May 21, 2004
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Homeland Security officials on Thursday announced the first federal security directive to protect rail passengers from terrorism, especially explosives that could go off in bags left behind or in trash cans.

Many railways are already meeting the requirements, the officials said.

Homeland Security Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson said railway operators will be required to remove some trash cans, conduct inspections and ask passengers and employees to report unattended property or suspicious behavior. More will be expected if the threat level is raised.

"For the first time in the history of mass transit, the federal government has taken a lead role in setting security standards for passenger rail and mass-transit systems," Hutchinson said.

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