SMART-TD members who enjoy hunting, shooting sports, and the outdoors have another reason to check out the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) 2027 Calendar.

In celebration of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s 20th Anniversary, this year’s calendar includes an exciting new contest. 20 specially marked Golden Calendars have been randomly inserted into the print run.

Members who receive one of these rare calendars and complete the required registration process will receive a Benelli M2 shotgun in Mossy Oak Bottomland, valued at approximately $1,829.

With roughly 16,250 calendars being printed, the odds of receiving a Golden Calendar are about 1 in 800.

USA’s Mission

If you aren’t familiar with the Union Sportsman Alliance, it is a great organization that every SMART-TD member is eligible to be a part of. They hold events all around the country to bring our families and our union families together through hunting, fishing, shooting, and all things outdoors.

In their 20 years of serving the labor movement, they have also become one of the country’s largest and most effective conservation organizations. They work to maintain wildlife habitats, restore national parks, and involve union members from different labor organizations in all kinds of crafts in mentoring programs that introduce the youth to the outdoors.

Becoming a part of the USA is as easy as filling out their registration form.

30% Savings on Ammunition

In addition to the prize opportunities, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance members enjoy exclusive discounts on ammunition and other outdoor gear through USA member benefits, making membership valuable long after the calendar arrives. Saving 30% on Liberty Ammunition is just another reason it pays to be a member of the USA, and of SMART-TD.

Don’t Forget to Register

If you order a 2027 calendar, be sure to inspect it when it arrives. A winning Golden Calendar will have a special gold emblem inside the back cover. Winners must register their calendar and complete the required verification process within the promotion’s deadlines to claim their prize. All firearm transfers are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws and must be completed through a federally licensed firearms dealer.

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance has long partnered with unions like SMART-TD to support conservation projects, preserve our outdoor heritage, and provide members with unique recreational opportunities. Purchasing the 2027 annual calendar is another way members can support that mission while enjoying the chance to win some outstanding prizes.

To learn more or order your 2027 Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Calendar, visit the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance website.

The post Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Celebrates 20 Years With 20 Benelli M2 Shotguns appeared first on SMART Union.

With a unanimous vote, the members of SMART-TD Local 1590 (Van Nuys, Calif.) have ratified a contract with WeDriveU!

Covering bus operators and dispatchers, the agreement includes…

• An immediate, significant hourly wage increase
• Just Cause job protections
• Union Orientation for new hires
• The ability to wear union insignia at work

Ratification Comes After Years of Unexpected Detours on the Road to a Contract

Negotiations are rarely ever considered “easy,” but Local 1590 had a particularly long, hard-fought journey before reaching its recent milestone that demanded years of perseverance.

Originally, the members were employed by Coach USA in California and bounced between a few other properties before eventually ending up at another company called Four Seasons.

Instead of coming to the bargaining table to negotiate a contract once they took over, Four Season simply chose not to recognize the workers as a bargaining unit after realizing that they were organized.

By this point, Local 1590 was simply working off its old, original agreement with Coach USA from several years before.

That’s when SMART-TD leadership got involved and things took an interesting turn.

Close, But No Contract for Local 1590

After Four Season started playing games, SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval and former General Chairperson of GCA-Coach-Pacific Coast (878) Travis Johnson took the situation to the National Labor Relations Board whose decision was straightforward: Four Seasons had to recognize Local 1590, start bargaining a new contract, and post a notice to all employees that they will not interfere with their union protections and bargain in good faith. The company agreed and said that it would follow through with the requirements the Board had given it.

With the decision handed down, VP Sandoval and GC Johnson immediately got to work negotiating a new contract that would replace the old, outdated one.

But after a few months of negotiations with Four Seasons, they were blindsided.

The property was abruptly sold to what was now a fourth company and the significant progress that had been made towards securing a contract was thrown into limbo.

Years of Dedication, Persistence Eventually Pay Off with WeDriveU

Through years of uncertainty and anti-union sentiment from each of the various companies, Local 1590 finally won the contract it deserved with WeDriveU thanks to the tenacity and determination of VP Sandoval and GC Johnson.

It would have been easier to simply throw in the towel over the course of this multi-year fight, but VP Sandoval notes that GC Johnson refused to let that happen.

