Focusing on Security
Public agencies and the communities they serve are
increasingly in the spotlight as public transportation hubs become more
vulnerable to acts of violence. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation
has consistently placed public transportation at the top of the critical
infrastructure protection agenda, along with airports, nuclear power plants,
and major utility exchanges. Security is increasingly becoming part of every
business’s corporate culture and public transportation is no exception.
International Experiences
Veolia Transportation places the security of its passengers and employees as a
top priority and we are able to support this with real experiences from around
the world. For example, we have extensive experience in managing security risks
and in securing mass transit environments long before the events of 9-11
unfolded in the United States,. We have operated trains through the busiest
terminals in London, and we run bus systems in Israel. This worldwide
experience is something Veolia Transportation is currently importing to North
America, to support federal officials and transportation operating companies
alike as we work to get our collective arms around these security challenges.
Through effective physical security and training programs, and by ongoing
coordination with the local public safety agencies in respective service areas
– from law enforcement and first responders to Regional Federal Transit
Administration Offices to state Offices of Domestic Preparedness – improved
communication across the board increases awareness of our resources and
capabilities, and improves our readiness to support agency efforts to manage
community-wide emergencies. This is crucial for the communities we serve: the
value added to our customers is the inherent security culture in all of our
employees.
|
|
Real Examples
For example, in our commuter rail systems in Boston, we worked to raise the
awareness of both our passengers and employees while putting in place practical
security measures. We recorded announcements to remind customers to keep
belongings with them and to report irregular activity; we removed waste cans
from platforms; and, we started a poster security awareness campaign.
And in our bus mass transit system in Las Vegas, we hosted Employee Safety
Meetings incorporating “Transit Terrorist Recognition and Response” training
from Rutgers University’s National Transit Institute. Drivers learned, among
other things, practical verbal “judo” skills to deter and defer disruptive
passengers and real-time bomb threats. A coach operator validated the security
training in December 2004: “If I hadn’t had training from that guy in
September, I wouldn’t have known what to do.”
Our employees learn from Day 1 that security is not someone else’s job. It is
their job. Thus imbued, employees at all levels are able to make informed
security decisions appropriate for our operations, passengers, colleagues and
communities regarding the effectiveness of our comprehensive security and
emergency preparedness programs.
|