The Security Of Rail Transportation - 1609 Words

The security of rail transportation in the United States Rail Security falls into two categories, namely, passenger rail and freight rail. Passenger rail together with the mass transit is among the transportation subsector networks that provide numerous means of transportation from access points to end destinations connecting to other modes of transportation (Department of Homeland Security, 2007). While Freight railroads are key element of the nation’s transportation system that comprises of over 140,000 miles of track, which passes through thousands of bridges and tunnels, and carries millions of tons of freight yearly (United States Government Accountability Office, 2009). Freight and passenger rail infrastructure intertwine and†¦show more content†¦However, DOT still retains the â€Å"regulatory role with respect to the transportation of hazardous materials via rail† (United States Government Accountability Office, 2009). Moreover, â€Å"The Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Transit Administrat ion, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency share responsibilities, programs, and resource investments to mass transit and passenger rail emergencies† (Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, 2010). However, the rail transportation subsector is susceptible to lots of hazards such as terrorist attacks, natural deserters, accidents, sabotage, cyber-attacks, etc. Some of these will lead to destruction of trains and/or railways themselves, hi-jacking of trains, breaching railway databases (Major Vulnerabilities to Railway Security, n. d). Passenger travel and security measures Many people across the United States depend on safe and secure rail systems to travel from one point to the other, as such security of those travelers must be of utmost priority to governments at all levels, as well as stakeholders in the rail industry. There are various laws in the United