03.04.09
TranSec World Expo focuses on the continuing threat to mass transit systems
London, 20 February 2009 - Experts and delegates gathering for the TranSec World Expo mass transit security conference (RAI Amsterdam, 3-4 June 2009), do so against a backdrop of public transport infrastructure remaining a high revenue target for extremists as demonstrated most horrifically in Mumbai, India, late last year.
“The wanton slaughter of over 40 innocent travellers at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Station) in November 2008, illustrates clearly that much needs to be done to secure mass transit systems from terrorist attack. The attack follows those on mass transit systems in London and Madrid and underscores the difficulty in securing such systems, which are used every day by hundreds of thousands of people around the world,” says Peter Jones, Managing Director, TranSec World Expo.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus attack formed part of a much wider strike at public facilities in the heart of India's financial capital and served as a reminder that risk extends beyond the red tape associated with doing business in any of the major financial centres globally. The decision taken by those involved to strike against transport and two leading hotels may signal a step change in tactics, to causing maximum economic damage at a time when countries the world over are reeling from the economic downturn and associated credit crunch.
By their very nature, mass transit systems remain the most vulnerable to attack, but much can be done to harden them against such an eventuality. Whilst it is impossible to impose security regimes similar to those in the aviation world, a combination of effective intelligence gathering, appropriate surveillance tactics and suitable hardening of facilities can go a significant way toward mitigating the impact of attacks such as those visited upon Mumbai, London and Madrid.
The British capital has long been a focus for extremists, as most recently demonstrated by the 7/7 suicide attacks. As the host city for the 2012 Olympic Games, it remains firmly in the crosshairs. London is making great strides to protect its mass transit infrastructure against the threat posed from terrorism in the run-up to the Games. Extensive upgrading of surveillance systems, network-wide deployment of advanced portable screening technology and harding of structures is an ongoing preparatory process.
“London sees over a million people use its bus, underground and heavy rail networks on a daily basis and it is by no means the largest such transportation network globally. However, the lessons learned and methods deployed in London have application elsewhere in the world. TranSec World Expo's mass transit security conference will focus upon the fundamental steps that must be taken to ensure public transport infrastructure remains a safe and viable mode of transportation for all,” adds Peter Jones.
The TranSec World Expo mass transit security conference will be held over two days (3-4 June 2009) at the prestigious RIA Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
About TranSec World Expo
TranSec World Expo is the premier event in the transportation security calendar. With a specific focus on Aviation, Maritime and Mass Transit security, TranSec World Expo brings the key decision makers together with opinion formers and those at the sharp end in delivering meaningful security, to debate the issues faced and help shape policy in the years to come. TranSec World Expo features an extensive conference programme, dedicated specialist workshops and one of the largest exhibitions of its kind of technology from the world's leading vendors.
TranSec World Expo will be held 3-4 June 2009 at the prestigious RAI Exhibition Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Further Information:
Nicola Greenaway, Operations Director: +44 (0) 208 542 9090 email: [email protected]
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]