Home Information Sharing & Analysis Prevention & Protection Preparedness & Response Research Commerce & Trade Travel Security Immigration
About the Department Open for Business Press Room
Current National Threat Level is elevated

The threat level in the airline sector is High or Orange. Read more.

This is Archived Material

This information is not current, is not being updated, and may contain broken links.

Department of Homeland Security Announces $9.9 Million in Grants to Secure Bus Travel

Release Date: 09/13/04 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
September 13, 2004

Security for millions of Americans who travel long distance by bus will be improved with $9.9 million in federal funds provided by the Department of Homeland Security, announced Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge today.  The grants will provide for vehicle and facility security enhancements, as well as security equipment for over-the-road buses.

Today's announcement consists of 55 grants totaling approximately $9.9 million that will improve security for operators and passengers by providing operator training and physical enhancements to bus company and industry association facilities and assets.  Grant funding will be used to augment the investments of system owners and operators in a number of areas including driver protection, tracking and communication systems, security assessments and/or development of security plans, and training for transportation personnel to recognize and respond to criminal attacks and terrorist threats.  Grants also will pay for physical security enhancements such as fencing, lighting, and surveillance equipment at terminals and maintenance facilities.

"These grants will help protect the millions of Americans who travel our nation's highways each year by intercity bus," said C. Suzanne Mencer, Executive Director of the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Domestic Preparedness.  "Together with security improvements in our airports, seaports, and other modes of travel, the projects carried out with these funds will contribute to strengthening the security of our homeland."

The grants reflect the federal government’s commitment to working with the private sector and state and local leaders to improve security across the board.  In addition to this $9.9 million, the Department of Homeland Security previously awarded $19.8 million for bus security enhancements in FY 2003.

###

This page was last reviewed/modified on 09/13/04 00:00:00.