Project structure

Common methodology

• Collection and analysis of literature review, best practices, lessons learned from previous attacks, results of research projects, country-specific experiences.
• Organisation of workshops with highly qualified experts in different locations in Europe to define and validate common approaches for addressing the protection of stations and trains against terrorist threats.
• Production of practical tools such as trainings, guidelines and recommendations for end-users, both at operational and decisional level.

SHERPA Project results will be disseminated through the UIC Rail Security Hub, an online platform where users will be able to easily retrieve information on security solutions, provide inputs and share comments and operational experiences.

Technical work packages

WP2 – Led by SNCB - Coherent approach for terrorist risk assessment and management
The aim of this Work Package is to achieve a comprehensive and consistent understanding of terrorism-related threats against railway stations and trains and thus to elaborate a coherent approach for terrorist risk assessment and management in the railway sector.

Main outputs of WP2 are:

• Collecting and analysing data on past terrorist attacks targeting European railways.
• Learning lessons by partners and external experts on past attacks.
• Defining a coherent approach on terrorist risk assessment and management.

WP3 – Led by SNCF - Analysis of emerging terrorism-related threats against stations and trains
The aim of this Work Package is to identify and assess emerging threats -e.g. insider threats, misuse of commercial UAVs- potentially affecting stations and trains, and to define and share an updated knowledge base on the matter; to identify requirements and priorities for industry, research and policy making bodies.

Main outputs of WP3 are:

• Organisation of a workshop on emerging threats potentially affecting stations and trains.
• Reporting activities focusing on insider threats and malicious use of UAVs.
• Producing recommendations for railway companies on terrorism-related emerging threats.

WP4 – Led by PKP S.A. - Assessment of security solutions: technologies, procedures, legal and ethical aspects.
The aim of this Work Package is to build a common knowledge base -validated by railway companies and external experts- featuring the most efficient solutions for protecting trains and stations; identifying the gaps to be fulfilled and the future needs for better securing stations and trains in accordance with business constraints.

Main outputs of WP4 are:

• Collecting and evaluating security solutions for improving the protection of stations and trains;
• Delivering a two-day workshop on protection of stations and one on protection of trains;
• Producing an assessment on the currently available rail security solutions.

WP5 – Led by FS Italiane - Practical tools for a common approach on raising awareness and improving security of stations and trains.
The aim of this Work Package is designing and delivering practical tools aimed at fostering a common, effective approach to the protection of stations and trains from both already experienced and emerging security threats.

Main outputs of WP5 are:

• Delivering an international training for operational security staff on terrorism and emerging threats against stations and trains;
• Producing common guidelines for railway management on how to handle and mitigate risks related to insider threats;
• Identifying -through an expert workshop- and delivering -through a publication- best practices on the use of new digital tools for raising security awareness and improving communication towards the public;