RIDER Safety Act

Increased Security and Presence: The bill introduces "transit support specialists" who are unarmed personnel meant to provide an added sense of security to patrons through their presence on vehicles, stops, and stations (Section 2, subsection b).

Improved Assistance and Emergency Response: These specialists are tasked with providing assistance to transit riders and personnel, as well as assisting with and reporting medical emergencies (Section 2, subsection b, parts 2 and 3).

Conflict De-escalation: The role includes performing crisis intervention services to de-escalate conflicts and handling minor, non-criminal conflicts (Section 2, subsection b, parts 6 and 7).

Resource Preservation: By handling minor, non-criminal conflicts through alternative channels, these specialists help preserve law enforcement resources for critical or emergency incidents (Section 2, subsection b, part 6).

Enhanced Monitoring: Personnel will monitor transit stations and vehicles, and observe/report suspicious activity and security threats to personnel and law enforcement (Section 2, subsection b, parts 1 and 5).