[The following information has been provided by Charles Gauthier, Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) based upon briefings from the Department of Homeland Security. (8/2/04)]

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services is one of many organizations that receives classified briefing information from The Department of Homeland Security. On Friday evening, July 30th, we received information concerning the increased potential that terrorists may attempt to use "heavy transport vehicles as vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices against a range of attractive targets in the United States."

The document went on to describe the facts that:

1. Terrorists have repeatedly used heavy vehicles as explosive devices in other countries and in the United States.

2. Some terrorist planners consider heavy vehicles to be one of the best tools available to breach security measures and carry explosives.

3. There have been multiple suspicious incidents during the past 6 months that heighten concern over the potential terrorist acquisition of large trucks and buses.

The document received Friday evening was designed to further sensitize state and local authorities, and the private sector, to the potential for terrorists to use heavy trucks or buses as a means of attack.

On Sunday, August 1st, we received another document (which has received significant media coverage) that discusses the potential for terrorist attacks against specific financial institutions in New York, Washington DC and northern New Jersey. In that document, Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge noted that "Car and truck bombs are one of the most difficult tasks we have in the war on terror."

While school buses are not specifically named in these documents from then Department of Homeland Security, it is clear that school buses could just as easily be used as a "vehicle-borne improvised explosive device" as any other heavy truck or bus.

You are encouraged to continue the security awareness of your facilities and vehicles, and to report any information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to your local law enforcement, local FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force or the Department of Homeland Security Operations Center -- 202-282-8101 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .