Do you think/want the TSA to be in charge of security if we build high speed rail?

I do not think that the TSA has any place (or should have any place, rather) in policing a high-speed rail system. I do think that it’s an unfortunate possibility – so I’m glad you raise it now, because I’m going to watch out for it.

I don’t think that there’s much of a place for high-level TSA monitoring unless, perhaps, we’re talking about lines that cross international borders. I’ll have to consider information as it arises – and get over my knee-jerk “NO TSA” reaction stemming from their gross, gross handling of the x-ray scanners.

TSA also does rail security for railroads. Here’s a little bit about their rail security. Here are two more stories about rail security. While it seems the TSA isn’t as hands on with rail security as they are with airplane security, I can understand the concern about safety, especially in a high speed rail system. I’m not necessarily for or against the TSA doing it, but I definitely feel like there should be one group in charge of making sure all areas of the rails are thoroughly protected (so that security isn’t lacking in one area compared to other areas).

To me, I would think rail systems would require more monitoring than airplanes. In addition to what each passenger can do, once on a train, rail systems have threats an any intersection area (where one could get in and switch trains from going on the right set of rails), and many other areas (like anywhere along their path).

One of the arguments in promoting high speed rail is that for many it will be faster than flying because you don’t have to go through security! That’s why so many prefer the Acela between New York and Washington, it’s faster than flying.

If the highspeed rail is going to become a reality here in America, then I think that there should be some precautions. I mean, we had terrorists on planes, and now we check for them. Other countries have had terrorists on rails (like in Europe), so why shouldn’t we check for stuff to keep people safe?

@troubleinharlem

Sure, theres been terror attacks on planes and trains. There has also been attacks using cars and even people.
Using your logic, how far should the government go to “keep us safe?”
How much longer til we have no problem with police or security seeing our every move from the second we leave our house til the second we arrive home and maybe even in between?
They already legally can, they just dont abuse it…. yet..

@chris6137 : Would you not consider being checked for explosives a necessity to keep us safe? They already check for suspicious vehicles and for people who are acting suspiciously (I’m not talking about TSA now). Why does it matter to you as the average, good citizen if it doesn’t pertain to you except for being checked for going on a train or a plane?

I don’t know… I just think that in order to be safe, some things just have to be done. Necessary evils, if you will. Like @Seaofclouds said, “I’m not necessarily for or against the TSA doing it, but I definitely feel like there should be one group in charge of making sure all areas of the rails are thoroughly protected (so that security isn’t lacking in one area compared to other areas).”

Does that make sense?

sorry if it doesn’t – I believe certain things but I’m still in the process of figuring out how to put what I believe into words with reasons. it doesn’t always work out that way, unfortunately.

The TSA is about as useless as tits on a boar ( if you’ll pardon the expression )!

Absolutely not.