BISC Security Tips

Bus companies are encouraged to adopt these safety and security measures from the Transportation Security Administration. Download Document

Facilities

Conduct a risk assessment of company facilities including exterior, internal, employees, and bus safety.
Provide company photo IDs to all employees
Control access to non-public facilities by non employees, vendors, etc.
Establish designated employee parking areas
Establish video surveillance systems for facilities
Establish or hire a security force.

Companies may consider developing standards that would address on-road coach security and fully support driver security decisions made with regard to passenger ejections, refusal to board and other decisions made on the coach.
Provide company IDs to all drivers (photo ID preferred).
Enhance driver pre-trip announcements and procedures to include a check of the fire extinguisher for tampering, clearing bins of all personal affects at destinations, and notification to passengers that terrorist acts on mass transportation systems are now a Federal crime. (A standard script will be developed by the Safety Council in conjunction with Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration.)
Establish driver walk-around inspections at all stops with receipts showing inspection has been completed.
Establish driver communication systems that may include: cellular phones, GPS units, en-route check in, and “panic” buttons.

Secure baggage bay doors at all times when not attended by company personnel. Door securement to be included in walk-around driver inspection.
When developed, install driver activated external trouble indicator light for motorcoaches that will alert others to problems within the coach (standard color, light type and installed full length of coach.)
Install transparent divider that will sufficiently protect the driver’s back.
Install or use night lights to illuminate passenger compartment.
Avoid high-risk parking areas, look for well lit, locked, secure places to park motorcoach at all times.
Develop emergency response contingency planning for drivers.
Replace convex interior view mirror with flat, more realistic view mirror.
Install Global Positioning System emergency beacon that could be activated during an emergency.

Support the creation of a Federally funded Bus Marshal program as part of the Transportation Security Administration.
Establish random check procedures and conduct random passenger and baggage checks.
Prohibit the consumption of alcohol by passengers (including reserving the right to refuse service if passenger appears intoxicated).
Work with state and local law enforcement to eliminate the use of motorcoaches to remove undesirables from their jurisdictions.
Prohibit dangerous goods on motorcoaches in the passenger compartment (guns, knives, mace, etc.) Signage to be developed by the Safety Council.
Designate an individual in each company with responsibility for all aspects of security.
Erect signs in boarding areas that notify public that terrorist acts on mass transportation systems are a Federal crime (recommended signage to be developed by the Safety Council).
Conduct company wide training to help employees identify and respond to potential threats.
Establish procedures that will link passengers and baggage (passengers should not check baggage and fail to board the coach).
Deny further ticketing services to ejected passengers.