Securing European urban transport

Europeans today are more likely to live in urban areas than in the past. Thus, mass transport has become a vital and even preferred method of daily commuters. This calls for the most efficient, affordable, reliable, safe and secure mass transport possible.

In an effort to help make this a reality, the EU-funded project 'SECuredURbantransportation - European Demonstration' (SECUR-ED) has set up demonstrations in Berlin, Madrid, Milan and Paris. Satellite demonstrations were also run in Bergen, Bilbao, Brussels, Bucharest, Izmir and Lisbon. In all the city demonstrations, the aim was the same: how to increase security in mass transportation. Both people and infrastructure security were addressed by the project, as was a range of issues from minor offences to major terrorism threats while taking into account legal, cultural and societal environments.

A ground-up approach was taken to ensure that the solutions being proposed and demonstrated were possible and could be easily integrated into existing operational procedures. In the process, risks were being identified and best practices shared.

The demonstrations provided evidence of adaptability and inter-operability of the solutions to the urban transportation environment, from procedures to video-analysis, CBRN-E detection or information management, including training, cyber-security and simulation tools.

A White Paper (available in the Downloads section of the website) draws the lessons learned and recommendations for maximum positive impact on mass transport operators and suppliers as well as passengers, helping to improve overall quality of life.