(The following appeared on the Progressive Railroading website on December 7, 2009.)
The House recently passed a resolution stressing the importance of enhancing rail and mass transit security, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
Introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) and advanced by the House Committee on Homeland Security, the resolution calls for implementing recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act by directing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration to focus on the security assistance needs of railroads and public transportation providers.
The resolution serves as a “reminder” about the important role policymakers play in bolstering transportation security, according to APTA.
“We are greatly heartened by the message sent by the House … to enhance the security of our nation’s rail and mass transit lines,” said APTA President William Millar in a prepared statement.
The resolution is “particularly timely” because of the recent bombing of a passenger-rail line in Russia, APTA officials said.