SEPTA, Amtrak boost security to face threats

Rail transit operators have tightened security in response to an apparent increased threat of terrorist attacks.

Federal government authorities have recently indicated to transit operators that intelligence reports suggest terrorists may target commercial transportation in the coming months. Transit systems are at "code yellow-plus," which is a step up from the nationwide code yellow, or elevated level.

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, security concerns with all forms of public transport, particularly airlines, have grown.

Additionally, last month's catastrophic train bombings in Madrid -- which killed hundreds of commuters -- demonstrated that any transit system is at risk.

"We've been aware of concerns both domestic and international that public transport is a possible target," said Richard Maloney, a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority spokesman. "The March incident in Madrid cast attention on the vulnerability of public transport."

The necessarily open nature of a transit system may make trains a tempting prospect for terrorists.

"It's well known that public transport is designed to be open and accessible to the public," Maloney said. "That is its number one vulnerability."

To counteract weaknesses, officials employ a variety of human resources. Both Amtrak and SEPTA have police branches, and employees have been given guidelines on appropriate actions to take in case of a possible threat.

"Everyone is asked to remain vigilant," Amtrak spokeswoman Marcie Golgoski said. "We ask employees and customers to remain aware."

Officials said that passengers have as significant a role to play in security as employees and police, as many patrons are as familiar with the transit environment as employees.

"Most people are very, very familiar with their surroundings," Maloney said. They know about "things that are there, things that shouldn't be there. Packages that shouldn't be there are brought to our notice."

Apart from the standard surveillance cameras, SEPTA uses little technology in its security network. Like Amtrak, it relies on dogs to sniff out bombs.

"The best eyes and ears are human eyes and ears, as well as canine," Maloney said. "One good dog is better than any machine in detecting explosive materials."

Yet little of the increased post-9/11 security on trains is visible. Maloney said uniformed officers were of questionable usefulness to anti-terrorism security.

"A large part of our Police Department is plainclothed," he added. "They're effective not only in terrorism but [also in] other offenses that might occur."

The specter of the Madrid attacks still looms large over rail authorities. They are well aware that they face a near-impossible task -- to completely protect an expansive and complex transport network from determined terrorists.

"For anyone to believe we can make any transit system absolutely secure from true terrorists is simply not being realistic," Maloney said.

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