There are several reasons why public service transportation here in the US is attractive to terrorists. First, weather train, air, buss, or ship they all have easy access and escape. Second, large crowds guarantee anonymity. Third, crowds in contained environments are vulnerable to conventional explosives and unconventional weapons. Fourth, Attacks cause alarms and disruption.

Terrorists who attack transportation systems often seek slaughter. Here are some statistics that have been gathered. * Two-thirds of attacks intended to kill * 37 percent result in fatalities * 75 percent of fatal attacks involve multiple fatalities; 28 percent involve 10 or more fatalities. * Every attack in the past three years intended to kill * Bombs kill an average of 20 people * Buses (32%), tourist and school buses (8%) and bus terminals (7%) * Subways and Trains (26%) Stations (12%) and rails (8%) * Bridges and Tunnels (5%) and other (7%) * Accountability= Buses 47% : Rail 46% : Bridges: 7%

The tactics used for the attacks are just as interesting. * Bombings (64%) * Ambushes (11%) * Standoff attacks, shots fired (9%) * Hostage situations (5%) * Mechanical sabotage (5%) * Arson, threats, and other (8%)

Terrorist threats have focused on people and not infrastructure. Here are the latest. * January 2003- Plot to release cyanide on New York's subways * August 2004 - Plot to bomb subway stations in New York * April 2005 - Plot to spread ricin on Heathrow express * July 2005 - Failed attack on London subway * August 2005 - Plot to release deadly gas in London Subway * November 2005 - Plot to bomb train stations in Melbourne and Sydney * April 2006 - Plot to blow up a commuter train in Milan * April 2006 - Plot to seize hostages aboard a passenger ship or ferry in the Philippines * July 2006 - Plot to blow up subway tunnels in New York * August 2006 - Bombs discovered aboard a train in Germany

What has been the return on the terrorist's investment? * Stavropol - December5, 2005 (1 bomb-killed 42) * Moscow - February 6, 2004 ( 1 bomb killed 40) * Madrid - March 11, 2004 (10 bombs killed 191) * Russia August 31, 2004 (1 bomb killed 10) * London - July 7, 2005 ( 4 bombs killed 56) * Mumbai - July 11, 2006 ( 7 bombs killed 207) * Dewana - February 18, 2006 ( 2 bombs killed 66) * Average fatalities per bomb - 24

All in all, we are not going to be successful in stopping all attacks. Because of this advanced planning is essential for effective response to threats and incidents. We must be able to communicate accurate information to the public by providing information and sharing information among our federal, state, and local governments. Effective security includes not only deterrent and preventive measures, but all efforts to mitigate casualties, damage, and disruption. What can you do to help? Be alert and report any suspicious person or activity to the police. What can I do? I will watch over you....

About the Author

Transportation Security Specialist/DHS-TSA Senior Watch Officer Web site: www.SwiftDefense.com Comments can be sent to: info@swiftDefense.com