On The Right Track: A Safer Commute For Long Islanders

Though I rode the Long Island Railroad for years, if not over a decade, I began taking notice of my surrounding and having my reservations after the incident at the Merrywan station back in the 90s.

But, soon enough things were back to “normal” and now even transit officials, in response to the world situation and our proximity to The Big Apple are calling or a boost in security measures.

In fact, they note their staunch approval of a new measure that calls for a deployments of several teams of federal security officers as well as marshals and certified canine units to patrol trains.

They go on to add that the increased security, while having no affect on current service or the commute will only serve to make this means of mass transit safer (for all).

And, they note that this would be in response to growing concerns based on (recent) threats and train incidents in Madrid, London, and Mumbai India, especially since more than 500,000 commuters use the LIRR and Metro-North systems on a daily basis.

The measure call for the Transportation Security Administration and the new York City Police, as well as other local and state law enforcement departments to supplement current patrol that are the direct responsibility of the MTA Police.

And, while the Transportation Security Administration refused to elaborate, word is that the new patrol teams would include federal air marshals, transportation security officers, inspectors trained in determining weaknesses and vulnerabilities and certified canine units. And, some of these Special Forces would work undercover, while others would be an additional visible force to the MTA Police already patrolling the trains. And conducting random searches of suspicious riders; while the dogs would offer an additional visual deterrent, according to officials.

Also, instead of placing more police presence on each train, the goal here would be sporadic and impromptu screenings and random searches, in hopes that this increased level of unpredictability would create a safer environment and greater peace of mind for all.