Public Transportation and Terrorism

You don't need to be reminded that terrorist attacks can occur any time and any place, including the bus you ride every day. The fact is that transit vehicles, including buses, trains, subways, and trucks, are ideal targets for a terrorist attack. Should you keep riding? Here are some of the rules city, state, and federal officials are using to help keep the public safe.
 
Prevention
One of the easiest ways to avoid disaster is for transit operators to conduct a thorough inspection of their vehicle at the beginning and end of each trip. This includes checking floors, seats, under seats, and any interior bins or compartments. The lights should be checked to make sure they have not been tampered with. The exterior of the vehicle, including the engine, should be checked for signs of tampering or any foreign object attached to the frame. In addition, vehicles should be checked for explosives during routine maintenance. 

Suspicious Packages or Substances
If you find any unattended packages, immediately report it to the authorized transit personnel, such as the driver or conductor. Any suspicious packages or substances should be carefully examined to determine if it is dangerous:

• Is there an unexplained odor?
• Could it be inhaled?
• Is there any residue?
• Are there any wires or batteries visible? This may indicate an explosive.
• Is there a message attached to the item?
• Are people in the area showing any signs of illness or distress?
• Did you see anyone near the item or leaving the scene?
• Do authorities know if there is a known specific threat in the area?

Response
If any of these conditions are present, step away from the object or potentially contaminated area. The driver or conductor should find a safe location to pull over or stop the vehicle.

Once the vehicle is safely stopped, try to remain calm and await further instructions. If the operator feels the the danger is life-threatening, you should immediately evacuate the vehicle. Be sure to take all your possessions with you. Get to a safe location at least 1000 feet away from the vehicle.

The transit operator should call for help. Stay in the area until officials have told you it's okay to leave. They may want to collect your name and phone number as part of their investigation.