Rail Security
Securing Our Nation’s Rail Systems
Our nation’s railroads, both passenger and freight, are important pieces of the transportation network. The London subway and Madrid rail bombings demonstrated the critical need for protecting trains from terrorist attack.
Our work focuses greater information sharing, increased training and public awareness, and providing greater assistance and funding for rail transit activities. Grants and awards to rail systems around the country total millions of dollars yearly.
While state and local governments are primarily responsible for rail security, we have taken a number of steps to ensure the security of these crucial assets by working in concert with the Department of Homeland Security, other federal agencies, industry experts, and our local counterparts.
Training Teams and Deploying Manpower and Resources to the Field
Federal Air Marshals, Surface Transportation, canine teams, and advanced screening technology working as Visible Intermodal Protection Response, or VIPR Teams, offer the ability to raise the level of security in any mode of transportation anywhere in the country quickly and effectively.
Explosives detection canine teams provide strong detection and deterrent capabilities and can be sent quickly to key junction points across systems, stations, terminals, or other facilities. Read more about our canine explosive detection program
Through the Surface Transportation Security Inspection Program, or STSI, we have deployed 100 inspectors assigned to 18 field offices across the country, to provide support to our nation’s largest mass transit systems. Read more about our Security Inspectors
We have funded eight Land Transportation Anti-Terrorism Programs conducted by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for fiscal year 2006.
Developing, Testing, and Activating New Technologies
Mobile checkpoint equipment can fit into two standard size shipping containers and be rapidly deployed for use in screening and detection at any major system in the country. Read more about this unique approach to security screening
Conducted in partnership with DOT, Amtrak, the Maryland Rail Commuter, and the Washington DC Metro Transit Authority, the Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot used advanced explosives detection equipment and canine patrols to screen thousands of passengers and bags. Read more about TRIP
Conducting Site Assessments to Improve the Ability of State, Local, and Private Sector Partners to Strengthen Security
We have conducted thousands of criticality assessments, in cooperation with federal, state, local, and private security partners, to determine best practices, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities across the nation.
Developing Recommendations for Securing Freight Rail
The efficient operation of our critical interstate rail system requires a uniform, nationwide approach to railroad security, and a list of security action items identified by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation during risk assessments and security review helps provide that uniformity. Read the Freight Rail Security Action Items
Get the facts on what the Department of Homeland Security is doing for rail security by reading our Rail Security Fact Sheet.
