Threat Level Lowered for U.S. Transit Systems

(Friday, August 12, 2005) The Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, announced Friday afternoon that the threat level for transit systems would be lowered from “high” or orange to “elevated” or yellow effective that evening at 8:00 p.m. ET. According to the Secretary, the decision came as a result of cooperative efforts between the Department of Homeland Security and its government partners at all levels to develop and implement sustainable and long term, region-specific transit security measures, which have created a “strengthened baseline level of preparedness beyond what existed before the London attacks.” View Secretary's Statement

The U.S. government first announced the threat level would go up for transit systems in response to the terrorist attacks on July 7, 2005 in London. While there is reportedly no specific intelligence or "chatter" to indicate a threat to U.S. transportation systems, the Secretary cautioned the public to remain vigilant. “We continue to urge state and local officials, transportation authorities and the general public to remain alert,” he said. “Public vigilance is very important, and we encourage all citizens to keep a watchful eye for items left unattended or suspicious behavior and report any incidents to local authorities immediately.”

This was the second targeted use of the Homeland Security Advisory System since its inception on March 12, 2002. The first instance occurred back in August 2004 when the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in the District of Columbia; Prudential Financial in northern New Jersey; and Citigroup buildings and the New York Stock Exchange in New York were named as specific terrorist targets of interest.

Below are links to federal, state, local and private sector organizations that provide information about transportation security and personal safety measures that you can take as a commuter :