PUBLIC TRANSIT PREPARES FOR TERRORISM

U.S. public transit agencies are scrambling to boost security since the September 11 attacks, despite the fact that they have not experienced a direct terrorist attack in recent years. This article details efforts to deal with potential terrorist attacks, and lists 11 ideas recommended by the American Public Transit Association for ways local public transit agencies can improve safety. The article also describes efforts by the Federal Transit Administration, such as the Post-9/11 Initiative, to assist state and local transit agencies in developing better security plans. The Initiative consists of the following stages: 1) Assess the needs of the 32 largest transit systems in the U.S. and make recommendations for mitigating risks; 2) Help local agencies re-evaluate emergency plans; 3) Conduct drills to test the plans; 4) Sponsor free transit preparedness seminars; and, 5) Promote research and development of new security technology. Preparing for possible biological and chemical attacks is the public transportation's greatest security challenge.

  • Availability:
  • Supplemental Notes:
    • March/April 2003
  • Corporate Authors:

    National Safety Council

    1121 Spring Lake Drive
    Itasca, IL  United States  60143
  • Authors:
    • Parker, J G
  • Publication Date: 2003-3

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 8-11
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00942651
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
  • Files: BTRIS, TRIS
  • Created Date: Jun 2 2003 12:00AM