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Rail Security: Some Actions Taken to Enhance Passenger and Freight Rail Security, but Significant Challenges Remain

GAO-04-598T Published: Mar 23, 2004. Publicly Released: Mar 23, 2004.
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Highlights

Passenger and freight rail services are important links in the nation's transportation system. Terrorist attacks on passenger and/or freight rail services have the potential to cause widespread injury, loss of life, and economic disruption. The recent terrorist attack in Spain illustrates that rail systems, like all modes of transportation, are targets for attacks. GAO was asked to summarize the results of its recent reports on transportation security that examined (1) challenges in securing passenger and freight rail systems, (2) actions rail stakeholders have taken to enhance passenger and freight rail systems, and (3) future actions that could further enhance rail security.

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CounterterrorismFreight transportationHomeland securityMass transitPassengersPhysical securityRail securityRailroad industryRailroad safetyRailroad transportation operationsSecurity assessmentsTerrorismTransportation securityRisk assessments