U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson (FL-24) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), joined by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), have introduced the National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act, legislation aimed at supporting and expanding workforce training in the public transit sector.
The bill seeks to strengthen the Transit Workforce Center, a national training hub that prepares American workers for specialized, good-paying jobs in critical transit sectors facing workforce shortages, including maintenance and operations. The legislation also prioritizes strengthening the transit workforce in the National Capital Region, where systems such as WMATA, Amtrak, and MARC are essential to daily commuters and visitors.
“Public transportation is the backbone of our communities,” said Representative Wilson. “It connects people to jobs, education, and essential services, but right now our transit systems are facing a serious workforce shortage that threatens safety and reliability. I am proud to introduce, along with Senator Chris Van Hollen, the bicameral National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act to make sure we are investing directly in the frontline workers who keep our country moving. This legislation will strengthen training, expand apprenticeship and mentorship opportunities, and provide the long-term federal support needed to build a skilled, modern transit workforce. When we invest in our workers, we strengthen our infrastructure, improve service for riders, and build a more resilient future for every community.”
Van Hollen said transit workers play a vital role in keeping transportation systems running safely and efficiently.
“From vehicle mechanics to train operators, transit workers are the foundation of our public transportation systems – making sure riders get where they need to go. This bill will ensure the Transit Workforce Center continues to open up opportunities for Americans to land good-paying jobs and will help address the persistent worker shortages in this field. Growing the pipeline of well-trained transit employees is key to helping transit systems across the country run safely and efficiently so they can best serve the millions of Americans who rely on them,” he said.
Senator Alsobrooks said the legislation would help create new employment opportunities while addressing workforce needs in the transportation sector.
“This Administration’s failed economic policies are hurting American workers. I’m fighting for good-paying jobs so that families don’t just live on margins but can live beyond their wildest dreams. Our National Transit Workforce Training Act helps meet the need for highly trained transit workers and creates a pathway for more good-paying jobs. These workers will do the essential job of making sure our transportation systems work efficiently and get Marylanders where they need to be,” Alsobrooks said.
The Transit Workforce Center was established in 2021 by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, following direction by Congress in the FY20 Minibus Appropriations bill. The center was created to address challenges related to recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers in the transit industry.
The newly introduced legislation would make the center a permanent entity by law, allowing Congress to provide consistent federal funding for its programs and activities. The bill also authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award grants to nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity to develop transit career ladder programs through labor-management partnerships and apprenticeships nationwide.
In coordination with the Federal Transit Administration and public transportation authorities, the center would continue developing training and educational programs for frontline transportation employees working in both rural and urban transit systems. The initiative would also help establish national standards for transit maintenance and operations skills.
The legislation has received support from several major labor and transit organizations, including the Amalgamated Transit Union, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, American Public Transportation Association, Community Transportation Association of America, Transport Workers Union, and the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO.
Labor leaders said the Transit Workforce Center has already played a key role in improving recruitment, retention, and training for transit workers nationwide. Supporters of the bill argue that making the center permanent will help ensure transit systems remain safe, reliable, and equipped with a skilled workforce to meet growing transportation demands.
