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New law increases penalties for assaulting a T worker
Transit employees will soon have some extra protection against aggressive passengers.
A new Massachusetts law that goes into effect next year strengthens protections for public transit workers amid a steep rise in assaults, state officials announced.
Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill on Wednesday that makes assault on a public transit worker punishable by at least 90 days or a fine of at least $500. The legislation extends the same legal protections to transit workers that are already afforded to other public employees, making assault against them a more serious criminal offense. The bill also broadens the definition of assault to include the projection of bodily fluids, which includes spitting.
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State officials say that employees of the MBTA — which serves more than 800,000 riders on a typical weekday — face dozens of assaults each year. In 2024 alone, there were 33 reported attacks involving weapons, 72 physical assaults, and another 38 incidents in which workers were targeted with bodily fluids.
Lawmakers and labor leaders have argued that the old penalties were not stringent enough to deter violence. The new law comes as physical attacks involving weapons and spitting have sharply increased, according to Healey’s office.
“Public transportation employees do important work every day to keep our trains and buses moving on time and ensure the safety of all passengers,” said Healey. “They should never be subject to any form of assault simply for doing their jobs.”
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Rep. Joseph McGonagle said he’s heard dozens of stories of transit workers who have been stabbed, spit on, and threatened.
“The right to feel safe and supported on the job is just that, a right. I’m also extremely grateful to the brave men and women who came forward to share their stories,” said McGonagle.
The bill will take effect on March 3, 2026, according to Healey’s office.
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