Mass Transit: Challenges in Securing Transit Systems
Abstract
We appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today about mass transit safety and security in the United States. Over a year has passed since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, realigned our national priorities. While most of the early attention following the September 11 terrorist attacks focused on airport security, emphasis on the other modes of transportation has since grown. Moreover, terrorist events around the world have shown that mass transit systems, like other modes of transportation, are often targets of attack. For example, roughly one-third of terrorist attacks worldwide target transportation systems, and transit systems are the mode most commonly attacked.1 In May 2002, the Department of Transportation issued a terrorist threat advisory to the transit industry indicating that subway systems were a possible target and that the industry should remain in a heightened state of alert. Addressing transit safety and security concerns is complicated by the nature and scope of transit in the United States. About 6,000 agencies provide transit services, such as buses, subways, ferries, and light rail in the United States. Each workday, about 14 million Americans ride on some form of transit. Because the effectiveness of transit systems depends on their accessibility, security measures common in aviation are difficult to apply. Furthermore, government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels and private companies share responsibility for transit safety and security and are involved in making transit decisions. As you requested, my testimony today focuses on (1) challenges in securing mass transit systems, (2) steps transit agencies have taken to enhance safety and security, and (3) the federal role in transit safety and security. My comments are based on our ongoing work for the full committee and a body of work GAO has undertaken since September 11, 2001, on homeland security and combating terrorism.2
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 18, 2002
- Accession Number
- AD1180479
Entities
People
- David Hooper
- Elizabeth Eisenstadt
- Hiroshi Ishikawa
- Karin Bolwahnn
- Michele C. Fejfar
- Michelle Dresben
- Nikki Clowers
- Peter Guerrero
- Sara A. Moessbauer
- Susan Fleming
- Wyatt Hundrup
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office