Amtrak plans to expand its firearms transportation policy in January 2027, allowing passengers to bring unloaded guns aboard more trains in locked cases, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from a union representing the railroad's workers.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU), which represents more than 160,000 members across the airline, railroad, transit, university, utility, and service sectors, called the planned change "sheer lunacy," arguing that allowing firearms in passenger cars could put travelers and employees at risk.
The policy would allow passengers to bring firearms in personal lockboxes aboard an additional 1,500 trains daily, including services along the Northeast Corridor, according to Brian DeLucia, an international staff representative
for the union.
Amtrak began phasing in the policy on its Auto Train in September, ABC7NY reported. The union said the broader expansion is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Here's more on Amtrak's new firearms policy.
Why is the union opposing Amtrak's new gun policy?
John Feltz, director of the TWU International Rail Division, questioned why Amtrak would allow firearms in passenger cars when airline passengers cannot bring guns into airplane cabins.
"You can't walk onto a plane with a gun; it has to be checked with your luggage and stowed away," Feltz said in a statement. "So why allow guns in passenger cars on trains where there are also passengers in confined spaces? This is sheer lunacy."
Feltz also questioned whether the lockboxes would adequately protect against someone attempting to access a firearm.
"A case or lock could be defective, or an enraged rider could use brute force to access a weapon. Either scenario will endanger the lives of riders and our members working on trains," he said.
The union also raised concerns about staffing at Amtrak stations, noting that some locations lack an Amtrak employee or law enforcement officer who could respond to an emergency.
The TWU is calling on the federal government to reverse the policy and require firearms to remain in secure locations outside passenger cars.
USA TODAY contacted Amtrak and the Transport Workers Union on Nov. 6 for additional comment, but has not received a response.
How will Amtrak's new firearms policy work?
The expanded policy will allow passengers to bring declared, unloaded firearms and ammunition aboard eligible trains in secured cases, rather than checking them into a baggage car.
According to the union, passengers would bring their firearms in cases to an Amtrak station agent, who would attach an Amtrak combination lock. Passengers could then board with the locked cases, which an agent would unlock once at their destination.
Amtrak has said passengers must be at least 18 years old and declare their firearms and ammunition in advance. Weapons must be stored in secure, double-locked TSA-compliant hard-sided cases that passengers cannot access during the trip. The service is intended for travel between staffed stations and remains subject to applicable state and local laws.
Amtrak said the expansion aligns its firearms transportation rules with those of other national transportation carriers.
What is Amtrak's current firearms policy?
Amtrak currently allows passengers to transport unloaded firearms and ammunition on certain trains with checked baggage service. Under those rules, passengers must declare their firearms in advance, and the weapons must be stored in locked, hard-sided containers and checked into the train's baggage car.
The expanded policy would change that process by allowing passengers to bring secured firearm cases into passenger cars on eligible trains that do not offer checked baggage service. The weapons would remain locked and inaccessible throughout the trip.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amtrak to allow guns on trains. Workers union calls policy 'lunacy'
