A series in which relevant information is assembled into single, concise volumes--each pertaining to a specific security problem and closely related issues. The volumes focus on the concerns that transportation agencies are addressing when developing programs in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the anthrax attacks that followed. Future volumes of the report will be issued as they are completed.

Transportation is the lifeline of any nation, connecting people, supporting the economy, and facilitating the delivery of vital goods and services. The 9/11 attacks—and other attacks on surface transportation assets, including the bombings in Madrid, London, Moscow, and Mumbai—demonstrate the vulnerability of the open systems to disruption and the consequences of the attacks on people, property, and the economy. Now more than ever, it has become imperative for businesses operating in the transportation and transit sectors to develop comprehensive security programs accounting for both natural and man-made hazards and safeguarding people, places, and equipment—while at the same time ensuring operations continuity. Providing transportation managers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage the security of transportation assets, Introduction to Transportation Security examines: Basic theories of security and emergency management The integrated nature of the nation’s critical infrastructure and the threats to transportation in each surface mode Federal agencies working in emergency management and transportation security and their intelligence and response requirements and capabilities The types of disasters that have occurred in the U.S. and selected nations, and their significant economic impacts Cost-beneficial security strategies aimed at preventing catastrophic failures in each transportation mode Effective methods for organizing, testing, and evaluating transportation security across modes and professions The book covers all transportation modes and their interconnectivity—including highway, air cargo, freight and passenger rail, transit, and maritime. It presents learning objectives and discussion questions to test assimilation of the material and case studies to facilitate a practical understanding of the concepts. Introduction to Transportation Security provides essential information for students in transportation management programs and professionals charged with safeguarding the movement of assets within our interconnected transportation network.

Terrorist attacks on surface transportation facilities in Moscow, Mumbai, London, and Madrid caused casualties and highlighted the vulnerability of such systems. The Transportation Security Admin. (TSA) is the primary fed. agency responsible for security of transportation systems. This testimony focuses on the extent to which: (1) DHS has used risk management in strengthening surface transportation security; (2) TSA has coordinated its strategy and efforts for securing surface transportation with stakeholders; (3) TSA has measured the effectiveness of its surface transportation security-improvement actions; and (4) TSA has made progress in deploying surface transportation security inspectors and related challenges it faces in doing so.

Within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) mission is to protect the nation's transportation network. Since its inception in 2001, TSA has developed and implemented a variety of programs and procedures to secure commercial aviation and surface modes of transportation, including passenger and freight rail, mass transit, highways, commercial vehicles, and pipelines. Other DHS components, federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector also play a role in transportation security. GAO examined (1) the progress DHS and TSA have made in securing the nation's aviation and surface transportation systems, and (2) challenges that have impeded the department's efforts to implement its mission and management functions. This testimony is based on issued GAO reports and testimonies addressing the security of the nation's aviation and surface transportation systems, including a recently issued report (GAO-07-454) that highlights the progress DHS has made in implementing its mission and management functions.

The Transport. Security Admin¿s. (TSA) mission is to protect the nation¿s transport. network. Since its inception in 2001, TSA has developed and implemented a variety of programs and procedures to secure commercial aviation and surface modes of transport. Other DHS components, fed. agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector also play a role in transport. security. Previous reports have examined: (1) the progress TSA and other DHS components have made in securing the nation¿s aviation and surface transport. systems, and the challenges that remain; and (2) crosscutting issues that have impeded TSA¿s efforts in strengthening security. This testimony concerns the security of the nation¿s aviation and surface transport. systems.

Addresses a variety of challenges and solutions within the transportation security sphere in order to protect our transportation systems • Provides innovative solutions to improved communication and creating joint operations centers to manage response to threats • Details technological measures to protect our transportation infrastructure, and explains their feasibility and economic costs • Discusses changes in travel behavior as a response to terrorism and natural disaster • Explains the role of transportation systems in supporting response operations in large disasters • Written with a worldwide scope