LANSING – The House today passed a plan by State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Twp.) to increase protections for operators and passengers of Michigan's public transit systems.
"Improving our public transit systems and investing in our community's safety need to be top priorities as we work to attract good-paying jobs and more families to Genesee County," said Gonzales, who is chair of the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee. "In addition to serving our residents, this plan protects Michigan's investment in our economic future by making our public transit systems safer for both employees and passengers."
The plan strengthens Michigan's public transit systems by making it a felony to injure an employee, operator or passenger of a public transit vehicle, including people at bus stops or stations.
The penalty for causing bodily injury to anyone in those categories would be two years in prison and a $2,000 fine. For an injury requiring medical attention, the penalty would increase to four years in prison and $5,000. If the victim's injury results in serious impairment, the perpetrator could be sent to prison for 10 years and fined $10,000.
"Bus drivers deserve to feel secure on their jobs and passengers deserve to ride in peace," Gonzales said. "We have to send a strong message that this public space must not be disrupted by troublemakers. My plan establishes penalties that will make it clear that Michigan takes its responsibilities to citizens who work for our public transit systems and use them every day seriously."