“Most people or unions would have given up somewhere along the way, but Travis and Local 1590 did the exact opposite,” said VP Sandoval. “Every member of this group deserves credit for knowing what they wanted and that it was worth fighting for. Travis made sure that everyone stuck together, and it paid off.”

Local 1590’s vote is personal for VP Sandoval: it’s his first unanimous ratification vote.

“This is a great feeling. This vote took years to accomplish, especially with everything that the local had thrown at it. I’m proud of Travis and the members for the example that they’ve set within our union.”

Congratulations to Local 1590 for ratifying your new agreement after years of work!

The post Local 1590 Unanimously Ratifies New Agreement with WeDriveU appeared first on SMART Union.

Every day, SMART-TD’s bus and passenger rail members interact with thousands of people. That puts them in a unique position to notice when something isn’t right and, in some cases, help protect someone who may be in danger.

Yesterday (July 8, 2026), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) released updated resources reminding transit employees how to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking and where to report suspected cases. While these materials were developed with busy summer travel and major public events in mind, the information is valuable at any time of year.

SMART-TD is making these resources available to our members within 24 hours of receiving them, because knowledge is one of the most effective safety tools we have. No one expects transit professionals to investigate suspected trafficking, but knowing the warning signs and the proper way to report concerns can help law enforcement intervene while keeping employees and the riding public safe.

One additional sign worth knowing is the internationally recognized “Signal for Help.” If someone folds their thumb into the palm of their hand and then closes their four fingers over it, they may be silently asking for help in a situation where they cannot safely speak. While this gesture is most commonly associated with domestic violence and is not specific to human trafficking, it should be treated as another possible indicator that someone needs assistance. As with any concern, members should follow their employer’s procedures and notify the appropriate authorities rather than attempting to intervene on their own.

We encourage our bus and passenger rail members to take a few minutes to review the FTA’s guidance and share it with their coworkers. Awareness is often the first step toward protecting those who are most vulnerable.

The FTA’s announcement and resource links are provided below.

Prepare for Summer Events with Human-Trafficking Prevention Resources for Transit

As summer brings increased tourism, major sporting events, festivals, concerts and other activities to your area, you can help prepare for the crowds and reinforce community safety by knowing the signs of human trafficking as you prepare for summer events. 

Recognize the Signs

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has shared a list of human trafficking indicators to help transportation employees stay vigilant. While no single indicator can confirm a human trafficking situation, several combined indicators may increase the likelihood that a person is actively being targeted, recruited, or exploited. Signs may include an individual who is: 

• Not in control of their own money, passes, or phone
• Controlled by or unusually submissive to their travel companion 
• Not allowed to speak for themselves 
• Unaware of their route or location 

Consider sharing the complete list with colleagues to help them know what to look for, as transit workers can serve as a community’s eyes and ears.

Resources

FTA and USDOT have several resources available to help transit industry personnel identify, report, and prevent human trafficking: 

• Transit industry resources to counter human trafficking: These resources from USDOT include a 20-minute training and downloadable awareness materials to help transit workers and riders identify and report suspected instances of human trafficking. 
• FTA Major Event Playbook: FTA’s playbook is a practical guide with key considerations to help transit agencies navigate federal transit requirements related to hosting major events. It also includes a section on combatting human trafficking. 
• FTA’s Human Trafficking Awareness and Public Safety Initiative web page: FTA’s web page links to resources such as past webinars featuring transit organizations’ approaches to identifying and preventing human trafficking. 
• How to Report Suspected Human Trafficking: This USDOT web page provides information on where to report suspected trafficking, such as to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and best practices for providing a detailed tip to authorities. 

Together, the transit industry can play a critical role in identifying, reporting and preventing this crime. 

Links:
Indicators of Human Trafficking
FTA Major Event Playbook
USDOT Counter Human Trafficking Resources
FTA’s Human Trafficking Awareness and Public Safety Initiative
National Human Trafficking Hotline

The post FTA Shares Resources to Help Recognize Human Trafficking appeared first on SMART Union.

