What has Transport Canada done to help enhance passenger rail and urban transit security?

In 1997, Transport Canada entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Rail Security with the Railway Association of Canada, that addresses: the implementation of security plans; emergency plans to respond to threats against railway operations; the conduct of exercises to test those plans; 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 mass 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.

How does Transport Canada’s risk management approach apply to passenger rail and transit security?

Through the application of consistent criteria by operators, security and intelligence experts, risk assessments identify the relatively higher-risk areas of the Canadian commuter rail and urban transit sector. These criteria address Threat and Vulnerability (ie. the likelihood of a terrorist attack on a particular system) and Impact (ie. the possible consequences of a terrorist attack on a particular system). The application of risk management principles can then help ensure that efforts are targeted to those higher-risk systems, and that Canadians realize maximum security benefits.

What is Transport Canada doing to help Operators with their security needs?

On June 30, 2006, Transport Canada launched the first round of Transit-Secure, a new passenger rail and urban transit security contribution program. Transit-Secure, is a two-year program 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 rail and public transit operators in designated major metropolitan areas to accelerate the implementation of new and enhanced security measures.

Our transit operations include ferries – does Transit-Secure cover Ferry security?

Transit-Secure is focused on high volume passenger areas of commuter rail and urban transit – but ferries are not included. However, the government has expanded the Marine Security Contribution Program to include ferries, and has extended the life of the program for a further two years. For more information, please visit the Marine Security Contribution Program website: http://www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSecurity/ContributionSpecialPrograms/contribution/menu.htm