Federal Government Warns Boston and Chicago on Transit Safety

Boston, September 21, 2025

News Summary

The U.S. Transportation Department has issued warnings to Boston and Chicago, demanding immediate action to improve safety measures on mass transit systems. Federal officials are requesting reports detailing actions address crime and fare evasion, citing recent violent incidents as justification. The warnings emphasize potential risks to federal funding if safety is not prioritized. Local transit authorities, like the MBTA, acknowledge the threat and are increasing enforcement measures amid significant fare revenue declines.

Boston — The U.S. Transportation Department has put Boston and Chicago on notice, signaling possible federal action unless both cities take immediate steps to improve safety on mass transit systems.

Top line: Federal warning and demands

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy called for immediate action from leaders in Boston and Chicago. The department sent formal letters to regional transit officials demanding reports within two weeks that detail steps being taken to address crime and fare evasion.

The letters were directed to MBTA General Manager Phil Eng and Chicago transit leadership and asked for a summary of security and safety funding sources used by the transit authorities, including federal funds. Boston and Chicago were warned that failure to improve rider and worker safety could put federal support for projects and programs at risk.

Evidence cited by federal officials

The U.S. Transportation Department cited recent incidents on the MBTA, including a woman being shoved off a bus and a man hitting someone in the face with a belt near Harvard Square. Duffy referenced last month’s unprovoked stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a North Carolina commuter train, who was killed on August 22, as an example of the stakes federal officials say they want to avoid.

Duffy criticized both cities for allowing cashless bail, claiming it permits deranged criminals to terrorize public spaces. Duffy said that while local leaders seem intent on putting the needs of criminals first, federal officials are not waiting for the next Iryna.

Local transit responses

MBTA leadership has acknowledged the federal inquiry and is taking steps on multiple fronts. Eng stated the MBTA is cracking down on fare dodgers and increasing safety measures, saying that one occurrence is too much. The MBTA recently started addressing fare evasion due to a $230 million decline in fare revenue compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Eng also affirmed ongoing collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement to enhance public safety on transit systems. Deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary Steven Bradbury echoed Duffy’s sentiments about addressing crime and safety needs in Boston during a recent event.

Context: immigration enforcement and local politics

Duffy’s latest demand arose amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement in the Greater Boston area and associated criticisms of local ordinances and state laws. Federal officials tied concerns about public safety and enforcement actions to broader debates over local policy decisions.

Related transit initiatives: Massport pilot program

Separately, Massport is planning a pilot to pilot a remote TSA screening program at the Framingham Logan Express location from June to August 2026. Under the pilot, passengers will be able to go through TSA security and check bags at the bus pick-up location in Framingham before boarding a secure Logan Express bus. Duffy indicated that the TSA will oversee the remote screening and must approve the plan before implementation.

The program aims to reduce congestion at Logan Airport and enhance the travel experience for passengers. Massport CEO Rich Davey plans to discuss this remote terminal option with the Massport board of directors. The pilot would serve 30 to 35 travelers per bus, operate during selective hours, and require reservations in advance. The pilot program’s success may lead to expansion to additional Logan Express locations including Braintree and Woburn.

Massport seeks to use existing staff for the service, while the need for additional TSA staffing remains uncertain. Davey visited Atlantic City to observe a similar service provided by American Airlines that allows travelers to bypass airport security lines. Davey expressed hopes to encourage more public transit use and provide a more enjoyable experience while traveling.

What federal officials requested

• A report within two weeks from MBTA and Chicago transit leadership identifying actions being taken against crime and fare evasion.
• A summary of all security and safety funding sources used by the transit authorities, including federal funds.
• Information on specific enforcement and safety measures being implemented to protect riders and transit workers.

Immediate implications

Transit agencies face scrutiny of both operations and funding. The federal notice increases pressure on local leaders to show measurable steps to reduce crime on transit lines and to address substantial fare-revenue shortfalls that have prompted increased enforcement efforts.

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Additional Resources

• WCVB: Boston Transit Safety Federal Threat
• Wikipedia: Mass Transportation in Boston
• NBC Boston: TSA Screening Before Logan Airport
• Google Search: TSA screening Logan Airport
• Hoodline: Boston and Chicago Public Transit Security
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Transit
• Boston 25 News: TSA Allows Shoes at Airports
• Google Scholar: Public Transit Safety
• GovExec: Federal Judge Blocks TSA Union Dissolution
• Google News: Transit Safety

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