Transit Security Design Guidance - Infrastructure

This online engineering PDH course presents specific design considerations and the tools necessary for securing the most important transit agency asset: the transit infrastructure. Infrastructure design is only one element of a larger security program. The process begins with a TVA, which identifies potential threats and their severity, and estimates how vulnerable each asset is to these threats. Scenario and Consequence Analyses then evaluate the maximum extent of damage or injury in the event of an attack. Based on these evaluations, transit agency officials can then prioritize their concerns and determine the appropriate level of protection through countermeasures.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has initiated an aggressive effort to assess and strengthen the security readiness of the public transit industry. For many transit agencies in the United States, particularly small- to medium-sized agencies, the need for greater security awareness and preparation has reshaped the task of providing transportation services to the public.

To assist the public transit industry in managing these new demands, FTA has developed security-oriented design considerations for transit bus and rail vehicles, and for the transportation infrastructure. These considerations are intended to aid transit agencies in developing security strategies.

This 8 PDH online course is applicable to transit agency decision makers, members of design, construction and operations departments, security and law enforcement personnel, and consultants and contractors, in developing an effective and affordable infrastructure design strategy following the completion of a threat and vulnerability assessment (TVA) and development of a comprehensive plan.