West Montgomery Times

In a move to enhance the safety of public transit operators, the Pennsylvania State Senate has passed new legislation. The bill, named Senate Bill 210, was introduced in memory of Bernard Gribbin, an Army veteran and SEPTA bus operator who was killed while on duty in 2023.

The bill is sponsored by Senators Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Joe Picozzi (R-5), Frank A. Farry (R-6), and Christine M. Tartaglione (D-2). It establishes a new offense for interference with the operation of a public transit vehicle. If such interference results in serious bodily injury or death, it will be classified as a felony of the first degree. Lesser offenses involving bodily injury or fear of imminent harm will be considered felonies of the third degree.

SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority, supports this legislation aimed at safeguarding transit workers and passengers. The bill seeks to convey that violence against public transit operators is unacceptable and will result in severe penalties.

Senator Pennycuick highlighted the increasing assaults faced by SEPTA operators: “Transit operators across Pennsylvania deserve a safe workplace... We must take stronger action to protect these workers.”

Senator Picozzi emphasized the broader implications for public safety: “Deterring violence against our transit workers is paramount... Negative behavior that detracts from the safe operation... puts not just operators in danger, but passengers, pedestrians and other motorists too.”

Farry stressed the critical role played by transit employees: “Our transit workers deserve to be safe in their workplace... This bill would not only provide necessary protections... but protect passengers and other commuters as well.”

Tartaglione underscored the urgency of legislative action following Gribbin’s death: “Our transit workers keep Pennsylvania moving... No one should fear for their safety while simply doing their job... This legislation will give transit workers the protections they deserve.”

The passing of this bill marks a significant step towards ensuring safer working conditions for those operating within Pennsylvania's public transportation system.