Boston and Chicago, September 20, 2025
News Summary
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has urged immediate action to enhance safety for riders and workers in Boston’s MBTA and Chicago’s CTA transit systems. Following several violent incidents, Duffy warned that federal funding could be impacted if both transit authorities fail to submit plans detailing their measures to improve transit safety within two weeks. He emphasized accountability and outlined specific requirements for addressing crime and fare evasion, particularly highlighting South Station in Boston as a critical area for improvements.
Boston — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has called for immediate action to improve safety for riders and workers in Boston and Chicago transit systems.
Key developments
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have been urged to enhance safety measures after incidents of violence on their systems. Secretary Duffy emphasized accountability and warned that federal support could be at risk if improvements are not made. The Secretary requested both the CTA and MBTA to submit reports within two weeks detailing their actions to deter crime, stop fare evasion, and improve transit safety.
Recent violent incidents referenced in federal correspondence include an attack on a CTA employee and an elderly woman being injured after being pushed off an MBTA bus. Secretary Duffy also referenced a fatal stabbing incident involving Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a train in North Carolina to highlight the seriousness of transit safety.
Federal expectations and potential consequences
Secretary Duffy has indicated that failure to respond adequately to the safety concerns could lead to redirected or withheld federal funding. He requested that the reports summarize security measures and funding sources related to safety initiatives. The Secretary pointed to South Station, the second-busiest transportation hub in New England, as a critical area needing improved safety measures and noted that the federal government has previously invested heavily to enhance South Station facilities.
Local responses and context
MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safety and stated ongoing collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. Eng highlighted recent investments in modernization, technology, accessibility, and infrastructure showing tangible results as ridership returns. The MBTA has initiated new efforts to crack down on fare evasion after a significant drop in fare revenue, which fell by $230 million compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The Secretary criticized the cities for allowing cashless bail, claiming it contributes to repeated violence in public spaces. He also mentioned a recent enforcement operation by federal immigration officials in the Greater Boston area as part of a broader concern about local policies affecting safety. Duffy’s statements reflect a wider concern that Massachusetts and Chicago must prioritize the needs of public safety over the needs of criminals.
Broader federal actions
Following previous threats of federal action, similar letters were sent to transit authorities in other major cities like New York and Los Angeles. The MBTA and CTA have a shared obligation to ensure a clean and safe environment for all passengers and transit workers. This situation is ongoing, and updates from the MBTA and CTA are anticipated regarding their safety initiatives.
What the reports must include
- A timeline and description of actions planned or already taken to deter crime and improve safety on transit systems.
- Details on steps to address fare evasion, including enforcement strategies and revenue recovery plans.
- Summaries of security measures in place at key locations, including South Station, the second-busiest transportation hub in New England.
- Identification of funding sources for safety initiatives and any requests for additional federal support.
Immediate next steps
- The CTA and MBTA must submit reports within two weeks describing their responses.
- Federal reviewers will assess whether planned or executed measures meet expectations and may take action regarding federal funding where appropriate.
- Transit agencies are expected to continue coordination with local and federal law enforcement and to publicize safety improvements as they are implemented.
FAQ
What action did U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy take?
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has called for immediate action to improve safety for riders and workers in Boston and Chicago transit systems.
Which transit authorities were directly addressed?
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have been urged to enhance safety measures after incidents of violence on their systems.
What incidents prompted the demand for improved safety?
Recent violent incidents include an attack on a CTA employee and an elderly woman being injured after being pushed off an MBTA bus.
Did Secretary Duffy reference other incidents outside Boston and Chicago?
Secretary Duffy referenced a fatal stabbing incident involving Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a train in North Carolina to highlight the seriousness of transit safety.
What specific deadline did the Secretary set for reports?
The Secretary requested both the CTA and MBTA to submit reports within two weeks detailing their actions to deter crime, stop fare evasion, and improve transit safety.
What financial detail about MBTA was included?
The MBTA has initiated new efforts to crack down on fare evasion after a significant drop in fare revenue, which fell by $230 million compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Which location was identified as a critical area needing improved safety measures?
Duffy’s letter specifically identifies South Station, the second-busiest transportation hub in New England, as a critical area needing improved safety measures.
What enforcement or policy concerns did the Secretary raise?
Duffy criticized the cities for allowing cashless bail, claiming it contributes to repeated violence in public spaces.
Could federal funding be affected?
The Secretary indicated that failure to respond adequately to the safety concerns could lead to redirected or withheld federal funding.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authority issuing demand | U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy |
| Transit systems addressed | Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) |
| Report deadline | Within two weeks |
| Key incidents cited | Attack on a CTA employee; elderly woman injured after being pushed off an MBTA bus; fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska in North Carolina |
| Specific location highlighted | South Station, the second-busiest transportation hub in New England |
| MBTA fare revenue change | Fare revenue fell by $230 million compared to pre-pandemic levels |
| Possible federal action | Redirected or withheld federal funding if safety concerns are not addressed |
| Local agency response | MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng reaffirmed commitment to safety and collaboration with law enforcement |
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Additional Resources
- WCVB: Boston Transit Safety Federal Threat Duffy MBTA
- NBC Boston: MBTA Safety – US Department of Transportation
- Bloomberg: Duffy Calls Out Chicago and Boston on Transit Safety
- Travel and Tour World: US Travel Safety in Chicago and Boston
- Boston Herald: MBTA to Tighten Up Safety or Lose Federal Funding
- Wikipedia: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
- Google Search: Boston Transit Safety
- Google Scholar: MBTA Safety Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transportation
- Google News: Chicago Transit Authority Safety
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