Buttigieg Prioritizes Transportation Worker, Public Safety

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
In a Feb. 5 meeting with public transportation leaders and frontline employees, Secretary Buttigieg addressed the importance of the recently announced federal mask requirements to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 and promote safety.

In a Feb. 5 meeting with public transportation leaders and frontline employees, Secretary Buttigieg addressed the importance of the recently announced federal mask requirements to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 and promote safety.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg thanked transportation workers and highlighted the Biden Administration’s support of them during a meeting with Amtrak and local transit agency leaders and employees on Feb. 5.

The meeting at Union Station in Washington, D.C., took place just three days after the Senate confirmed Buttigieg as the 19th Transportation Secretary.

Buttigieg addressed the importance of the recently announced federal mask requirements for public transportation employees and riders to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 as well as the Administration’s work to provide relief for public transit systems through the American Rescue Plan.

“We depend on many essential workers for our economy and for our way of life,” Buttigieg said. “And while many Americans are wrestling with the complexities of working from home, many other Americans don’t have the opportunity, or the option, to work from home, and they are supported by these extraordinary workers who look after the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of American travel. Above all, I want to say thank you to all of the workers and leadership who have facilitated essential trips, and have delivered essential goods and services during the pandemic, and for their dedication to the safety and prosperity of this country and the traveling public.”

Buttigieg “emphasized that the health and safety of the American public is the Biden Administration’s number-one priority,” noted the USDOT in its announcement of the event.

On Jan. 21, President Biden signed an Executive Order promoting safety during the COVID-19 public health emergency in domestic and international travel. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an order on Jan. 29, requiring the wearing of face masks while on public transportation and at transportation hubs by riders and transportation workers. On Jan. 31, the Transportation Security Administration issued a security directive implementing the order, stating that it applies to passenger railroads, intercity bus services and public transportation.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld was among those attending the meeting. “Secretary Buttigieg’s decision to prioritize meeting with front-line workers just two days after being sworn in is a promising sign for the transit industry as we work to recover from the pandemic and welcome customers back when they feel it’s safe to ride with us again,” Wiedefeld said. “Safety is at the top of everyone’s minds as we continue to work through this challenging time, and we appreciate the steps the Department of Transportation has taken to mandate the wearing of face masks on mass transit nationwide. We welcome the Secretary’s support to encourage all customers to wear face masks to protect themselves, other riders, and our employees, and we look forward to working with him and his team as we push for additional financial relief so we can continue providing safe, reliable service to help the region and our economy recover.”

WMATA is part of a New York MTA-led coalition of 22 transit agencies calling on Congress to provide an additional $39.3 billion in relief to address COVID-19-related deficits and prevent further service cuts and delays to capital projects.

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