BTS Survey Finds Public Satisfied With Government Efforts on Transportation Security

Contact BTS 4-02 David Smallen 202-366-5568

Wednesday, March 13, 2002 -- Nine out of 10 Americans are satisfied with the federal government’s efforts on travel-related security issues but about the same number remain concerned about those issues, according to a Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) survey.

"I am particularly gratified that the American public understands the federal government’s efforts to maintain the security of our transportation system," Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta said. "As we continue to improve security, the traveling public’s confidence in the transportation system will be restored."

According to the survey results, the public expressed satisfaction with the federal government’s efforts on their three top transportation security concerns:

• the risk of terrorism against Americans traveling by air outside the U.S.;
• keeping computerized systems like air traffic control secure from terrorism; and
• the risk of terrorism against Americans traveling by air inside the U.S.

BTS polled 1,000 households in February as part of the BTS Omnibus Survey, a monthly survey. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus two points.

"BTS conducts these regular surveys for decision-makers to gain a better understanding of the public’s attitudes and opinions about our transportation system," Ashish Sen, BTS Director, said. "This information can be important help for the transportation community."

While nine out of 10 Americans expressed concern about the transport of illegal drugs and illegal immigration across U.S. borders, fewer respondents were satisfied with the federal government’s efforts. More than one out of three were not satisfied.

Three out of four Americans said they were concerned about the risk of terrorism against Americans traveling by highway, train or public transit inside the U.S. Almost nine out of 10 said they were satisfied with the federal government's efforts.

More detail on the BTS survey is available at www.bts.gov.