TSA Implementation of Security Training Requirement

Surface transportation operations such as freight and passenger rail can be difficult to secure. Their open architectures are designed to move people and goods quickly and passengers are generally not subject to vetting. To address this risk, the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Commission Act) required that TSA develop regulations requiring security training for certain surface transportation employees.

The 9/11 Commission Act also includes a provision for GAO to review implementation of these regulations after issuance of TSA’s final rule. This report describes the key regulatory requirements for the security training programs; TSA’s process for and results from reviewing the training programs; industry associations’ and selected owner/operators’ perspectives on the training programs; and the status of training program implementation and TSA’s monitoring plans.