SMART-TD has launched a confidential survey today that was randomly distributed to 7,500 members, including members across our Transportation Division crafts. If you receive it, please know this survey is legitimate and conducted by The DFM Group, our trusted third-party partner, who will keep all responses completely anonymous. No personal information will be shared or connected to your survey. The survey will arrive via e-mail or text from the National Safety & Legislative Department.

The purpose of this survey is to ensure that SMART-TD can accurately represent the views and priorities of our members as we lobby for new laws and regulations. Your participation is vital. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you help strengthen our ability to advocate for safer workplaces, fairer policies, and stronger protections. The more voices we hear, the better we can serve you. 

The post SMART-TD: Built by Members, Driven by Your Voice appeared first on SMART Union.

For years, SMART-TD has sounded the alarm about the growing epidemic of violence on transit systems across the country, a problem that’s showing few signs of slowing down. Since our union took on this mission, we have succeeded in changing Federal Transit Administration (FTA) policy, gotten bulletproof barriers installed in some regions, and have been a driving force behind numerous state laws designed to curb transit violence.

Doubling down on our union’s commitment to protecting the safety of not only our bus and passenger rail members but also the riding public, a specialized training at the upcoming Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS) will focus on tackling this problem head on, including what to do if a violent situation arises.  

Learn Strategies for Dealing with Unruly Passengers, Tense Situations 

Last presented at the Anaheim Regional Training Seminar in September of 2025, the goal of SMART-TD’s Assault Prevention Training is to help our bus operators and passenger rail workers learn strategies for dealing with unruly or abusive passengers and diffuse situations before they escalate.

Specifically, the training covers… 

• Handling difficult interactions  
• Effective strategies for deescalating tense situations  
• Protocols to ensure employee and passenger safety 
• Best practices for calm, controlled responses 

Led by leadership from SMART-TD’s Bus & Transit Assault Prevention & Safety (BTAPS) Committee, attendees will discuss what constitutes unruly behavior, building rapport with passengers early on, and what to do if a violent incident occurs, including how to document it and report it to the BTAPS Committee.

Please note that this training is primarily geared towards SMART-TD’s bus and passenger rail members.

Specific information, including the tentative day and time for the training, can be found on the Meetings page via the SMART Union mobile app. 

Don’t Forget to Register for the Baltimore RTS Today!

If you plan on attending the Baltimore RTS later this summer, you’re encouraged to book your room and register NOW while there’s still availability.

As a reminder, the training begins with your arrival on Monday, August 31, 2026, with an evening Welcome Reception at 6:00 pm in the B&O Railroad Museum.

Registration closes on August 17, 2026, and there will be no onsite registration available. Late registration is subject to an additional $50 late fee.

Register for the Baltimore RTS ►    
Book Your Hotel Reservation ►

Attendees are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.

We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore as we work towards ensuring safer buses and trains nationwide!  

The post Transit Assault Prevention Training Coming to Baltimore RTS  appeared first on SMART Union.

It’s seemingly a tale of two transit systems.

Over the past year, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), which employs many SMART-TD members, has made the news regularly for different reasons.

But it was two recent headlines within the span of a week that left us wondering whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times for transit in the Queen City.

Everything’s Great…Or Is It?

On June 1, 2026, Mass Transit published a story with the headline “CATS seeing drop in crime across transit system.” The article touted several statistics provided by CATS that compared Q1 2026 statistics with the same period in 2025.

Three items immediately stood out…

• 67% reduction in overall bus operator and passenger assaults.
• Zero major assaults (requiring medical response) recorded for operators or passengers.
• Zero passenger-on-passenger assaults in Q1 2026, down from three in 2025.

Now let’s compare that with another story published by The Charlotte Observer exactly one week later with the headline “Charlotte bus drivers face dangerous work. 6 things we learned as we dug in.”

The reporter is clear from the beginning: the CATS light rail system isn’t any more dangerous than others like it across the country.

But when it comes to the bus system and bus operators, it’s an entirely different story.

Citing data from the Federal Transit Administration, several key points highlighted include…

• CATS bus operators are assaulted more often than the average nationwide, tallying roughly 77 verbal and physical assaults per every 10 million passenger trips.
• Compared to CATS light rail, CATS buses see more issues.
• Limited accountability for assailants and justice for operators who are attacked.
• Former CATS bus operators spoke to the Observer, citing a work environment that keeps them on high alert and constantly wondering whether they’ll be assaulted that day.

