Preparing and Protecting Metropolitan Mass Transit Systems
Challenge
Metropolitan transit systems face challenges every day. These include evolving safety and security concerns, extreme weather and technological hazards, all while contending with variable funding, staffing and organizational dynamics common to most large entities. During large events, such as sports championships, concerts, political and other mass gatherings, the system must adapt and remain safe for all employees and the public. To prepare for these major events as well as maintain continuity in day-to-day operations, the state agency engaged TRC as an emergency management and security consultant.
Related Services
Solution
As part of an ongoing contract, TRC provided embedded and ad-hoc staff support to the statewide transit agency, along with recognized subject matter experts to assist with daily operational needs for both routine and incident response periods in a major US city. Our practitioners act as an extension of the State to help develop long-term strategic security and emergency plans, design and facilitate tabletop and functional exercises and create training for transit employees on security and emergency management topics. Additionally, we conduct threat and vulnerability assessments, track security infrastructure system-wide, and support efforts to host major sporting and entertainment events annually, which depend on a safe and efficient transit system.
Results
- Our embedded S&EM personnel integrate directly into daily workflows, ensuring seamless coverage of routine and emergent operational needs. During incidents, special events and unexpected disruptions, TRC practitioners provide real-time coordination and situational awareness that improve decision making and enhance communication.
- TRC has helped the agency update and refine emergency plans, hazard specific annexes and security procedures, in addition to creating delivering agency tailored training and exercises that improve the readiness of transit personnel at all levels. Staff conduct regular threat and vulnerability assessments and track system-wide security infrastructure, providing insight into station level issues, identifying potential risks and informing the agency’s investment and maintenance priorities.
- TRC provides critical support for preparing the transit system for large-scale events by supporting operational planning, interagency coordination, on-site/remote activation needs to include large holiday parades, marathons, emergency weather, professional sports events and derailments.