> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.workersrights.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Amtrak moves to let riders carry guns on more trains. A rail union calls it 'sheer lunacy.' - URL: https://www.workersrights.news/amtrak-guns-carry-on-trains-transport-workers-union-sheer-lunacy/ - Published: 2026-11-07T15:26:55.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-07T15:26:55.000Z - Description: The Transport Workers Union says the plan endangers passengers and crews and wants it reversed. - Author: WorkersRights.News Team - Tags: Economy, Politics Amtrak plans to let passengers carry guns in carry-on bags on trains that have no checked baggage service, and the Transport Workers Union says it puts riders and crews at risk. "This is sheer lunacy," John Feltz, director of the union's International Rail Division, said. ## What the policy would do Under the policy, as ABC7 New York and USA Today describe it, passengers 18 and older could bring declared, unloaded firearms and ammunition on trains such as the Northeast Regional and Acela, which do not offer checked baggage. The guns would have to travel in double-locked, hard-sided, TSA-compliant cases that cannot be opened during the trip, and only between staffed stations. Local and state gun laws would still apply. Amtrak now allows guns on a few dozen long-distance trains, where they are stored in baggage cars. USA Today reported that Amtrak began phasing the policy in on its Auto Train in September, with the broader expansion set for January 2027\. Scripps News also reports a January 2027 rollout. ABC7 says Amtrak describes a phased approach with other routes to follow in 2027\. TWU's Brian DeLucia, an international staff representative, said the change would cover an additional 1,500 trains a day. ## Amtrak's explanation and the union's objections According to ABC7, Amtrak says the change fits Executive Order 14206, a February 2025 order from President Trump, and aligns Amtrak with other carriers, "such as airlines." USA Today reported it had not heard back from Amtrak or the union as of Friday. Feltz disputes the airline comparison. "You can't walk onto a plane with a gun; it has to be checked with your luggage and stowed away," he said. TSA's own guidance says firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags and are allowed in checked bags only if unloaded, declared and locked in a hard-sided container. The union also argues that a case or lock could fail or be forced open, which Feltz said would endanger riders and the union's members who work on trains. He raised concern about stations with no Amtrak employee or law enforcement officer on site to respond to an emergency. TWU is asking the federal government to reverse the policy. The union says it represents more than 160,000 workers across airlines, railroads, transit and other sectors. ## What to watch Amtrak has not yet answered the union publicly in the coverage reviewed. Dates and route details for the broader rollout are the open questions, since the reports differ on timing. ### Sources - [Union opposes new Amtrak policy that would allow passengers to bring guns on trains](https://abc7ny.com/post/twu-union-opposes-new-amtrak-policy-would-allow-guns-trains/20017803/?ref=workersrights.news), ABC7 New York - [Amtrak to allow guns on trains. Workers union calls policy 'lunacy'](https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/amtrak-allow-guns-trains-workers-193201353.html?ref=workersrights.news), USA Today via Yahoo News - [Amtrak to allow passengers to bring firearms on select trains in January](https://www.scrippsnews.com/us-news/amtrak-to-allow-passengers-to-bring-firearms-on-select-trains-in-january?ref=workersrights.news), Scripps News - [Firearms](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/firearms?ref=workersrights.news), Transportation Security Administration