Accession Number:

AD1031021

Title:

Improving Resource Allocation Decisions to Reduce the Risk of Terrorist Attacks on Passenger Rail Systems

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

Naval Postgraduate School Monterey United States

Personal Author(s):

• King,Lawrence W.

Report Date:

2016-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

103.0

Abstract:

Passenger rail systems continue to be a prime target for terrorists. Since 1995, there have been hundreds of attacks targeting assets worldwide that have resulted in almost 1,000 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries. As evidenced by the March 2016 attack in Brussels, Belgium, the openness and accessibility of passenger rail facilities are attractive to adversaries. This thesis reviews the current approach to risk assessment used by system operators to counter threats and proposes a new model to improve resource allocation decisions, which is intended to reduce the risk of terrorist attacks on passenger rail. The use of the game theory attacker-defender methodology in deciding where to allocate security improvements will increase the security of systems in defending against attacks. Changing tactics require security professionals to continually enhance the security posture of rail systems to deter terrorists. Limited resources make the job of securing a passenger rail system more of a challenge today than ever before.

Descriptors:

• department of homeland security
• rail transportation
• counterterrorism
• game theory
• mass transportation
• man borne improvised explosive devices
• security personnel
• public policy
• decision making
• risk management
• terrorism

Subject Categories:

• Surface Transportation and Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE