Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a stern ultimatum to the transit systems of Chicago and Boston, threatening to withdraw federal funding if they fail to tackle the escalating crime within their stations and buses.
In a decisive move, Duffy has demanded that both cities' transit authorities submit detailed reports within 14 days, outlining their strategies to combat crime, curb fare evasion, and improve overall system cleanliness. The secretary criticized local leaders for allegedly prioritizing the welfare of criminals over that of law-abiding citizens and workers.
As reported by the Daily Caller, Duffy emphasized the administration's commitment to urban safety, stating, "President Trump cares about our great cities and the hardworking Americans who inhabit them." He further criticized local governance, remarking, "While local leaders seem intent on putting the needs of criminals first, were not waiting for the next Iryna."
The urgency of Duffy's warning is underscored by recent violent incidents on both transit systems. In Chicago, a long-serving Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) employee was brutally attacked and thrown onto the tracks. Meanwhile, in Boston, an elderly woman suffered serious injuries after being pushed off an MBTA bus, and another incident involved a man assaulting passengers with his belt.
These cities, both under Democratic leadership, operate cashless bail systems, which Duffy argues enable "deranged criminals to repeatedly terrorize public spaces."
Chicago and Boston boast the nation's third and fourth largest public transportation systems by ridership. Federal Transit Administrator Marc Molinaro has expressed support for Duffy's ultimatum, asserting, "Were making transit safe again."
The letters also demand transparency regarding security funding sources for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, including any allocations from the Department of Homeland Security. This action follows similar warnings previously issued to transit authorities in Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles concerning safety lapses and fare evasion.
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