Public transport systems have been identified as potential targets for terrorist attacks in recent years. These can be physical attacks, such as the 2016 Brussels metro bombing or the Wuerzberg incident in July 2016 or they can be cyber-attacks like the San Francisco subway hack in November 2016 and the ‘WannaCry’ ransomware take-over against the Deutsche Bahn last year.
With this in mind, the ‘CBD and South East Light Rail’ project currently under construction in Sydney poses an interesting question for authorities on how to ensure safety and risk are managed.
Public transport systems such as the light rail are designed for convenience and attract large amounts of people. Sydney’s new light-rail vehicles are expected to accommodate approximately 450 passengers, with a capacity to move up to 13,500 commuters per hour every day.
With such an incredible volume of people utilising this service, it is easy to see why public transport is often seen as an easy target for terrorist attacks. The light rail has specific features that make security and safety more complicated, such as:
- The centrality to public walk-ways;
- The complexity in monitoring above-ground vehicles; and
- The high pedestrian volume surrounding the light-rail tracks.
Brian Jenkins, Director of the Mineta Transportation Institute’s (MTI) National Transportation Safety and Security Center, explained in his report that terrorist attacks on public transport are capable of creating alarm as “daily commuters and other passengers cannot easily avoid what they perceive as a source of danger.” Jenkins adds that “it is not easy to increase security without causing inconvenience and unreasonably slower travel times.”[1]
Apart from physical security concerns, many experts have pointed out that public transport systems are also vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the attack surface for such hacks is expanding as public transport is transformed by digital technology and remote-control.
Such concerns must be considered when developing and utilising the Sydney Light Rail. Policy-makers and officials must ensure these new public transport systems are designed with security and risk management in mind.
To solve these concerns, effective engineering must be integrated into these systems to ensure second-line protection and active monitoring enhances the network security. Also, public awareness of the security risks should be a focus. Authorities and operators must continue to encourage active public involvement is security efforts – for example ensuring passengers are alert to suspicious objects or behaviour on public transport.
Businesses in proximity to the light rail and any form of public transport for that matter have a role to play in security and risk management. For more information on what you can do to encourage safe public transport practices, contact Agilient today.