3 ms·

I think this story buries the lede - it is pretty clear that this is not about creating TSA checkpoints at train stations and bus depots: "A bipartisan bill in

by martey 10y ago

I think this story buries the lede - it is pretty clear that this is not about creating TSA checkpoints at train stations and bus depots: "A bipartisan bill introduced Thursday by Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) would require the TSA to use a risk-based security model for these transport modes and to budget money based on those risks. It would require a wider use of the agency’s terrorist watch list by train operators and more detailed passenger manifests along with tighter screening of marine employees. The legislation also would increase the TSA’s canine use by as many as 70 dog-handler teams for surface transportation." "Lest you begin hyperventilating, it’s virtually impossible to envision airport-style screening detectors or security queues snaked around America’s train and bus passenger depots. “This is very much not creating for bus or rail transportation the [security] model that exists for aviation,” said Frederick Hill, a spokesman for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which Thune chairs."

angersock 10y ago
Slowly, slowly we boil the frog. We should be shutting down or dismantling the TSA, and yet this would increase funding and reach.
freditup 10y ago
This is a key point - airport-style security at train stations would be a disaster. Stricter employee screening and more dog-handler teams, on the other hand, is a reasonable proposition. I think it's difficult though to trust the TSA to do this well and to trust it not to escalate into something much more intrusive. Also notable though, is that it seems that much of this is about increasing TSA intelligence / data analysis: The new bill “addresses gaps in TSA’s approach to assessing security risks and will help the agency better fulfill its role as a hub of analysis, planning, and information...”
homero 10y ago
One step at a time, one stop at a time
yread 10y ago
But there already are security queues snaking around train stations?! EDIT: Philadelphia: http://travelswithtarc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC01363-1024x576.jpg http://travelswithtarc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC013...
- catbird 10y ago
  That's not a security checkpoint though, they're just waiting to board the train when it arrives.

by martey 10y ago

angersock 10y ago

Slowly, slowly we boil the frog. We should be shutting down or dismantling the TSA, and yet this would increase funding and reach.

freditup 10y ago

This is a key point - airport-style security at train stations would be a disaster. Stricter employee screening and more dog-handler teams, on the other hand, is a reasonable proposition. I think it's difficult though to trust the TSA to do this well and to trust it not to escalate into something much more intrusive. Also notable though, is that it seems that much of this is about increasing TSA intelligence / data analysis: The new bill “addresses gaps in TSA’s approach to assessing security risks and will help the agency better fulfill its role as a hub of analysis, planning, and information...”

homero 10y ago

One step at a time, one stop at a time

yread 10y ago

But there already are security queues snaking around train stations?! EDIT: Philadelphia: http://travelswithtarc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC01363-1024x576.jpg http://travelswithtarc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC013...

catbird 10y ago
That's not a security checkpoint though, they're just waiting to board the train when it arrives.