ANSI Homeland Security Standards Panel to Hold Workshop on Transit Security

May 29, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

To help the transit community address future security challenges, the American National Standards Institute Homeland Security Standards Panel (ANSI-HSSP) will examine key issues in its May 29 workshop in Arlington, Va.

Stakeholders from the transit, private sector and standards communities are encouraged to participate in the day's discussions.

Every day in the U.S., more than 16 million passengers rely on trains, subways and buses to take them where they need to go. Fundamental to the cities and regions they serve, public transit systems are by their very nature open, accessible and dynamic.

In contrast, air travel uses a highly-controlled security infrastructure, requiring ticketed passengers and their luggage to undergo intensive screening at multiple checkpoints. While the airline transportation system remains a likely target, recent attacks around the world point to public transit as a target of choice for terrorists. ANSI-HSSP hopes to eliminate that target by developing security answers today.

Interactive breakout sessions at the workshop will address several areas in the context of physical security. They include:

• Equipment Case Study: Blast-Resistant Trash Receptacles.
• Chemical and Biological Sensors.
• Access Control/Intrusion Detection.
• Communications (Success and Challenges).
• Communications (Solutions).
• Detection of Explosives.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), the DHS Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will serve as workshop co-leaders. Leading experts in the field of transit security, including both end-users and solutions providers, will serve as key presenters.

There is no registration fee to attend; however, space is limited. For more information, contact Matt Deane, ANSI director of homeland security standards at mdeane@ansi.org.

Source: American National Standards Institute (ANSI).