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Public Transit's Role In Disaster Planning

Posted by: Christian Peralta Madera

23 October 2006 - 8:00am

As both a major target of terrorism and a valuable evacuation tool, disaster planning officials are taking a closer look at the vulnerabilities and possibilities for mass transit.

"In many disaster scenarios, public transit is in the middle: Terrorists blow up buses and trains. An earthquake shakes loose BART's Transbay Tube.

But bus, subway and ferry operators are learning that buses, subways and ferries can be invaluable tools in dealing with the aftermath of terror attacks or natural disasters.

As Bay Area residents witnessed after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, a rail system like BART -- which survived when the Bay Bridge failed -- can become a vital emergency link when others fail.

Buses, key to evacuating New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, can also be used as ambulances or even shelter. Mississippi was so adamant about mobilizing public transit after Katrina that transportation authorities commandeered gasoline tankers that were deemed off-limits by the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

Disaster and public safety officials recently met in Southern California to discuss findings from past experiences.

Full Story: Authorities roll mass transit into post-disaster planning
Source: The Contra Costa Times, October 22, 2006
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The areas where we have severe blight and indications of more blight to come are basically the same as they ever were. How in the world are we ever going to move our community development selves into an alternative future that thinks differently about the challenges we face in our cities and low-income suburban and rural communities?
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