An attack on the U.S. freight rail system could be catastrophic because rail cars carrying highly toxic materials often traverse densely populated urban areas. The Transportation Security Admin. (TSA) is the fed. entity primarily responsible for securing freight rail. This report assesses the status of efforts to secure this system. This report discusses: (1) stakeholder efforts to assess risks to the freight rail system and TSA's dev¿t. of a risk-based security strategy; (2) actions stakeholders have taken to secure the system since 2001, TSA's efforts to monitor and assess their effectiveness, and any challenges to implementing future actions; and (3) the extent to which stakeholders have coordinated efforts. Includes recommendations. Illustrations.

An attack on the U.S. freight rail system could be catastrophic because rail cars carrying highly toxic materials often traverse densely populated urban areas. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the federal entity primarily responsible for securing freight rail. GAO was asked to assess the status of efforts to secure this system. This report discusses (1) stakeholder efforts to assess risks to the freight rail system and TSA's development of a risk-based security strategy; (2) actions stakeholders have taken to secure the system since 2001, TSA's efforts to monitor and assess their effectiveness, and any challenges to implementing future actions; and (3) the extent to which stakeholders have coordinated efforts. GAO reviewed documents, including TSA's freight rail strategic plan; conducted site visits to seven U.S. cities with significant rail operations involving hazardous materials; and interviewed federal and industry officials. Among other things, GAO recommends that TSA reflect all security threats in strategy, strengthen its performance measures, better assess and track actions being taken, and more closely work with some federal stakeholders.

The four rail attacks in Europe & Asia since 2004, including the most recent in India, highlight the vulnerability of passenger rail & other surface transportation systems to terrorist attack & demonstrate the need for greater focus on securing these systems. This testimony is based primarily on a Sept. 2005 passenger rail security report & selected recent program updates. It addresses: (1) the extent to which the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) has assessed the risks facing the U.S. passenger rail system & developed a strategy based on risk assessments for securing all modes of transportation, including passenger rail; & (2) the actions that fed. agencies have taken to enhance the security of the U.S. passenger rail system. Includes recommend.

Freight rail security : actions have been taken to enhance security, but the federal strategy can be strengthened and security efforts better monitored : report to Congressional requesters

This book provides an overview and assessment of the security risks, both manmade and natural, facing the railways and rail networks. Railroads face significant threats from disasters, but with situational awareness and coordinated effort these can often be substantially minimized. Transportation assets have always been vulnerable to natural disasters, but in the current environment these assets are also a preferred target of human-caused disruption, especially in the form of terrorism, as the events in many other parts of the world have underscored. Railways are not a homogeneous mode of transportation given their various roles in intercity and commuter passenger movement, as well as being a major portion of the freight ton-miles upon which the U.S. economy is highly dependent. Designed to provide advice for railway owners and first responders, this text discusses how to secure hazardous material transport and how to establish guidelines for rail freight operations and rail passenger operations. The book aims to develop an understanding of the unique operating characteristics of railways, the nature and the range of vulnerabilities, the present means for protecting the infrastructure, and the public policy initiatives that are prerequisite for developing a comprehensive appreciation of the magnitude of this issue. The book utilizes case studies of transport disasters to illustrate lessons learned and to provide critical insight into preventative measures. This book will be of great interest to students and practitioners of transportation, technology and engineering, and security management.