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Transport Canada has developed a two-year contribution program, Transit-Secure,
targeted towards the high volume passenger areas of commuter rail and urban transit,
with a focus on major urban transit systems and equipment. This program will provide
financial assistance to commuter and passenger rail and public transit operators to
accelerate the implementation of new and enhanced security measures.
In addition to Transit-Secure, Transport Canada has had a Memorandum of
Understanding in place on rail security with the Railway Association of Canada,
an industry association of major Canadian railways, since 1997, which addresses:
- the implementation of security plans;
- emergency plans to respond to threats against railway operations;
- the conduct of exercises to test those plans (which involve TC);
- the exchange of information, and;
- reporting of security incidents.
Since the tragic terrorist attack in Madrid, Spain in March 2004,
Transport Canada has focused on putting partnerships in place, and on
building a common understanding and capacity in the sector. The
intelligence-sharing network that Transport Canada established with rail operators
in early 2004 has been expanded to include major high volume urban transit operators
across the country.
Regular communication is maintained through this network, including the sharing of
information and best practices. The network was activated in the early hours after the
London attacks in July 2005, and provided an immediate and effective way for operators
to heighten vigilance and share best practices.
Participating passenger rail and urban transit operators have enhanced the
security of their operations, including improved physical security measures such
as fencing, lighting and surveillance equipment, as well as increased public and
employee awareness.
In the summer of 2005, Transport Canada worked with federal and industry experts
to complete a Threat Risk Assessment of the rail and high volume urban transit sector.
This assessment was reviewed after the tragic events in London in July. It has served
as a key input in defining immediate security priorities in this sector.
Transport Canada is working with its partners to complete two important strategic
initiatives to lay out policy and priority directions for enhancing transportation
security in Canada: an overall rail and urban transit security policy review; and a broad,
multi-modal “Transportation Security Strategy” to guide long-range planning and
priority setting.
Transport Canada will continue to work with rail, urban transit and provincial
authorities to develop further enhancements to security in the sector, based on a risk
management approach.
Since September 11, 2001, the Government of Canada has worked closely with the
provinces, and intelligence and law enforcement authorities, to monitor and
assess security-related concerns. Action has been taken to enhance security at
strategic locations such as bridges and tunnels, and to increase awareness of
security in the transportation of dangerous goods.
For more information on surface transportation, visit the following links:
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