These conflicting narratives paint two very different pictures of a heavily used transit system in a major U.S. city.

Reading Between the Headlines: Both Things Can Be True

So, the question remains: which is it?

The answer is surprisingly simple: both things can be true.

It’s entirely possible that CATS is seeing improvement in some reported categories, like major assaults requiring medical response. That’s a good thing!

But at the same time, frontline operators are still facing serious safety issues, including threats, harassment, lower-level physical altercations, and incidents that may go unreported entirely.

“We’re glad to see that CATS is taking steps in a positive direction, but we’ve still got a lot of work ahead of us,” said SMART-TD’s Senior Bus Vice President Alvy Hughes, a former CATS employee and longtime member of Local 1596 (Charlotte, N.C.). “SMART-TD has stood firm on this issue: all transit employees deserve to work in a safe environment that minimizes the threat of assaults. Full stop.”

The Real Story: Fighting for Transit Safety Nationwide

Increased transit safety is obviously not something that can happen overnight or without action from multiple stakeholders, including SMART-TD’s Bus & Transit Assault Prevention & Safety (BTAPS) Committee.

As a reminder, if you’ve been threatened, harassed, or assaulted on the job, it is crucial to report the incident using our confidential Workplace Assault Reporting Form.

These reports help BTAPS and SMART-TD lobby for stronger protections to prevent assaults, tougher penalties for attackers, and greater support for victims.

The form is on the SMART-TD website. To find it, navigate to Get Involved>Report a Worksite Issue, then look for the red “Workplace Assault Report” button ►

Your voice matters and most importantly, your safety matters.

Together with our BTAPS Committee and transit safety advocates nationwide, we’ll continue fighting to make progress on this critical issue.

The post Conflicting Headlines Underscore Transit Safety Issues appeared first on SMART Union.

Hate to say we told you so

For years, SMART-TD members have warned federal regulators, transit agencies, and railroad executives about the dangers of turning America’s transportation systems over to automation. We were told we were overreacting. We were told computers would make railroads safer and more efficient. We were told to calm down because there were no monsters in the closet.

This week proved why our concerns are justified.

Critical Infrastructure is being tested and targeted

Reports now link the recent cyberattack against the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to Iranian-backed hackers. Investigators say the attackers gained access to internal systems tied to one of the nation’s largest transit agencies, disrupting services and exposing sensitive operational data.

The question is, will regulators listen now, or does there have to be a mass casualty event before our obvious concerns are taken seriously?

This is exactly what SMART-TD warned about when the FRA continued approving dangerous automation policies while ignoring the concerns of frontline railroaders. The threat is no longer theoretical. It is happening now.

Hostile foreign actors have already proven they possess both the intent and the capability to target critical American infrastructure, including transportation systems.

And yet, federal regulators continue to allow carriers to expand automation deeper into rail operations.

Automation Creates New Vulnerabilities

Systems like CSX’s “Zero-to-Zero” Trip Optimizer increasingly place train handling, throttle control, and even the air brake functions into the hands of computers instead of trained railroaders. Every time regulators approve another layer of automation, they create another point of vulnerability for cyber criminals and hostile foreign governments to exploit.

This is not Hollywood fiction anymore.

Every rail line in America is critical infrastructure. Freight railroads move chemicals, fuel, military equipment, food, and the supplies that keep our economy alive. Passenger and commuter systems move millions of Americans every day. All of this occurs in the middle of dense populations and within feet of major water supplies and dangerous industrial environments.

When the transportation systems become more dependent on interconnected automation than trained and certified American workers, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. It is a very simple concept.

And when those systems fail, it is not corporate executives or software engineers standing on the front lines protecting the public.

It is transportation workers like every one of us at SMART-TD.

Transportation workers are the answer

A trained and certified railroader or bus operator can recognize danger, adapt to changing conditions, and respond when systems malfunction or communications fail. A computer cannot replace human judgment, experience, and situational awareness in a crisis.

