INTRODUCTION

Public Transit Security is a key concern world-wide.  Operational security issues such as vandalism, petty crime, fraud and staff security are costly issues which public transit organisations of all shapes and sizes face on a daily basis.  On top of this, terrorist attacks such as those that took place in Mumbai last year, show that public transit systems continue to be vulnerable and potentially attractive targets for terrorists.

The difficult task of securing public transit is further complicated by various conflicts: between customer perception and actual security threats; between maintaining open, accessible systems and effective security; and between customer privacy and adequate surveillance, to give just a few examples.

This conference will consider how public transit organisations across the globe address these challenges to achieve a balance between an efficient public transit operation and appropriate security.  From risk assessment to technology to staff training, the conference will take you through some of the key aspects of security, whether for large or small systems, operating any and all modes.  The session on large events and the final session entitled ‘Achieving the right balance’, will exemplify how all of this comes together to result in reassurance and confidence for passenger and employees alike. 

Montréal

As the economic and cultural hub of Québec, Montréal is also the second-largest city in Canada.  The Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) operates an extensive metro and bus network, carrying over 380 million passengers last year – a 4% growth over the previous year.  Inaugurated in 1966, the Metro has 68 stations on four lines.  The bus system consists of 165 daytime and 20 night-time routes around the city.  The Agence métropolitaine de transport (ATM), Montréal’s organizing authority and regional network, provides a commuter rail system and coordinates all inter-municipal services in the Greater Montreal area. 

Canada 

The Government of Canada has in recent years been encouraging transit systems to improve their security.  Since 2004, Transport Canada has encouraged urban transit and passenger rail operations to share information and best practices.  It is leading the development of voluntary codes of practice for transit security.  The federal government has also invested directly in urban transit, passenger rail and ferry security through measures such as Transit-Secure, a programme providing funding to help transit systems conduct risk assessments, develop security plans, create employee training and public awareness programmes and upgrade security equipment.  The Montréal venue will thus give us insight into the successes and lessons learned from these initiatives.

Speakers

The Conference will feature speakers from around the globe, from Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East.  Public transit associations such as APTA, UIC, COLPOFER and ALAMYS will join UITP and CUTA at the conference to highlight the support that such associations can give their members in the field of security. 

The conference will also feature two key-note addresses: the first from Mr Ranjit Sinha, Director General of the Indian Railway Protection Force with a presentation on the Mumbai terrorist attacks of November 2008 in which 57 people were killed and 97 injured. The second is Mr Todd Litman, Executive Director of the Victoria Transit Policy Institute and author of various papers on the safety and security of public transit. 

On behalf of the Programme Committee, UITP and CUTA, we look forward to welcoming you to Montréal.