woman shoved off an MBTA bus, and a case in which a man used his belt to assault passengers, as noted in the Department of Transportation's release.
In formal letters to CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, Duffy directed both agencies to submit written reports within 14 days detailing what steps have been taken to curb crime, stop fare evasion and improve cleanliness. The reports must also summarize funding sources for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 related to safety and security, including any funds from federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security.
Duffy criticized both cities’ cashless bail policies, saying they allow “deranged criminals to repeatedly terrorize public space.” He added, “This is about standing up for American families who deserve a safe and clean transportation system.”
Following the incident of the elderly woman who was shoved off a Massachusetts bus and violently slammed to the ground, MBTA General Manager Eng said safety is the agency’s top priority and stressed that such conduct would not be tolerated. He also reminded riders they can report concerns anonymously at any time through the See Say app.
The letters are the latest in Duffy’s push for transit agencies to curb fare evasion and improve safety. Earlier this year, he issued similar warnings to transit systems in Washington, New York, and Los Angeles, as noted in the news release.
The broader national discourse on transit safety has intensified in recent weeks, including coverage of a case in which Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally attacked on a North Carolina light-rail train last month. That incident has been cited in political discussions about federal intervention and safety policy in urban transit corridors.
Officials in Chicago and Boston did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on Friday. The two agencies have faced ongoing scrutiny over crime, fare evasion, and system cleanliness as they work to secure federal funding and demonstrate progress on safety initiatives.
