The need for developing an effective and acceptable engineering response to terrorist attacks on railway systems

In recent years, terrorism has affected rail transport in Europe and elsewhere in the world. This article gives a brief historical review of terrorist attacks on rail systems and the counter-terrorism security measures that have evolved in response. The possibilities for ‘designing-in’ resilience to a terrorist attack are examined, and some inputs by which engineering may have a positive long-term impact on the security of rail systems are identified. The article reviews media articles, academic papers and reports, government material, and the results of interviews with security managers on rail systems. It considers the required performance of counter-terrorism measures with regard to the safety of passengers and staff, the physical processes taking place during a bomb explosion, and also highlights several issues that will affect how counter-terrorist measures are ‘designed-in’, including public and business acceptability, reduction of threat and cost effectiveness.