The passenger information and security systems have become indispensable in rail transport, managing to face the global challenges that affect this sector. Out of all modes of transport, rail transport is the most vulnerable and requires the application of rigorous measures in terms of security.
Rail passenger transport is vulnerable to threats because there are many scheduled stops along the routes. These operations depend on the passengers who have easy and fast access to the trains and railway stations. Because of the large number of passengers and access points, it is impossible to implement scanning systems like the ones in airports. In this context, it is very difficult to ensure security, because rail transport is much more accessible than other modes of transport.
Vulnerability + threat + critical situations = risk. This formula clearly describes the crucial need for security systems in rail passenger transport. While this mode of transport is vulnerable to threats, the risk can be reduced. In this case, there are several ways of managing risk, by making some changes in the railway sector in order to reduce threat vulnerability (for instance employing more agents, installing video surveillance cameras etc.), by reducing any possible threat consequences (implementing strict measures for intervention and staff training) and by developing programs that contribute to threat reduction (allocating investments for the acquisition of intelligent security systems, changing the legislation).
More and more countries are implementing projects in order to ensure security in rail transport, because the risk of crime, fraud, terrorism in crowded places, especially in railway and underground stations are more and more frequent.
The authorities are implementing various programs in order to ensure security among passengers, by eliminating trash containers from the embarking platforms, increasing the number of security agents, implementing solutions for video surveillance inside trains and railway stations.
Ensuring passenger safety is not just a national problem, but an international issue. In this context, the Bulgarian authorities were forced to adopt drastic security measures in rail transport, especially inside railway stations, where it’s very crowded and where there are many risks. “Railway stations benefit from video surveillance 24/7 in order to ensure passenger safety, a very important issue for our accession to the Schengen area”, said Bulgarian Minister of Transport Aleksandar Tsvetkov.
Another country for which security is vital is Russia, which focuses more and more on allocating investments in this field.
In order to provide efficient security services, Russian Railways, following the agreement of the Government, set up an agency which will have to ensure the implementation of projects and also propose a change in the legislation on safety. Practically, the transport sector should benefit from integrated security systems. This applies mainly to rail transport, which is much more vulnerable than all the other modes of transport. “By 2014, we have to develop an integrated security system for the transport sector. This cannot be done in a short period of time”, said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, during an official meeting which focused on transport safety.
In order to ensure passenger safety, funding is vital in order to acquire new and better security systems. To that end, the Russian Government plans to invest USD 1.6 Billion by 2014. Russian Railways also decided to allocate funds. “Using our resources, we will finance the acquisition of new video surveillance systems, detectors and other solutions for passenger safety. So far, we have allocated RUB 12 Billion (over EUR 300 Million) per year and we will continue to do so. These solutions will be implemented in over 5,000 points”, said RZD President Vladimir Yakunin, during a meeting with the Russian President.
by Pamela Luică
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