The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the American Red Cross and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to launch an emergency preparedness campaign. "Our nation's transit agenices are better prepared and more secure today than they have ever been, and this partnership is an important next step in the industry's efforts to ensure that public transportation passengers are as prepared as they can be while riding the subways, buses and all other forms of transit," said FTA Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn. Three priorities emphasized by the FTA to ensure emergency preparedness for transit security include: Training -- All transit employees must be trained to deter, detect, mitigate and respond to a variety of emergency scenarios. Emergency Preparedness -- Local agencies must ensure that emergency plans are in place and routinely practiced. Public Awareness -- The riding public is an important resource in the fight against terrorism. Passengers are aware of their surroundings and can spot suspicious or unusual activity, and need to know how to communicate with transit officials. It is also critical that passengers know how to exit systems in the event of an emergency. Transit agencies and Red Cross chapters around the country are being contacted in an effort to expand the program to communities of all sizes.