That is why SMART-TD has consistently fought against reckless automation policies that prioritize profits over safety and national security. When we see those who are government officials publicly calling for tax dollar investment in things like Parallel Systems, fully automated rail cars, or driverless taxi technology to be used in mass transit, we can’t help but ask what part of this situation they aren’t able to understand.

The attack on LACMTA should be a wake-up call for the FRA, FTA, and DOT. America is moving toward a future where foreign cyber terrorists could potentially disrupt, manipulate, or disable transportation systems that millions of Americans depend on daily.

That is not paranoia. It is common sense.

Federal Regulators Must Change Course

SMART-TD members are not anti-technology. We believe technology should support transportation workers instead of replacing them. The safest railroad and transit systems are the ones that keep trained, certified American workers in control of critical operations and all safety features.

Federal regulators now face a choice: continue down the dangerous path toward unchecked automation or recognize that skilled transportation workers remain the strongest defense against both accidents and cyber threats.

The warning signs are here.

The attacks have already started.

And America still has time to change course before we hand over our transportation networks and supply chain to systems vulnerable to sophisticated cyber terrorists. DOT Regulators and Congress cannot allow this country to sleepwalk into a nationwide catastrophe.

The post Why Are We Sleepwalking into A Transportation Cyber War? appeared first on SMART Union.

There are moments when solidarity is tested.

This is one of those moments.

Friends of Santa Cruz METRO officially confirmed this week that the campaign will not meet the timeline necessary to place its transit funding measure on the November 2026 ballot. But the campaign itself is very much alive, and in many ways, stronger than ever.

The effort has already collected approximately 7,000 signatures entirely through volunteer labor, putting the campaign ahead of pace to qualify the measure within the full 180-day signature gathering window ending August 7.

That means the mission now is clear: SMART-TD members, transit advocates, riders, and working families still have the power to help secure the remaining 5,500 signatures needed to protect the future of Santa Cruz METRO and the union jobs that depend on it.

This fight did not end on May 11.

It simply entered a new phase.

The Math Is Simple and Powerful

The campaign needs approximately 12,500 valid signatures by August 7.

Roughly 7,000 signatures have already been gathered through grassroots volunteer efforts.

That means approximately 5,500 signatures remain.

Now break that down:

• More than 100 union jobs remain connected to the long-term future of this system.
• 5,500 signatures remain to be gathered.
• Every 55 valid signatures collected represents a brother/sister’s job protected.
• SMART-TD Local 23 has more than 250 active members.
• If every member collected just 22 signatures between now and August, the remaining goal will be reached.

That is achievable.

This campaign has already demonstrated something powerful. Working people can build a serious grassroots movement when they believe their community is worth fighting for.

The Stakes Have Not Changed

Without sustainable local funding, Santa Cruz METRO still faces the possibility of devastating operational cuts over the coming years.

Those cuts threaten service, routes, reliability, and the livelihoods of more than 100 SMART-TD members represented by Local 23.

These are operators and transit professionals who have dedicated themselves to serving Santa Cruz County through difficult years that included the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, inflation, and operational uncertainty.

Now they are fighting to protect the transit system they helped build.

And the need for that system has never been clearer.

According to Friends of Santa Cruz METRO, ridership is now at its highest level in more than a decade. Total ridership increased 42.5% from late 2024 to late 2025, while local non-student ridership surged by more than 86%.

The Youth Cruz Free program has also helped produce a staggering 500% increase in student ridership.

People are using transit because they need transit.

Working families need it.
Students need it.
Seniors need it.
People with disabilities need it.
And increasingly, working-class communities priced out by rising costs of living depend on it every single day.

This Is About More Than One Election

The reality is that qualifying for the November 2026 ballot became impossible because of timing constraints involved in Sacramento legislation and county election deadlines.

But that does not mean the measure failed.

Far from it.

In fact, the campaign is now positioned to qualify for the March 2028 primary election ballot or a special election if county leaders choose to act sooner.

That matters because we clearly have the public’s support.

Volunteers report overwhelmingly positive reactions from riders and residents. Many community members already understand that Santa Cruz METRO is an essential public service and that losing routes or reducing operations would hurt the entire county.

The mission now is to finish what was started.

What SMART-TD Members Can Do Right Now

This is the stage of a campaign where unions prove who they are.

