HARRISBURG – In honor and memory of Bernard Gribbin, a dedicated Army combat veteran and SEPTA bus operator, the Pennsylvania State Senate approved new legislation to strengthen penalties for individuals who harm public transit operators. Gribbin tragically lost his life in 2023 while on duty, shot while driving his bus in Philadelphia.
Senate Bill 210, sponsored by Sen. Joe Picozzi (R-5), Sen. Frank A. Farry (R-6), Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), and Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-2) will create a new offense for interference with the operation of a public transit vehicle. Offenders causing serious bodily injury or death would face a felony of the first degree, while interference resulting in bodily injury, or the fear of imminent harm would be classified as a felony of the third degree.
SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority, is in full support of the bill, which aims to protect transit workers, passengers and the general public. The legislation sends a strong message that violence against public transit operators will not be tolerated, and those responsible for putting others’ safety at risk will face severe consequences. This effort is an important step in safeguarding the well-being of public transit operators who serve communities across Pennsylvania.
“Deterring violence against our transit workers is paramount for reliable public transportation and, more widely, public safety,” said Picozzi who represents Northeast Philadelphia. “Negative behavior that detracts from the safe operation of our buses, trains and subways puts not just operators in danger, but passengers, pedestrians and other motorists too. It is time for us, as legislators, to do what’s necessary to keep them safe.”
“Our transit workers deserve to be safe in their workplace,” said Farry. “This bill would not only provide the necessary protections for our hardworking transit employees who provide a critical service to our community and are vital to Pennsylvania but protect the passengers and other commuters on the roadway as well.”
“Transit operators across Pennsylvania deserve a safe workplace. In the Southeast, SEPTA operators have faced a rise in assaults and violent incidents,” said Pennycuick. “We must take stronger action to protect these workers and ensure that public transit remains safe for both employees and passengers.”
“Our transit workers keep Pennsylvania moving, yet too many face threats and violence on the job,” said Senator Tartaglione. “No one should fear for their safety while simply doing their job,” she continued. “Bernard Gribbin’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the urgency to act. This legislation will give transit workers the protections they deserve and send a clear message—violence against them will not be tolerated.”
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
WATCH: Sen. Picozzi urges the Senate to approve legislation strengthening penalties for those who harm public transit operators in PA.
CONTACTS: Sonny Mazzone – Sen. Picozzi
Lidia DiFiore – Sen. Pennycuick
Nicole McGerry – Sen. Farry
Amanda Applegate – Sen. Tartaglione