Politics1 min read

Amtrak workers’ union denounces plan to let passengers bring guns on trains: ‘Sheer lunacy’

By · Via The Guardian Business · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Under the planned framework, travelers will store firearms in personal cases secured by an Amtrak-issued combination lock, keeping them at their seats for the duration of the trip. Union officials argue this system invites danger because locks could fail and many smaller stations lack the personnel or law enforcement needed to handle weapon-related incidents. The change marks a major departure from current rules, expanding firearm carriage to 1,500 additional daily trains across the nation.

Key points

  • The Transport Workers Union argues that allowing weapons into train cabins threatens onbo…: The Transport Workers Union argues that allowing weapons into train cabins threatens onboard staff and passenger safety.
  • Labor representatives raised alarms that many Amtrak stations lack sufficient staffing or…: Labor representatives raised alarms that many Amtrak stations lack sufficient staffing or law enforcement presence to supervise firearms.
  • The upcoming policy significantly broadens current practices that restrict firearms stric…: The upcoming policy significantly broadens current practices that restrict firearms strictly to secure baggage cars on limited routes.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

The Transport Workers Union, which represents 360 onboard service workers at national passenger rail operator Amtrak, has lambasted the planned implementation of a new policy that would permit passengers to bring their guns on its US intercity trains.

The forthcoming protocols will allow people to carry on firearms in personal lock boxes.

“You can’t walk on to a plane with a gun, it has to be checked with your luggage and stowed away,” said John Feltz, International Rail Division director of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), in a statement. “So why allow guns in passenger cars on trains where there are also passengers in confined spaces? This is sheer lunacy.”

The union noted the new policy is now scheduled to begin in January 2027. Amtrak had previously noted it was considering the policy, amid pressure from the Trump administration to ease restrictions on transporting weapons, but had not announced a timeline.

According to the union, gun owners will be able to bring their weapons in cases to an Amtrak station agent, who would add an Amtrak-owned combination lock. Passengers take…

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