Not through statements.
Not through slogans.
Through action.

SMART-TD members can help by:

• Volunteering at transit centers and community events.
• Encouraging registered Santa Cruz County voters to sign.
• Helping ensure signatures are complete, legible, and valid.

Get In The Fight

If every SMART-TD member treats these next three months as if the future of our union family depends on it (because it does), then this campaign is absolutely within reach.

If you want to get involved and help save jobs, please contact Friends of Santa Cruz Coordinator, Ella Beck, at (831) 471-7291. She can get you plugged in, get the correct petition in your hands, and help coordinate its return.

Sister Beck can be reached at ellamarevabeck@gmail.com or by phone at (831) 471-7291.

Accuracy Matters

Every valid signature brings the campaign one step closer to protecting service and preserving union jobs.

The New Deadline Is August 7

The pressure facing transit agencies across America is real.

But so is the solidarity inside SMART-TD.

The newest members of Local 23 joined this union because they believed in what their brothers and sisters had built in Santa Cruz over the past decade. Many changed careers and left previous employers because they believed this union movement was worth being part of.

And moments like this are when unions either reinforce that belief or lose it.

This Fight Is Winnable

The campaign is alive.
The support is real.
The momentum is still there.

Now comes the hard part: finishing the job.

So make the calls.
Take the petitions.
Talk to riders.
Talk to neighbors.
Talk to your coworkers.
Bring friends and family into the effort.

Because solidarity is not measured by what we say when things are easy.

It is measured by what we do when the fight gets harder.

The post WE Have the Power to Protect Jobs in Santa Cruz appeared first on SMART Union.

SMART General President Michael Coleman brought the voice of every member of our union directly into a high-level conversation on Capitol Hill last week. On Wednesday, April 15, General President Coleman got the opportunity to address the Congressional Labor Caucus on the real issues facing working people in our industries.

The Congressional Labor Caucus, formed in 2020, has quickly become one of the most effective groups in the U.S. House focused on workers’ rights. This group of lawmakers from all over the country is united by a simple goal: finding practical solutions for American workers. Their growing influence and their willingness and ability to work across party lines made this a powerful opportunity for SMART to be heard.

GP Coleman Highlights the Role SMART Members Play Across the US

Coleman began his remarks by making it clear who we are as a union. Whether through sheet metal work that ensures safe buildings and clean air or through Transportation Division members operating freight trains, Amtrak, transit systems, and buses from coast to coast, SMART members build and maintain critical infrastructure and keep the country moving.

From there, he got straight to the issues affecting more than 230,000 workers across the United States and Canada.

Rail Safety Concerns Front and Center

Coleman didn’t hold back on the issue of rail safety. Three years after the East Palestine derailment, he told lawmakers that serious risks remain unaddressed and that his members are still facing unnecessary dangers day in and day out. Longer trains, reduced inspections, disabled wayside defect detectors, and pressure to cut crew sizes are all contributing to a system where more than 1,000 derailments still occur each year.

“This is unacceptable by any transportation standard,” was the clear message.

But Coleman didn’t just identify the problem. He laid out exactly what Congress can do to fix it for us. Coleman asked them to pass comprehensive rail safety legislation, maintain minimum crew sizes, and strengthen federal oversight and enforcement, closing loopholes and shedding light on the blind spots Railroad Corporations use to skirt federal regulations. It was a direct, solutions-focused approach that didn’t leave any guesswork about the path forward.

Transit Safety NOW, Not Later

Coleman also highlighted the growing crisis facing transit workers across the country. Violence on buses and transit systems is rising, and too many workers are left without the protections they need. He called on Congress to establish national safety standards, invest in protective infrastructure, and enforce stronger penalties for assaults on transit workers. He pointed out that multiple pieces of legislation are in front of Congress right now that will move the needle in this direction and noted that if lawmakers are serious about their support for the safety of American workers, these bills TD has gotten to the Hill are how they can act on it.

Everyone Has Problems. Few Have Solutions.

Both SMART-TD’S National Safety & Legislative Director and Deputy Director, Jared Cassity and Don Roach, were in the room with the GP for these important conversations.

