advertisement

---

Federal Transit Administration plans to hold "Connecting Communities: Emergency Preparedness and Security Forum" in Newark, N.J., Jan. 22-23 to "help communities become better prepared to respond to emergency situations," according to a prepared statement. New Jersey Transit will co-host the forum


FTA plans to use the successful Sept. 11, 2001, evacuation of transit stations below the World Trade Center as a benchmark to demonstrate the role transit plays in crisis situations and the importance of a coordinated regional response to emergencies.


"Transit vehicles often serve not only as a means of moving people away from affected areas, but also as an important means to transport emergency workers to the site or as a temporary shelter for both workers and victims," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta.


Instructors will offer forum participants hands-on exercises, including discussions, various emergency scenarios and group break-out sessions.


To date, FTA has held forums in Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose, Calif., Washington, D.C., Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Denver, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, N.C., and Hartford, Conn.


Forums also are scheduled for Feb. 5-6 in Los Angeles, and Feb. 26-27 in San Diego.


FTA created the forums in cooperation with American Public Transportation Association and Federal Railroad Administration.