ABSTRACT
Keywords: heavy rail, freight trains, passenger trains, tunnels, stations, bridges, electricity, diesel power, risk assessment, surveillance, weapons of mass disruption, safety, security, trespassing, vandalism, derailments, rails, locomotives, class I railroad, regional railroad, short line railroad, hazardous materials, acutely hazardous materials, toxic inhalation hazards, TIH, high threat urban areas, HTUA
• Identify potential security vulnerabilities in heavy rail systems • Understand how rail-based, long-distance operations generate
vulnerabilities • Identify hazardous materials and toxic inhalation hazards (TIHs)
in shipments • Understand the role of technology in long-distance operations security • Understand the strategies used by terrorists to disrupt freight and
long-distance passenger rail systems
Components of the Freight and LongDistance Passenger Heavy Rail System Americans’ fascination with trains is clearly demonstrated in the culture of its toys and pastimes. –omas the Tank Engine toys, books, and videos for toddlers give way to HO scale layouts for the elementary school child’s “Christmas platform” and the adult hobby of “train watching.” –e railroads are among the most desirable properties on the Monopoly board in recognition of their tremendous economic importance. –ere is something about the romance of the train whistle and the trip into the unknown that catches the imagination. “–e Chiefs, the Limiteds, the Zephyrs. –ey were more than passenger trains. –ey surrounded us with impeccable comfort and tantalized our palates with elegant dining fare as they whisked into a world of romance and mystique” (Amtrak Historical Society, n.d.).