“I was proud of the representation GP Coleman gave our Transportation Division members,” Cassity said. “It was clear to everyone there that he understands the safety challenges our rail and bus members face every day. He spoke with authority, and he made sure our issues were heard.”

Roach described the moment as something unique.

“To have a group of lawmakers who are committed to labor all in one room, and then to walk them through exactly how they can help our members today, and why it matters to the country, was something to see,” Roach said. “He gave them not just the problems, but a clear plan to act on.”

While the discussion included key Transportation Division priorities, Coleman also strongly advocated for SMART’s sheet metal members, reinforcing the need for policies that support good-paying union jobs, strong apprenticeship programs, training standards, and safe, high-quality, union-built infrastructure in communities across the country.

Significance that Cannot be Overstated

The Congressional Labor Caucus has built a reputation for producing results. Its members are engaged, coordinated, and focused on advancing pro-worker policies. For SMART to be invited to speak to this group is a clear sign that our union is viewed as a leader in today’s labor movement.

That distinction belongs to every member.

From the General President’s office to the newest hires in rail yards and bus garages across the country, SMART’s strength comes from our people. The work done every day by our members is what has built the credibility that opens doors like this for our organization.

Your reputation and professionalism created this moment where our union’s voice carried weight in a room full of decision-makers. A moment where real solutions were put on the table and a moment that showed, once again, that when SMART speaks, Washington listens.

The post When SMART Speaks, Washington Listens appeared first on SMART Union.

For nearly a year, SMART-TD has examined the nationwide transit funding crisis in-depth.

Whether it’s cities from Philadelphia to San Francisco facing devastating service cuts because of looming fiscal cliffs or legislative impasses preventing additional funding boosts, both riders and operators are suffering from an often-avoidable problem that they did not cause.

The Key to a Thriving Community: Fast, Reliable Public Transit

In California, one group is taking a proactive approach to ensure that public transit stays fully funded after a service expansion that was rolled out in recent years led to considerable improvements systemwide.

Friends of Santa Cruz Metro is spearheading the effort to put a half-cent sales tax referendum on the November 3 ballot in Santa Cruz County that would maintain fast, frequent service and make the bus free for most people. If passed, the tax would remain in effect unless voters chose to repeal it later.

Voters in Charlotte, North Carolina approved a similar measure in November of 2025 that’s expected to raise $19 billion over 30 years for transit projects.

SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval, who started his career as a bus operator for Santa Cruz METRO, emphasizes the impact of quality public transportation on communities nationwide.

“SMART-TD Local 23 members move Santa Cruz County every single day, and SMART members across the country are doing the same in their communities,” he said. “When service is frequent, affordable, and dependable, people don’t just ride because they have to: they choose to. If we want reliable service, strong ridership, and real opportunity, we must invest in it and stand up for the workers who make it all possible.”

Since Metro expanded service, there’s been a notable 33% increase in ridership and a 400% increase in ridership for students, thanks to the agency’s Youth Cruz Free Program, which allows K-12 students to get on a bus just by showing their student ID.

Several significant investments are also in progress, including a bus on shoulder lane in the Highway 1 expansion project and zero emission fleet upgrades made possible because of dedicated investment in the critical services that residents rely on every day.

Locally Controlled Funding Source is a Non-Negotiable

Friends of Santa Cruz Metro makes it clear: without dedicated local funding, the world class service that Santa Cruz County residents have come to know would be a thing of the past.

On the chopping block…

• 40% service reduction
• 100+ employees risk losing their jobs
• Youth Cruz Free Program ends
• Frequent service (every 15-20 minutes) increased to every 30 minutes

This is an avoidable problem, but only if the sales tax measure makes it onto the November 3 ballot and is ultimately approved by voters.

Live in Santa Cruz County? Act Now!

To qualify, 12,500 signatures from voters across the county are needed by May 11, 2026.

You can join the volunteer list to help collect signatures in Santa Cruz County or donate to help support the campaign.

“If we want reliable service, strong ridership, and real opportunity, we have to invest in it and stand up for the workers who make it all possible,” explained VP Sandoval. “The choice is simple: move forward together or fall behind.”

The post Tackling the Transit Funding Crisis at the Grassroots Level appeared first on SMART Union.