Abstracts from the

Journal of Public Transportation

Volume 8, No. 4, 2005

From Policy and Response to System Design and Operations: Inter-Governmental Transit Security Planning in the U.S.

Camille N.Y. Fink, Brian D. Taylor, and Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris,  UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

Abstract

The events of September 11th, 2001, brought the issue of transportation security and terrorism to the forefront of civil society. Transit security is especially challenging because of the nature of transit systems as open and accessible public places and the need to keep these systems running quickly and efficiently; transit officials cannot employ many of the security strategies used in aviation security. This paper examines the recent developments in transit security planning in the U.S. using two sources of data: 1) interviews with officials from federal agencies, a national transit industry organization, and local transit agencies, and 2) a nationwide survey of transit operators. The findings show that transit security remains a major concern for operators who must work to balance security needs with operations and management goals. Interagency coordination has become a crucial element of security planning. In addition, environmental design and public outreach and education—two strategies that received much less attention pre-September 11th—have emerged as much more important in transit security planning.  Full text (pdf)

Ferry Transport: The Realm of Responsibility for Ferry Disasters in Developing Nations

Catherine T. Lawson, The University at Albany

Roberta E. Weisbrod, Partnership for Sustainable Ports

Abstract

Ferries, the safest form of transportation in North America and Europe, can be the agents of catastrophe in some developing nations. Over the past decades there have been numerous incidents in which hundreds have died. The international ferry community, under the leadership of Interferry and the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association, working with IMO support, has embarked on a comprehensive 10-year plan to reduce ferry fatalities by 90 percent. This article describes the first research task needed to achieve the ferry safety goal of devising a framework to determine the responsible parties for ferry safety across the full social fabric, including ferry owners, local and national ferry authorities, national trade associations and international business and regulatory associations. This framework is intended to inform and be used as a guide to mobilize the relevant sectors of society to achieve reduction in ferry fatalities. Full text (pdf)

Terrorism, Transit and Public Safety: Evaluating the Risks

Todd Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute Victoria, BC, CANADA

Abstract

This paper evaluates the overall safety of public transit, taking into account all risks, including recent terrorist attacks. It indicates that transit is an extremely safe mode, with total per-passenger-mile fatality rates approximately one-tenth that of automobile travel. It is important for individuals and public officials to avoid overreacting to terrorist threats in ways that increase overall danger. Transit terrorism would cause more total casualties and harm to society if individuals respond to attacks by shifting from public transit to less safe modes, or if decision makers respond by reducing support for public transit.

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1932 Presidential Inaugural Address

Full text (pdf)

Assessment of Passenger Security in Paratransit Buses

Andrzej Morka, Military University of Technology, Poland
Lesław Kwaśniewski, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
Jerry W. Wekezer, Florida A&M University-
Florida State University, College of Engineering

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess usefulness of 3-D, nonlinear dynamic, explicit computer codes for transit safety and security research. An analysis of response of a paratransit bus structure under loading caused by high explosive (HE) detonation is presented. It was assumed that the cubic HE charge detonates in the air near the bus. The ground was modeled as a rigid stationary wall. The problem was studied using LS DYNA, an explicit, 3-D, dynamic, nonlinear finite element program. The HE detonation and the processes of shock propagation in the air were modeled using the mesh with the Euler’s formulation. The Euler’s mesh was modeled as a rectangular prism sufficiently large enough to cover the entire bus structure. The nonreflecting boundary conditions on the top and side surfaces of the Euler’s domain and the sliding interface on the bottom side for the contact with the ground were assumed.
A finite element model of the Ford Eldorado Aerotech 240 paratransit bus was developed for this study. This model consisted of 73,600 finite elements and had 174 defined properties (groups of elements with the same features) and 23 material models.
Computational analysis provided useful information about dynamic deformations and damage inflicted to the bus structure under load blast wave activated by the HE detonation. It allowed for detailed, rigorous analyses of time histories of accelerations, velocities, deformations, and stresses. Resulting acceleration and overpressure histories were correlated with expected blast injuries of the bus passengers. The data obtained can be used to improve passenger safety and to reduce the threat of suicidal terrorist attacks against public transit. Changes in the bus structure and replacement of some materials to build a safer class of vehicles can be carefully considered and implemented.  Full text (pdf)

Fail-Safe Methods for Paratransit Safety

Joanne M. Sulek and Mary R. Lind, North Carolina A&T State University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to illustrate that a systems approach to transit safety can be used to develop a methodology to fail-safe or mistake-proof paratransit operations. The fail-safe methodology illustrated in this article was implemented in a small rural transit system in the southeast U.S. Results demonstrated that safety problems often stem from an interaction of service errors and system components. Results also revealed that fail-safe methods that target specific user groups are more effective than more general methods.  Full text (pdf)

Intermodal Transportation Safety and Security Issues: Training against Terrorism

Ronald W. Tarr, Vicki McGurk, and Carol Jones, University of Central Florida

Abstract

Since 9/11, our world has changed. The threats now facing us are extreme and unpredictable. The potential for terrorists to use public transit to deliver bombs or turn public transit vehicles into bombs underscores the importance of training - training that can help us prepare to deal with the advent of terrorism on a devastating scale. This paper explains how training in teamwork and decision-making aided the reaction of mass transit agencies during the 9/11attacks. It also describes the new techniques and technologies that can be used to provide even better training for future attacks.  Full text (pdf)

Copyright © 2007, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., CUT 100,  Tampa, FL 33620-5375
  813.974.3120 813.974.5168 fax www.nctr.usf.edu Privacy Policy