Wanda Dunham, police chief and assistant general manager, police services and emergency management, with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), testified about her agency’s collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at a July 12 hearing before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security.

Dunham pointed to the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) and other federal programs as “a significant resource in the development and implementation of key countermeasures against terrorist threats.” She noted that MARTA has invested approximately $31 million in federal transit security funding since 2003 in programs including implementation of security cameras in all 38 stations, with cameras soon to be installed in the bus and railcar fleet; increased access control systems at critical infrastructure sites; and acquisition of 15 bomb-detecting canine teams.

“Since our involvement with the TSA canine program, our canine teams have received numerous ‘Top Dog’ recognitions for their exemplary performance,” Dunham testified. “We have discovered that transit riders report feeling safer when canine units are present. Their presence and visibility has helped to prevent the introduction of explosive devices and deter criminal activity in the transit system, all the while providing a more secure environment for our customers.”

However, she added, U.S. transit systems must continue to extend their security efforts. “Much of the effort and focus of the investments to date has been in the area of infrastructure and target hardening,” she said, adding: “Many transit systems are experiencing the need for additional funding and broader funding guidelines to leverage existing capital investments with operational support.”

Dunham recommended that Congress reauthorize the TSGP at levels similar to those authorized under the 9/11 Commission Act and broaden the eligible use of funds as defined in the law. In addition, she called for the passage of legislation that would increase interoperability among public transit and public safety agencies.

During the hearing, the subcommittee also heard from representatives of freight rail, the trucking and airline industries, and other stakeholders.

Rep. Mike D. Rogers (R-AL) chairs the subcommittee.

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