Summary
Makes public transit systems in large cities create a program to gather and report data on passenger harassment to improve safety for everyone.
What problem does this solve?
Many people face harassment on public transit, but there is no good way to track how often it happens. This bill requires transit systems to collect and publish data on harassment, helping to find solutions and make transit safer.
What does this bill do?
Establishes a harassment data collection program
Requires public transit systems in urban areas with over 200,000 people that get federal money to create a program to collect data on passenger harassment.
Creates new ways for passengers to report harassment
Mandates that transit agencies set up easy-to-use reporting systems, both online and in-person, for passengers who experience or witness harassment.
Requires public reporting of harassment data
Directs transit agencies to publish the collected data on a public website in a timely manner, without any personally identifiable information.
Defines street harassment
Provides a legal definition for 'street harassment' as any unwanted word, gesture, or action in a public place that makes a person feel intimidated or unsafe.
Adds harassment data to the National Transit Database
Requires that all data on passenger harassment collected by transit agencies be included in the National Transit Database.
Who does this affect?
- Public transit passengers
- Public transit agencies in large urban areas
What is the real world impact?
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Improves passenger safety
Creates a system to understand the scale of harassment on public transit. By collecting data, transit agencies can better identify problem areas and develop strategies to protect riders.
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Increases transparency and accountability
Requires transit agencies to make harassment data public. This allows riders, advocates, and officials to see the extent of the problem and hold agencies accountable for making improvements.
When does this start?
This bill would go into effect as soon as it is signed into law.