American Public Transportation Association President William Millar says he’s not surprised by the new reports that Osama bin Laden had considered attacking bus and rail transportation in the U.S. Even in the wake of bin Laden’s killing, Millar is calling on Congress to increase transit security funding.
“The treat to public transportation still clearly exists, and the federal government needs to step up to the plate and adequately fund our nation’s public transportation security needs,” Millar said in a released statement.
According to the APTA press release, last month Congress reduced transit security for 2011 by $50 million as part of the budget deal. Millar contends the funding for transit security, which he calls “low level,” is out of step with terrorists threats. Millar said based on a survey released last year, U.S. public transportation systems need $6.4 billion over five years to meet transit security needs. For more, visit www.apta.com.