Amtrak and a range of big city transit agencies have received federal grants to upgrade their security in the face of terrorism.
Totaling $88 million, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants are intended to protect transit agencies from terrorism and generally boost their resilience. Recipients include the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Bay Area Rapid Transit, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the New York City Police Department.
The NYPD grant will cover officer patrols of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's system, while the L.A. grant will go toward the installation of intrusion detection technology at Metro's underground rail stations. A separate $10 million also went out to Amtrak.
DHS has been subject to criticism for shortchanging rail security in favor of hardening airports, despite repeated attacks on trains and transit outside the United States.
FULL STORY: DHS allocates $88 million in transit security grants
Rail Stations Shortchanged as Homeland Security Focuses on Airports
Rail travelers are not subject to the same degree of security measures as air travelers according to security experts, reports Ron Nixon for The New York Times. Yet far more travel by rail than plane, and rail has been a terrorist target abroad.
Security Issues Raised for U.S. Commuter and Intercity Trains
Friday's foiled attempt by an alleged terrorist to massacre civilians on a Paris-bound, high-speed Thalys train has raised fears that a similar attack could be launched on one of America's lesser-speed trains. Are current security measures adequate?
Building Secure Yet Welcoming Public Spaces
Strategies for securing public spaces from vehicle attacks and other acts of terrorism without sacrificing accessible, vibrant urban places.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service