TSA Simulates Passenger Rail Incidents in First International Training Exercise
For the first time, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducted a training exercise outside the United States.
TSA, Amtrak, and Transport Canada joined together to conduct a cross-border exercise in Vancouver, Canada. Local officials and the private sector took part as well.
The exercise simulated events related to railway security, with an emphasis on passenger rail. Amtrak serves three routes into Canada, with trains to Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.
“TSA was able to conduct this groundbreaking international exercise and bring together U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, state and local governments, Amtrak and Canadian companies and representatives to discuss procedures, actions and communications during a serious security incident,” said TSA Assistant Administrator for International Operations Gary Renfrow.
“This important partnership with the TSA and Amtrak helps us all prepare for unexpected events. Safety is our highest priority," said Canada Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez.
The goal is to not only practice for emergency situations, but to improve relationships, cooperation, and information sharing between U.S. and Canadian officials.
“With this exercise, we are fostering new relationships and partnerships to protect transportation systems and infrastructure. Additionally, this collaboration will help identify risks and potential solutions for vulnerabilities that affect the two countries,” said Amtrak Police Department’s Assistant Chief of Police James Cook.
The exercise was developed by TSA’s Surface Operations Exercise Information System (EXIS), which “provides users with resources to design, document and evaluate exercises for all transportation system owners and operators.” It also serves as an information sharing portal to share best practices and lessons from training exercises.
EXIS was designed specifically for the transportation industry and can be accessed for free.