Texas Transit Association

Public Transportation Responds to New Challenges

U.S. DOT’s National Infrastructure Security Committee brings together the transportation industry, labor unions and the government to examine security systems, set national standards and ensure protection for transportation assets. Major public transportation systems are implementing scanners and detectors to respond to bio-terrorist attacks or chemical accidents.

Enhanced safety and security measures are being implemented, including increased and greater visibility of security personnel, removal of receptacles that could hide dangerous packages, and increased public awareness through the Transit Watch program with calls to passengers to be alert for suspicious activities and packages.

Public Transportation Responds to Emergencies When Crisis Strikes

When terrorists struck on September 11, 2001, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) train system and the MTA in New York saved lives by evacuating passengers and transporting rescue workers quickly and efficiently. After the attack on the Pentagon, Metrorail and public transit in Washington D.C. transported injured persons and operated at emergency levels to transport people out of the area. Throughout the country, transit systems evacuated people from airports in major cities and kept America moving during suspension of air service.

When hurricanes threaten the Gulf coast, Texas transit systems are activated to provide emergency evacuation and assistance with emergency systems.

Freedom and Security

Public transportation provides Americans with freedom to live their lives, pursue opportunities, make choices, and enjoy grater mobility. It helps create neighborhoods that are strong, an environment that is clean, and an economy that is prosperous. Ensuring this freedom requires safety and security. That is why every public transportation system in America has made the safety and security of passengers a top priority.

Who Uses Public Transportation?

Almost everyone uses public transportation at one time or another. In 2003, Americans took 9.4 billion trips using public transportation. Each weekday, approximately 31 million trips are taken each weekday in the US. After transfers and round trips, more than 14 million people use public transportation. Majority of transportation users are between the age of 19-64; persons under 18 compromise 8%, and riders aged 65 and over comprise 7%. Riders are almost equally divided between men and women.