To spend or not to spend - How to justify investment in security?

摘要

1. To enhance public transport security in the wake of global terrorism threats, the Public Transport Security Committee (PTSC) was formed in April 2004 to review the security arrangements in our public transport system. It comprises members from various government agencies as well as representatives from the public transport operators. 2. Why is land transport security so critical? London, Madrid and Mumbai are all too vivid and recent reminders of the vulnerability of land transport systems to terrorist attack. If we are to keep our public transit systems accessible, efficient and convenient to commuters, we cannot impose a strict security regime similar to that imposed on aviation passengers. 3. Yet we know that the potential for a terrorist threat is real and can occur anywhere. And we know that Singapore is a very real target, given our location and prominent role in regional and global commerce-plus, these systems provide access to the very locations that would be attractive to terrorists. In addition, land transport network is an open system, easily accessed by a terrorist. It is incumbent upon us not only to implement preventive measures but also to prepare for the quickest recovery possible, should an attack occur. 4. Our public transport system comprises a comprehensive network of public buses and the Rapid Transit Systems (RTS). On a typical weekday, some 5.1mil pax trips are made on the public transport system daily. There are two main public transport operators in Singapore, each operating a bus and train service.