The Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA) recently conducted a tabletop exercise to identify potential security incidents in the rail industry.
The exercise was conducted in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Participants included first responders, local organizations, private-sector partners and public agencies who conducted simulated real-world crisis scenarios to ascertain potential threat vectors, test response plans, identify gaps and develop actionable improvements.
Discussions included identifying and protecting critical rail assets through best-practice security measures; establishing clear public communication protocols during elevated threat levels; enhancing intelligence-sharing frameworks between public agencies and private organizations; refining security and emergency-response plans for incident management; and strengthening coordination
“Securing our regional rail infrastructure is not something that can be done in a vacuum; it requires a collaborative, united effort from all relevant emergency-response parties,” ACTA CEO Michael Leue said. “This exercise offered a vital opportunity to bring all stakeholders together, share expertise and strengthen the partnerships that are essential to keeping our transportation infrastructure safe and the nation’s goods movement secure. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in pursuit of a safer, more resilient rail system.”
ACTA is the intergovernmental agency formed under the joint-powers authority of the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach.