While the list of programs and funds for bus security is on balance fairly small, the need for such federal funds is large, according to testimony by American Bus Association President and CEO, Peter J. Pantuso. Pantuso is testifying today on public transportation security before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines.

"ABA bus operators have identified what they need to aid them in the protection of the industry," Pantuso explained in his testimony. The initiatives include training for their personnel, drivers, dispatchers, and mechanics, in the techniques of threat assessment, threat recognition and crisis management. In addition, bus operators need equipment - in the form of cell phones and other communications systems between drivers and "home base", and emergency first responders; driver shields; cameras for bus facilities and garages; and equipment necessary to provide security "wanding" of bus passengers.

Pantuso said that the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's efforts to date are important because they have shown the way for the nation to improve bus security, however, the full Congress has yet to pass a comprehensive bus security bill. The industry has received some federal assistance from Congress with funds for bus security grants through the Transportation Security Administration - $35 million in two appropriation bills (though $5 million was reprogrammed to the airlines) - but Pantuso explained in his testimony that more funds for bus security are needed.

With the money that has been appropriated, operators around the country have made security improvements to their operations. Pantuso cited numerous examples of operators putting security funds to use on projects ranging from personnel programs to equipment modifications to communications and facility changes.

In addition, ABA applied and received a grant to begin a "train the trainer" program, where ABA conducted sessions in several locations providing information on threat assessment, threat recognition and crisis management. The program was well attended and has been successful with fully 90% of the evaluations holding that the program was "excellent" or "very good."

But Pantuso said that the need for more funds for bus security seems obvious given the sums spent to secure the airlines and Amtrak. Over the past two Congresses, the Committee has worked with the ABA to provide the industry with funds for security. In 2002 the Committee reported, and the House approved, HR 3429. The bill provided $99 million in grants to help bus operators improve security. The most recent example of the Committee"s work is it reporting of HR 875. This bill also provides funds for bus security and provides these funds to aid in training, equipping and maintaining bus personnel and facilities for improved security. This year the Senate passed S. 929, a bill that also provides funds for bus security. Pantuso called on Congress to pass legislation this year to authorize a major bus security program.

Pantuso said, "It appears that as the country seeks to 'harden' transportation facilities, those who seek to do the United States harm will turn to less secure areas and facilities as targets. 'will not be won easily or quickly.' As long as that is the case, we all must continue to expand and update the security of our transportation infrastructure and protect those 774 million passengers who ride our buses."

# # #

Media Contact: Lori Levy +1 800-283-2877 llevy@buses.org