Ground / Mass transportation

NYC subway security system: past due, over budget
In 2005 the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) awarded Lockheed Martin a $212 million contract to create a cutting-edge security system the city’s subways, buses, and commuter trains; the cost of the security system has ballooned to $461 million and is now over-schedule by a year-and-a-half; The MTA. has $59 million left in capital funding
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Amtrak reviews threat intelligence, urges vigilance
Amtrak advised its employees that although there was no specific terrorist threat to Amtrak identified at this time, the company will be reviewing all intelligence gathered about the present situation to heighten awareness and to augment its security presence as required
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MBTA holds drill to prepare for a chemical or biological attack
Scientists hold week-long drill inside the tunnels and stations of the Boston subway system to test the effectiveness of biological and chemical sensors, the test the speed of spread of chemical and biological toxins, and develop evacuation plans.
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TSA agents monitor U.S. ground transportation for nuclear, biological threats
DHS, the FBI, and TSA quietly monitor the U.S. ground transportation system for nuclear and biological weapons; TSA agents carry portable detection sensors fan out aboard trains and buses and at transit hubs
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Why does aviation security receive so much money relative to ground transportation security?
Each year, more than 26 million passengers travel through Logan Airport; on an average month, more than the 20 million ride the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; yet, more than $30 billion have been spent on aviation security since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, compared to just $1.5 billion for security on public transportation
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Kachemak sees growing interest from military, law enforcement
Alaska-based Kachemak Research Development developed an advanced vehicles’ undercarriage inspection system; the military and law enforcement are interested
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Washington, D.C. to install CCTVs on trains, busses, and in stations
The cameras are installed more for crowd control purposes, but there is the acknowledgment that cameras provide a forensic tool for police when investigating crimes
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U.K.'s ubiquitous camera network to be made smarter
U.K. researchers develop behavioral recognition software which will focus CCTVs in public places — and on public transportation — on people behaving in a suspicious or odd manner; developers say their software would have spotted a man carrying a samurai sword to a bus in Leeds — which he used to attack the bus driver
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U.S. inspecting trains headed to Mexico
DHS has stepped up inspection of trains headed to Mexico; Napolitano: “For the first time we have begun inspecting all southbound rail shipments into Mexico”
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Maryland transportation chief halts audio surveillance plans
Maryland Transportation Administration considered using listening devices on its buses and trains for recording conversations of passengers and employees; acting director of the agency suspends plan
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Rules about hazmat trains worry Pennsylvania officials
Officials in Pennsylvania’s York and Adams counties are uneasy about the prospect of having hazardous material roll through their counties
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CBP unveils plan to modernize U.S. land ports of entry
Funds from the stimulus package — $720 million to be exact — will be directed toward address infrastructure needs at ports of entry
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Project allowing Mexican long-haul trucks into U.S. ends
Two years ago the Department of Transportation launched a pilot project allowing Mexican long-haul trucks to carry their cargo from the Mexican origin all the way to the U.S. destination, without transferring the cargo to an American carrier; Congress removed funding for the project from the omnibus spending bill
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Napolitano issues first action directives
On her first day in office, new DHS secretary issues five action directives centering on protection of critical infrastructure, transportation, and on better intelligence sharing among federal, state, and local levels of government
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ETA targets Spanish high-speed rail
After assassinating a high official involved in building the high-speed rail connecting three Basque cities to Madrid, ETA, the Basque separatists group, warns it will use terror to stop the project
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