TRANSIT SYSTEMS RECEIVE FINANCIAL BOOST

By M.S.Welles

Janet Napolitano recently announced the Department of Homeland Security designated $78 toward the enhancement of security on mass transit systems across the nation. The funds will directly impact 15 major cities' transit systems.

The money came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) Act Transit Security Grant Program and will be targeted towards the prevention of terrorism.

Three terrorism prevention techniques including the establishment of antiterrorism teams, the establishment of explosive detection canine teams, and the establishment of mobile explosives detection screening teams will be targeted.

The funds being allocated will contribute to the impacted agencies being properly equipped, staffed and educated.

Included in the disbursement the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority received $35.9 million, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority received $9.56 million, the Chicago Transit Authority received $4.869 million, the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority received $4.458 million and AMTRAK received $6.34 million.