Funds intended for transit safety
By ALEXANDRA BISSONNETTE Special to the Daily Press
DOWNTOWN Tuesday was a good day for those who rely on the Big Blue Bus to get them safely to their destinations. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security gave $467,000 in funding to the agency to improve the security of its buses both on the streets and on the lot.
The money was part of $17.4 million in security funding granted to a number of transit operators throughout Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) received $16.1 million to improve the safety of its riders.
“Commuters should never have to fear for their safety while traveling to work or trying to get home each day," said Antonio Villaraigosa, MTA board chair and Los Angeles mayor. "This funding will be a key component in ensuring safe commutes for local residents and making Metro a model for transit security nationwide.”
The money was presented to the MTA Tuesday morning as part of the yearly funding for transit security contained within 2006’s Proposition 1B bond measure. The MTA plans to use the money to install fare gates on the Red and Purple lines as well as selected light rail stations. They will also upgrade their surveillance cameras and eventually invest in chemical sensors.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, homeland security has been a spotlight issue in terms of national interest. Despite the dramatic increase of security in the skies, however, Soraya Danesh SAFETY FIRST: The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security gave $467,000 in funding to Big Blue Bus to improve the security of its buses both on the streets and at its main depot. ground transit has remained a relatively unprotected target.
“Just because we have not had an attack doesn’t mean there won’t be one,” Marc Littman, an MTA spokesman, said. “You have to harden you assets to serve as a deterrent. You constantly have to stay one step ahead of would-be terrorists.”
Now, thanks to the grant, the BBB will be better able to protect its assets as well.
With nearly half a million dollars, the BBB plans to install updated security cameras on their new maintenance facility that is set to be completed in 2010. They will also install access controlled doors to ensure that people can’t simply walk into their facilities.
“Since 2001, we have been ever conscious about the bus yard and our buses on the street,” Dan Dawson, customer relations manager for the BBB, said. “We will be installing new cameras on our buses and on the yard because our current systems are not as extensive as they should be. We want to make sure that the BBB is safe.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 18, 2008. Read the original PDF.