Security Training for Surface Transportation Employees

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is proposing to require security training for employees of higher-risk freight railroad carriers, public transportation agencies (including rail mass transit and bus systems), passenger railroad carriers, and over-the- road bus (OTRB) companies. Owner/operators of these higher-risk railroads, systems, and companies would be required to train employees performing security-sensitive functions, using a curriculum addressing preparedness and how to observe, assess, and respond to terrorist- related threats and/or incidents. As part of this rulemaking, TSA would also expand its current requirements for rail security coordinators and reporting of significant security concerns (currently limited to freight railroads, passenger railroads, and the rail operations of public transportation systems) to include the bus components of higher- risk public transportation systems and higher-risk OTRB companies. TSA also proposes to make the maritime and land transportation provisions of TSA's regulations consistent with other TSA regulations by codifying general responsibility to comply with security requirements; compliance, inspection, and enforcement; and procedures to request alternate measures for compliance. Finally, TSA is adding a definition for Transportation Security-Sensitive Materials (TSSM). Other provisions are being amended or added, as necessary, to implement these additional requirements. While TSA will review and consider all comments submitted, TSA invites responses to a number of specific questions posed in the preamble of the NPRM. See the Comments Invited section under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION that follows.