[quote]
Amtrak to step up security measures
Associated Press
Amtrak will start randomly screening passengers' carry-on bags this
week in a new security push that includes officers with automatic
weapons and bomb-sniffing dogs patrolling platforms and trains.
The initiative, to be announced by the railroad on Tuesday, is a
significant shift for Amtrak. Unlike the airlines, it has had
relatively little visible increase in security since the 2001
terrorist attacks, a distinction that has enabled it to attract
passengers eager to avoid airport hassles.
Amtrak officials insist their new procedures won't hold up the flow of
passengers.
"On-time performance is a key element of Amtrak service. We are fully
mindful of that. This is not about train delays," Bill Rooney, the
railroad's vice president for security strategy and special
operations, told The Associated Press.
Nor will the moves require passengers to arrive at stations far in
advance, officials said. Passengers who are selected randomly for the
screening will be delayed no more than a couple of minutes, Amtrak
chief executive Alex Kummant said.
[snip]
Amtrak has received a number of federal grants aimed at boosting
security, but officials said there was no specific mandate to
implement the changes.
"There is no new or different specific threat," Kummant said. "This is
just the correct step to take."
[end quote]
(full story:
http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/02/18/afx4667193.html)
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