Senate Panel Approves $5.2-Billion Transit Security Bill
In a response to the March terrorist train bombings in Madrid, the Senate Banking Committee has cleared legislation that would authorize $5.2 billion to boost security at transit systems across the U.S. The legislation, which the committee approved unanimously on May 5, authorizes $3.5 billion for security-related transit capital spending under the Dept. of Homeland Security, plus $1.5 billion spread over three years for operating costs and $200 million in 2005 for research.
The bill states that federal security spending on aviation totaled about $11 billion in 2002 and 2003, but only $115 million in 2003 and 2004 on transit security. The American Public Transportation Association has estimated transit's security needs at $6 billion and is asking for $2 billion of that in fiscal 2005.