Co-operation crucial to keep public transport safe from terrorists, OSCE and International Association of Public Transport workshop concludes

VIENNA, 5 May 2006 - International co-operation is essential to keep public transport networks and the passengers they carry safe from terrorist attacks, participants in a workshop on Urban Transport Security concluded today.

Some 200 experts attended the workshop, organized by the Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe and the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).

"Public transport networks are the arteries of contemporary societies, without which modern urban life is impossible," said Karl Wycoff, the head of the OSCE's Anti-Terrorism Unit. "Making urban transport networks harder targets for terrorists to strike helps to mitigate the threat and makes our citizens more secure."

Preventing terrorist attacks is primarily a government responsibility, but operators are also responsible for passenger safety. The workshop brought together experts in both areas from the OSCE's 55 participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation for discussions on how to reduce the risk or deal with the consequences of attacks.

"Urban transport security has become a topic of special interest in the OSCE region due to the events in Madrid, London, Moscow and elsewhere that profoundly changed our perception of security in the underground and on buses - in places where our safety is of utmost importance for the functioning of urban societies," said Ambassador Bertrand de Crombugghe, the chairman of the OSCE Permanent Council.

"This workshop helps us identify best practices to reach a better understanding of new threats to be addressed."

UITP, as the worldwide platform of those involved in public transport, is uniquely placed to support the exchange of experience between operators and manufacturers and to act as the voice of the sector in this field, said Andrea Soehnchen, manager of the Association's Security Commission.

"The Association is the most suited public transport partner for discussions with governments, first responders and the general public," she added. "We hope that this workshop represents a kickoff for continued dialogue engaging the OSCE and its participating States."

Alain Caire, chairman of UITP's Security Commission, noted it was essential to protect stations, buses and trains to keep passengers safe.

"Through the forums provided by UITP, the public transport sector has already made significant progress in its own 'war against terrorism', with more and more companies having their own security plans in place," he said. "Terrorists do not target transport as such, they target people. Transport moves masses of people each day, and it is our duty to protect them."

The workshop contributes to the 2006 Economic Forum, organized by the OSCE Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities. This year's theme is "Transportation in the OSCE area: Secure transportation networks and transport development to enhance regional economic co-operation and stability".