U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning to Chicago and Boston, stating that their public transit systems risk losing federal support unless they take immediate steps to improve safety following a series of violent incidents. The transportation secretary condemned the two cities’ failure to protect riders and transit workers, citing a string of assaults on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) – two of the nation’s largest transit systems. The incidents included an assault on a 27-year veteran CTA employee who was punched and thrown onto the tracks, an elderly woman shoved off an MBTA bus, and a case involving a man using his belt to assault passengers. The Department of Transportation’s news release highlighted these events as a clear indication of the safety concerns at hand, with Duffy emphasizing that the situation is critical and requires urgent attention. The Department of Transportation’s statement also reiterated the need for local leaders to prioritize safety for residents and workers, as the Secretary made clear that the situation is not tolerable and requires immediate action to ensure a secure transportation environment. This is the latest in a series of warnings issued by Duffy, as part of his broader efforts to address safety and security in public transit systems nationwide, which includes similar warnings sent to transit systems in Washington, New York, and Los Angeles. The situation has drawn widespread national attention, fueled by recent events such as the fatal attack on Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee on a North Carolina light-rail train, which has sparked further outrage and calls for enhanced safety measures. The CTA and MBTA have not yet responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. In addition to addressing safety, Duffy is also pushing for the implementation of measures to curb fare evasion and is urging both the CTA and MBTA to submit detailed reports within 14 days outlining the steps taken to address these issues. These reports must also include funding sources for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 related to safety and security, with a particular focus on any contributions from the Department of Homeland Security. Further, Duffy criticized both cities’ cashless bail policies, which he argues allow violent offenders to continue operating in public space. The MBTA’s General Manager, Phillip Eng, emphasized that safety is the agency’s top priority and that such conduct will not be tolerated, while also offering riders the option to report concerns anonymously through the See Say app. The situation highlights the growing concerns over public safety and the potential consequences of inaction, as federal officials continue to push for stronger measures to ensure the safety of all transit system users. It remains to be seen whether the CTA and MBTA will be able to effectively address these issues and prevent further incidents.