METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

TSA cautions rail providers amid Al Qaeda report

The terrorist groups’ propaganda magazine not only details how to derail trains, but also includes a list of dozens of “vulnerable” train routes in the U.S. as potential targets that could result in mass casualties.

August 16, 2017
TSA cautions rail providers amid Al Qaeda report

Marcus Wong

1 min to read


Marcus Wong

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a detailed “How-To” derail trains in an Al Qaeda magazine, Transportation Safety Administration officials have sent an alert to mass transit, passenger, and freight train operators concerning "steps that they can take to protect their systems from being targeted by violent extremists," WLS-TV reports.

The terrorist groups’ propaganda magazine not only details how to derail trains, but also includes a list of dozens of “vulnerable” train routes in the U.S. as potential targets that could result in mass casualties.

Ad Loading...

According to the report, TSA’s message to transit officials was that Al Qaeda’s how-to is an important reminder that mass transit, passenger rail, and freight rail operations are a potential target for terrorist activity. For the full story, click here.


More Security and Safety

Rendering of CTA railcar
Security and Safetyby StaffMarch 19, 2026

FTA Launches Safety Inspections, Plans Directive to IDOT on CTA Issues

The FTA said its actions build on its nationwide campaign to make transit systems safer for American families.

Read More →
Close up of a public transit bus tire with text reading "House Committee Advances “Dalilah’s Law” to Strengthen CDL Safety Standards."
Security and Safetyby StaffMarch 19, 2026

House Committee Advances 'Dalilah’s Law' to Strengthen CDL Safety Standards

The bill would tighten CDL requirements, enhance training standards, and increase oversight of commercial driver licensing nationwide.

Read More →
A CTA railcar in a Chicago station
Security and Safetyby StaffMarch 11, 2026

CTA Sends Expanded Security Plan to FTA, Boosts Policing Hours by 75%

The Plan is CTA's formal response to an FTA Special Directive issued in December and details how the agency will significantly expand the law enforcement surge it launched.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Anthony Incorvati cover photo for METROspectives
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMarch 5, 2026

The Future of Transit Safety with AXIS Communications’ Anthony Incorvati

Learn how technology is moving beyond passive recording to become an active operational tool.

Read More →
A photo of rail tracks in Ottawa, Canada

Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency

On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.

Read More →
Chicago Metra train on tracks
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 27, 2026

Chicago's Metra Rail Announces 41 Safety Blitzes in 2026

During a safety blitz, Metra employees will visit one of the railroad’s 243 stations during the morning rush hour, distributing educational materials on train and grade-crossing safety, answering questions, and listening to riders’ safety concerns.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A CDTA bus in service.
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 26, 2026

New York's CDTA Launches Ambassador Program

Operated in partnership with Tech Valley Security, trained CDTA Ambassadors will be on select routes and will rotate throughout CDTA’s route network. Their presence is intended to provide customers with an approachable, visible resource focused on assistance and engagement.

Read More →
Safety officers at a CATS light rail station
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 25, 2026

North Carolina's CATS Makes It Easier for Riders to Report Concerns

Customers have always been able to report concerns through the CATS Customer Service line or the “Report a Problem to CATS” feature in the CATS-Pass mobile app; however, CATS has also integrated a Text-a-Tip line, giving riders multiple, easy-to-use channels to get support.

Read More →
2026 Disaster Response Guide Call for Experts is Open.
Safetyby StaffFebruary 9, 2026

Disaster Readiness Starts Before the Storm [Call for Experts]

The 2026 Disaster Response Guide is officially underway, and we’re now opening a Call for Insights and Experts.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Société de transport de Montréal articulating public transit bus.
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 4, 2026

Montreal’s STM Expands Text Message Safety Reporting to Bus Network

The agency opens its text message safety reporting system to buses, enabling discreet, non-urgent reports across Montreal’s entire transit network.

Read More →