In support of safety and transparency on public transit.

WHEREAS: Tens of thousands of Somerville resident use the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in order to get to work, to see friends, and to otherwise live their daily lives; and WHEREAS: The City of Somerville has a duty to ensure and advocate for the safety of all of our residents, whether they drive, bike, take the bus, or ride the train; and WHEREAS: Several people were injured on October 1st, 2024, including Somerville residents, when a Green Line train derailed on its way to Union Square; and WHEREAS: MBTA staff did not offer sufficient on-site support to passengers who were injured during this derailment and failed to follow-up with these passengers; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the City Council requests a written copy of MBTA safety protocols in the incident of a train derailment, bus crash, or any other situation in which a passenger may be injured; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Council requests that a representative of the MBTA appear before this council to discuss why protocol was not followed in this incident, to detail what training MBTA staff receive to respond to such incidents, and to explain how the MBTA will improve its policies or protocols in order to ensure increased support and communication with passengers.