Texas should require homeland security standards for high-speed rail
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Authors
Polunsky, Steven M.
Subjects
homeland security
high-speed rail
passenger trains
transit
Texas
transportation
terrorism
railroad
trains
intel
intelligence
cyber
energy
Japan
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
high-speed rail
passenger trains
transit
Texas
transportation
terrorism
railroad
trains
intel
intelligence
cyber
energy
Japan
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Advisors
Mackin, Thomas
Date of Issue
2015-12
Date
Dec-15
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
A private corporation is proposing a high-speed intercity passenger train system to operate between Dallas and Houston usingJapanese technology and methods. This project brings with it an array of unique and unprecedented homeland security issues. Train bombings in Madrid and London and attacks on high-speed trains elsewhere raise questions about the security of such transportation. A modern high-speed rail system is a network of potential vulnerabilities, and terrorist groups have identified public transportation as desirable targets. Should the State of Texas require homeland security standards for high-speed rail? A review of the literature reveals the number and consequences of terrorist actions against passenger rail in general and intercity high-speed trains in particular. In addition, it suggests that this writing is the first in its specific application. This thesis places the project in historical and geographical context and reviews potential vulnerabilities using a framework developed by the Argonne National Laboratory. Furthermore, it includes a fault tree analysis and an options analysis through which possible approaches are identified and analyzed. Finally, this thesis finds that the State of Texas should require homeland security standards and provides recommendations for action in the areas of law enforcement, cybersecurity, intelligence, privacy, screening, psychological and mental health effects, and community involvement.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs
National Security Affairs
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
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Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.