Terrorists: Stay away from our bus systems. That's the message the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is getting out with the recent announcement that the department has marked $9,657,138 in funding to secure intercity bus systems.
The grants, officially known as the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program, are especially targeted at detection of explosives, as well as "chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agent," according to the DHS.
In an attempt to make our nation's bus systems more akin to our nations airports in terms of security, the program will help fund passenger and baggage screening, as well fund vehicle tracking and communication, facility security for bus depots and training exercises.
The DHS has not determined to which bus systems the grants will be directed -- that process will be determined through an application process. Bus companies such as Greyhound and Trailways, and other coach and bus lines are eligible. The list of eligible bus companies is available online at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4478.
In 2004, the DHS distributed $10 million in grants to intercity bus systems; up significantly over the $5 million spent in 2003 on intercity bus security.
