Bomb sniffing dogs patrol Maryland transit systems
Systems are among the first in U.S. to use three handler/canine teams from a TSA-based program.
Three explosives detection canine teams have begun patrols of Maryland's bus and rail systems as part of expanded national efforts to secure mass transit, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said Wednesday. Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) officers started using three German Shepards to sniff for explosives on MARC, MTA buses and light rail vehicles. The officers participated in a TSA training course in San Antonio, Texas, where they learned how to handle the dogs. In addition to handler skills, the officers learned explosives safety, and safe handling and accountability of explosives canine training aids. Launched in August 2005, the mass transit canine initiative looks to expand on TSA's training program, which involved 400 dogs at 77 airports nationwide. The canine program, a partnership between the federal government and local transportation entities, pays to train the dogs, provides in-depth training for the handler, and partially reimburses the participating agency for costs associated with the teams, such as salaries and veterinary care. Baltimore's MTA and MdTA are among the first systems in the country to have all three teams on the job as part of this program.
More Management

Smarter Maintenance Starts with Risk, Not Routine
As infrastructure ages and funding pressures mount, effective asset management is becoming critical to maintaining safe, reliable transportation networks.
Read More →
OCTA Extends Senior Mobility Program Agreements Through 2031
The Measure M-funded program has provided nearly 3.5 million trips and will continue helping thousands of older adults maintain independence and access essential services.
Read More →
VIA's Silver Line Clears Environmental Review, Advances Toward Construction
The VIA Rapid Green Line is currently under construction, with service expected to begin in April 2028.
Read More →
Modernizing Mobility with CharterUP CEO Armir Harris
From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.
Read More →
CTTC Enhances Transit Workforce Pipeline Through New Partnerships and Leadership
The group's latest initiatives focus on developing talent, expanding training opportunities and addressing workforce needs across the transit sector.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Keeps Service Intact With New FY 2027 Budget
The approved spending plan avoids route cuts and lays the groundwork for addressing transit funding challenges through the end of the decade.
Read More →
Solving The Driver Shortage: What Transit Agencies Can Learn From the Trucking Industry
See how transit agencies facing persistent driver shortages can learn from the trucking industry’s evolving strategies for recruitment, retention, workplace conditions, and more.
Read More →
FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide
See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →