Amtrak Security Preparedness

This is a letter I sent when we returned from our trip.  Below that is the thread beginning with a reply I received from Keith Bonnecarrere of Amtrak.

July 7, 2004

The Honorable Tom Ridge
Secretary of Homeland Security

The Honorable Norman Mineta
Secretary of Transportation

Mr. David L. Gunn
President & CEO, Amtrak

Mr. Paul Anger
Vice President, Editor

Des Moines Register

Dear Sirs:

I am writing as a concerned citizen about the state of security measures on Amtrak.  On a recent trip, my wife and I were allowed to place 10 items of luggage, including 2 large duffel bags, directly on the train by ourselves.  There was absolutely no screening when we boarded in St. Paul, MN or anywhere on our trip to West Glacier, MT.  The same was true of our return trip.

I recall an FBI warning that was issued after the Madrid attacks that cautioned Americans that soft targets such as malls and trains might be hit this summer.  In post-Madrid America, I expected more precaution to be taken.  In contrast, while driving our motorhome, when we crossed the border into Canada and returned, security was excellent and we welcomed their questions and thoroughness. 

We asked one conductor on our train about this issue.  He said that it was due to lack of funding.  He said the Amtrak terminals simply don’t have the money for screening equipment and staff to implement security measures the way it is done at airports.

In the current wartime climate, Americans expect security measures whenever we travel.  We are willing to accept broader government powers and increased spending for security, but only if it is evident that this results in increased security.  Locking the door to our country while leaving the windows wide open is a waste of time and money.  It only makes the terrorists change their plans.  Madrid made it clear that Al Qaeda will hit soft targets even if they are not spectacular sequels to 9/11.

We deserve a meaningful, comprehensive homeland security plan that addresses all potential security risks.

Sincerely,

Donald Severs

Johnston, IA

(July 8, 2004 from Keith Bonnecarrere to Donald Severs)

We are happy to respond to your concerns regarding safety on our trains.

Amtrak's first priority is the safety and security of our passengers, and we

work in constant communication with local, state and federal agencies,

including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland

Security.

We continue to maintain a high level of vigilance at our stations and on our

trains, operating at an elevated state of alert and readiness, with the

20,000 employees of Amtrak, including the Amtrak Police Department, as our

first line of security for our passengers. Measures in place include

heightened awareness of suspicious behavior and unattended packages, as well

as others not immediately noticeable to the traveling public. Although our

railroad operates in an open environment connected with many other forms of

ground transportation, Federal law enforcement authorities confirm that

there is no specific, credible security threat to Amtrak or any other

passenger railroad

Sincerely,

Amtrak Customer Relations

(July 8, 2004 from Donald Severs to Keith Bonnecarrere)

(to Don from Keith)

Amtrak serves more than 500 communities nationwide. Over half of these

stations are completely unstaffed, owned by communities, freight railroads,

and private interests. Like transit systems worldwide, ground

transportation is an essentially open and interconnected system. No sterile

boarding areas common to airport gates or federally funded equipment and

personnel are currently available for a systemwide screening program.

Nevertheless, the Transportation Security Administration has already

conducted a pilot rail screening program. Kindly refer your inquiry to that

entity.

(to Keith from Don)

Dear Mr. Bonnecarrere:

Ok, fair enough, thanks for writing back. I know you are faced with realities

common to ground-based transportation systems. The conductor on the Empire

Builder we talked with, however, assured us that screening should have occurred

at St Paul, since, according to him, terminals in large cities are supposed to

do more than unstaffed stations such as Shelby, MT. Further, even trucking

companies don't allow the general public to place packages on their trucks.

I'm just trying to raise awareness. I care about my country and was appalled

to find such a hole in our defense. Can you say anything further about the

pilot rail screening program or provide me with a contact for the

Transportation Security Administration?

Sincerely,

Don

(I googled and found this link about the TSA pilot program. It was launched in May, 2004, 2 1/2  years after 9/11. Late, perhaps, but it looks like somebody is looking into this issue: http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=09000519800ab03e .)