Scientists study improved railroad safety

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., July 9 (UPI) -- Researchers said the response of the U.S. government and the railroad industry to the threat of terrorist activity has been inadequate.

Penn State Professors Jeremy Plant and Richard Young said resources currently directed to rail security are inadequate, given the potential for catastrophic loss of life or economic disruption from attacks on the U.S. rail system.

"The growing use of rail systems for work-related passenger travel and the critical role played by freight railroads in the U.S. and global commerce makes insuring their security a matter of urgent public concern," Plant and Young said.

The study, among other things, found the North American rail network is too vast and diverse to be protected simply through more policing, surveillance or anti-trespass measures. Plant and Young said Congress needs to pass comprehensive rail security legislation and allocate adequate financial and administrative resources to enhance current security efforts.

They also said passenger operations in major urban areas should receive increased percentages of all funds expended for rail security.

The report is available at the Citizens for Rail Safety Web site: www.citizensforrailsafety.org/home.php.