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The surface transportation system is vital to our nation's economy, defense, and quality of life. Because threats against the system have hitherto been perceived as minor, little attention has been paid to its security. But the world is changing, as highlighted by dramatic incidents such as the terrorist chemical attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995. As a consequence, security concerns are now attracting more attentionâ€"appropriately so, for the threat is real, and responding to it is hard. Although the surface transportation system is remarkably resilient, it is also open and decentralized, making a security response challenging. Research and development can contribute to that response in important ways. Some important themes emerge from analysis of this strategy. First, a dual-use approach, in which security objectives are furthered at the same time as other transportation goals, can encourage the implementation of security technologies and processes. Second, modeling could be used more to develop a better understanding of the scope of the security problem. Third, DOT can play an important role in developing and disseminating information about best practices that use existing technologies and processes, including low-technology alternatives. Finally, security should be considered as part of a broader picture, not a wholly new and different problem but one that is similar and closely connected to the transportation community's previous experience in responding to accidents, natural disasters, and hazardous materials.
Terrorist attacks on surface transportation facilities in Moscow, Mumbai, London, and Madrid caused casualties and highlighted the vulnerability of such systems. The Transportation Security Admin. (TSA) is the primary fed. agency responsible for security of transportation systems. This testimony focuses on the extent to which: (1) DHS has used risk management in strengthening surface transportation security; (2) TSA has coordinated its strategy and efforts for securing surface transportation with stakeholders; (3) TSA has measured the effectiveness of its surface transportation security-improvement actions; and (4) TSA has made progress in deploying surface transportation security inspectors and related challenges it faces in doing so.
Terrorist incidents worldwide have highlighted the need for securing mass transit and passenger rail systems. The Transportation Security Admin. (TSA) is the primary fed. entity responsible for securing these systems. This report assesses: (1) the extent to which fed. and industry stakeholders have assessed risks to these systems since 2004, and how TSA has used this information to inform its security strategy; (2) key actions fed. and industry stakeholders have taken since 2004 and the extent to which fed. actions are consistent with TSA's security strategy, and the challenges TSA faces in implementing them; and (3) TSA's reported status in implementing 9/11 Commission Act provisions for mass transit and passenger rail security. Illus.
Surface Transportation Security: TSA Has Taken Actions to Manage Risk, Improve Coordination, and Measure Performance, but Additional Actions Would Enhance Its Efforts

Lost in the Shuffle

United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security. Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 72


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Addresses a variety of challenges and solutions within the transportation security sphere in order to protect our transportation systems • Provides innovative solutions to improved communication and creating joint operations centers to manage response to threats • Details technological measures to protect our transportation infrastructure, and explains their feasibility and economic costs • Discusses changes in travel behavior as a response to terrorism and natural disaster • Explains the role of transportation systems in supporting response operations in large disasters • Written with a worldwide scope
A series in which relevant information is assembled into single, concise volumes--each pertaining to a specific security problem and closely related issues. The volumes focus on the concerns that transportation agencies are addressing when developing programs in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the anthrax attacks that followed. Future volumes of the report will be issued as they are completed.
Within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) mission is to protect the nation's transportation network. Since its inception in 2001, TSA has developed and implemented a variety of programs and procedures to secure commercial aviation and surface modes of transportation, including passenger and freight rail, mass transit, highways, commercial vehicles, and pipelines. Other DHS components, federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector also play a role in transportation security. GAO examined (1) the progress DHS and TSA have made in securing the nation's aviation and surface transportation systems, and (2) challenges that have impeded the department's efforts to implement its mission and management functions. This testimony is based on issued GAO reports and testimonies addressing the security of the nation's aviation and surface transportation systems, including a recently issued report (GAO-07-454) that highlights the progress DHS has made in implementing its mission and management functions.