Bus news Archives - SMART Union

New Mexico Local 1687 sets new precedent with Red Apple Transit

April 9, 2025 Local 1687 bus Operators at Red Apple Transit in Farmington, NM have unanimously ratified a four-year agreement securing a 22.13% wage increase and major quality-of-life improvements, including expanded sick leave, more paid holidays, and a flexible bereavement policy. This landmark deal not only addresses employee retention issues but also sets new precedents that could influence transit union negotiations nationwide.

SMART-TD Transit Union welcomes FTA’s historic directive to combat operator assaults

September 26, 2024 Our multi-year effort to protect our bus and transit membership takes a significant step ahead when FTA announces its first directive to stop operator assaults.

Tags Federal Transit Administration, general directive

Bus operator summons SWAT team in LA bus hijacking

September 25, 2024 SMART-TD Transit Union member safe after he alerted police to fatal shooting, hijacking aboard LACMTA bus.

Tags bus operator assault, GCA-875, General Chairperson John Ellis, hijacking, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

SMART-TD celebrates Arizona law that protects transit workers

September 4, 2024 “This new law represents a new day in Arizona. If you put your hands on a SMART-TD member or any transit professional, you’re going to have to face real consequences.” —SMART-TD Transit Union’s Arizona Safety and Legislative Director Scott Jones

Tags Arizona, Arizona State Legislative Director Scott Jones, transit worker safety

SMART-TD Bus Department overcomes obstruction, impresses new operators

July 31, 2024 Nice try, First Student, but SMART-TD is here to stay. TD bus and transit union Local 1909 rolled out the red carpet despite being turned away from a recent new employee orientation.

Tags Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval, First Student, Local 1909

K.C. bus agreement follows SMART-TD’s focus on coaching local officers

July 23, 2024 A Kansas City transit union secures massive raises after a negotiation bootcamp with a SMART-TD vice president. “Not only did this help in negotiating this agreement, but it’s also made me more effective in representing my members on the property in day-to-day operations” – Ethel Maze, Local 1704 president

Tags contract ratification, First Student, Local 1704, School Bus Drivers

NTS Day 3: America’s transit safer because of union member efforts

July 11, 2024 The closing session of SMART-TD's 2024 National Training Seminar outlined the impact our members have made, from Washington D.C. to their local properties. The Federal Transportation Administration warned transit union members against becoming complacent: get involved, communicate, and to join the fight for safer bus and passenger rail for everyone.

Tags Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety Committee, Bus Day on the Hill, Federal Transit Administration

SMART-TD transit union conducts first Bus/Transit Day on the Hill

July 3, 2024 Our transit safety committee and TD legislative leaders took to the U.S. Capitol to share the increasing risks bus and transit operators face every day.

Tags Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity, BTAPS, Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety Committee, Bus Department Vice President Alvy Hughes, Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval, Christine Ivey, Federal Transit Administration, National Legislative Director Greg Hynes

Chairperson ensures that new bus members get what’s owed to them

July 1, 2024 One of SMART-TD’s newest locals, led by one of our newest local officers, scores a big win for some of our newest bus members!

Tags First Transit, General Chairperson Justin Schrock, Local 1707

LACMTA reconstitutes in-agency police force to protect workers, riders

June 28, 2024 SMART Transportation Division bus leaders get through to the LACMTA leadership. An agency police force will be re-established after board members make a unanimous vote.

Tags General Chairperson John Ellis, LACMTA