EU to spend US$305.5 million annually boosting security on public transportation

The European Commission said it is planning to spend Ђ250 million (US$305.5 million) annually on research to boost security on public transport - mostly subways and rail networks.

The Commission also announced it was giving Ђ15 million (US$18.3 million) this year for 13 research projects to enhance security, for example, looking at the effectiveness of putting sensors, ground penetrating radars and scanners on railways or railcars.

"The recent events in London show how vulnerable public transport systems are to terrorist attacks," EU Enterprise and Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said. "The Commission is determined to do its part to better protect our citizens and fund EU-wide targeted research efforts."

The proposal to boost spending will need to be approved by EU governments as part of the EU's 2007-2013 budget, which remains undecided.

The projects are being led by firms based in Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, Britain and Austria, the AP reports.