United States Version PDF - Amalgamated Transit Union

legislativereportDELIVERINGOUR MESSAGEON CAPITOL HILLAs International Executive Vice President Michael J. Siano notesin his column (see page 5), ATU has had the opportunity to testifybefore Congress several times since the Democrats took control ofthe congressional agenda in January. Public transportation security,intercity bus safety and security, and transit funding issues are on theminds of lawmakers during the first days of the 110th Congress.George Asserts Need for TrainingOn January 18, U.S. Senator (and presidential candidate) ChrisDodd, D-CT, the new chair of the Senate Committee on Banking,Housing, and Urban Affairs, convened the committee’s first hearing ofthe session, focusing on the state of transit security in the U.S. Doddwas joined on the panel by new Democratic Senators Sherrod Brown,OH; Bob Casey, PA; and Jon Tester, MT.Since 9/11 the federal government has spent over $7.50 perpassenger on aviation security, but less than one penny per rider ontransit security.International President Warren S. George testified before thecommittee on behalf of the ATU, focusing on the issue of trainingfor front line transit employees.George asserted, “In the event of a terrorist attack within a masstransit system, the response of employees at the scene within the firstfew minutes is crucial to minimizing the loss of life and to evacuatingpassengers away from the incident. Transit employees are the firston the scene, even before police, firefighters or emergency medicalresponders. They must know what to do in order to save the lives oftheir passengers and themselves.”Dodd agreed, adding, “If we are truly serious about keepingAmericans safe from the risks of terrorism and if we are committedto economic prosperity, then I believe it is imperative that we act tostrengthen America’s transit networks.”before the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, telling the panel that“it is our members who are on the front lines of this battle and whoknow best what dangers they face everyday on the job.”ATU Identifies Transit PrioritiesOn March 19, ATU testified before the National SurfaceTransportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, which was createdby Congress to develop new ideas on transit issues. ATU identified anumber of transit policy priorities for the commission’s consideration.These priorities include: doubling the size of the federal transitprogram; enhancing transit and over-the-road bus security programs;encouraging more people to ride public transportation; providingfor more flexibility in the use of federal transit funds; encouragingincreased transit investment by the states; and expanding workforcedevelopment programs.Over-the-Road SafetyFinally, on March 20, Local President Bruce Hamilton, Local1700-(Greyhound), testified before the House Highways, Transit andPipelines Subcommittee regarding motorcoach safety. He touchedon several issues of concern to the ATU, including the need forincreased enforcement of existing federal safety standards, bus operatorfatigue, vehicle safety standards, and security. Hamilton also urged thecommittee to adopt a national ground transportation policy to ensurethat all American citizens, in urban and rural communities alike, haveaccess to safe and affordable transportation – particularly in emergencysituations. He declared, “the tragic events of 9/11 and HurricaneKatrina demonstrate the importance of having buses available acrossthe U.S. to safely transport people out of harm’s way. A strongnational bus program would meet this need.”Siano: ATU on the Front LinesThe U.S. House of Representatives is taking up transit securityissues as well, and on March 7 Siano testified on behalf of the ATU18 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org