METRO beefs up security on rail line

(7/12/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- METRO rail riders will notice a big difference along the rail lines Wednesday. A day after a deadly attack on the train system in India, and an apparent subway accident that caused concern in Chicago, the city is sending out extra security to protect commuters.

METRO rail riders will expect to see extra officers along the line. Officials also increased security after the London bombings. Officers were riding on the trains and there were at many of stops along the line.

They will increase METRO police officers and K-9 teams will also help patrol the areas. There will also be a special operations response team.

This is all a precautionary measure. Officials said there has been no immediate threat to Houston or the Houston METRO rail line, but this is a precaution and they want to make sure everyone is safe.

Hundreds of extra police officers are also monitoring subways and ferries in New York City. They've increased random bag searches as a precaution. There have been no recent threats to New York and there are no plans to raise the national threat level.

Authorities do not suspect terrorism in a train derailment in Chicago. Smoke filled the subway tunnel during rush hour Tuesday. Soot covered passengers evacuated through an emergency exit hatch in a sidewalk.

More than 150 passengers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation or other minor injuries. Two people are listed in critical condition.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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