The Hidden Toll: Mental Health, Assaults, and Public Transit

In 2023, U.S. transit agencies reported 2,200 major assault injuries sustained on public transit vehicles or within transit environments, the highest annual number recorded in the history of Federal Transit Administration data collection. New Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) research, Understanding the Prevalence of Mental Health and Behavioral Distress in Transit Assaults and Presenting Targeted Response and Mitigation Methods to Reduce Victimization Trends, gathered and analyzed existing literature and data to improve understanding of the prevalence of mental health and behavioral distress in transit assault events.

The study included a literature review, data collection and analysis, and an overview of reported public transit assault-related events, a discussion of contributing factors, and documentation of 10 public transit agency case study sites. Recommendations to the public transit industry based on this project’s findings include:

• Establish a consistent and clear definition of assault.

• Expand de-escalation training to include mental health awareness and utilize real-world scenarios, and implement further specialized training for frontline workers and supervisors.

• Actively pursue legislative support at both the state and federal levels to protect transit workers.

• Establish/strengthen court advocacy and other support programs, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

• Expand law enforcement presence and foster collaborative relationships with local law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations.

• Improve data collection and associated analyses in support of risk assessment and management activities.

• Implement and mandate operator safety barriers across the transit bus fleet.

• Expand and enhance video surveillance systems, particularly in high-risk areas.

• Expand community outreach campaigns that may prove effective in addressing factors that contribute to assault events.

“Some agencies, such as LA Metro, have implemented robust surveillance and community partnership programs, emphasizing early intervention and support for vulnerable populations,” explain the study’s authors. “Still, significant gaps remain, particularly in standardizing the definition and reporting of assaults, ensuring sufficient funding for training and addressing systemic issues such as homelessness and substance misuse. These challenges highlight the need for coordinated national and agency-tailored approaches to improve safety and support within the transit sector.”

The mental health conditions of transit workers are sometimes overlooked. Frontline workers, especially those who are regularly exposed to verbal abuse and assault, need protection and support services. This research can aid transit professionals and other stakeholders to better understand why and how mental health plays a role in transit assaults and how to integrate this understanding into response efforts to make transit safer for everyone.

ABOUT THE MINETA TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE

At the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San Jose State University (SJSU) our mission is to increase mobility for all by improving the safety, efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of our nations’ transportation system. Through research, education, workforce development and technology transfer, we help create a connected world. Founded in 1991, MTI is a university transportation center funded by the US Department of Transportation, the California Department of Transportation, and public and private grants, including those made available by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1). MTI is affiliated with SJSU’s Lucas College and Graduate School of Business.

ABOUT THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Kathleen Moore, PhD, is the executive director of the USF Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute; is a Research Professor in the Department of Mental Health, Law, and Policy; and served as the project’s advisor. Lisa Staes, MSM, is the associate director of USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) and was the principal investigator. Melissa Carlson, BS, is a Research Project Manager in USF’s Department of Mental Health Law and Policy. Emilie Ellenberg, MA, is a current doctoral candidate in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences PhD program and is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Jodi Godfrey, MSCE, is a Senior Research Associate at CUTR.

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