11/02/2020
A shooting that killed a person and wounded five this week on a Greyhound bus in California illustrates a stark reality about security on buses and trains: Anyone determined to carry out an attack on ground transportation faces few, if any, security checks. Greyhound said that while it does not use metal detectors at all of its locations, its safety practices are similar to other bus companies. Drivers and terminal employees also are trained on security procedures. “An incident of this nature is extremely rare within the bus transportation industry,” its statement said Tuesday. “Although uncommon, it does not change the seriousness of what occurred. We are continuing to work closely with local authorities as they complete their investigation.” In the four years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, some U.S. lawmakers complained that way too little federal money was spent on ground transit security compared with what was spent on airports. Then-U.S. Rep. David Obey estimated that $22 billion had gone into airline security in those years, while less than $550 million went to security for buses, trains, subways, and ferries combined. There’s no indication spending gaps have closed, even though vastly more people get on a bus, train, or subway than on planes each day. Violent incidents on buses are extremely rare. But concerns have arisen that with airports more secure than ever, would-be terrorists in particular could see buses and other ground transit as easier targets
Lions Gate can provide objective security advice to transit companies. Contact our risk team https://lgrmg.ca/services/security-risk-management/
From “California Shooting Shows Security Vulnerabilities on Buses”
Associated Press (02/05/20) Tarm, Michael; Dazio, Stefanie
