Metro rail rider: 'I didn't feel threatened here'

07:41 PM CDT on Thursday, July 7, 2005

By Reggie Aqui and Carolyn Campbell / 11 News

Click to watch Reggie Aqui's 11 News report

Click to watch Carolyn Campbell's 11 News report

HOUSTON -- The Homeland Security Department asked all major cities to be more alert concerning their transportation systems.

KHOU-TV

For the time being, there will be more uniforms at Metro stations and bus stops.

It's not like the airport and probably never will be. "Because it's designed to be convenient," said Chief Tom Lambert, Metro police.

Metro is redeploying security in response to the London transit attack. So for the time being there will be more uniforms at its stations and bus stops.

"Supervisory staff, you will see out on the system," said Lambert. Metro's chief said his force is prepared to react to problems, but prevention isn't as easy.

Even though Houston has not received any specific threats, the police chief of Houston's public transportation system said he is ready for man-made or natural disasters.

Without a way to screen every passenger and without bomb-sniffing dogs on every route, the chief said the best preventative tool he has isn't even on the payroll. "And what we can do as a community is that when we see something that is not right, when we see someone that is out of place, we need to report it," he said.

Houston trains were moving as usual and news of the deadly London explosion didn't seem to stop seasoned riders.

"I didn't feel threatened here. I felt if they did anything it would be in Washington D.C. or New York," said Thaine Manske, rail rider.

Even first timers like Dorothy Burnett got on board. "You won't believe it this is my first time riding it. I had to go to jury duty today and I had made plans to ride the trains this morning. I was in a little doubt, but I stayed prayerful," she said.

"We're not safe anywhere. I mean it's open. They could do anything," said Michael Israel, rail rider.

Chief Lambert admits there are limitations to protecting public transportation.

"You cannot, in our view, put metal detectors on every bus. You cannot put metal detectors on every train," he said.

But train and bus riders will see more Metro officers. And there is another set of eyes watching the trains, buses and platforms at Houston's Transtar.

"We can see what's going on in real time and dispatch the necessary resources to handle the situation whatever it may be," said Steve Lino, Transtar.

But Chief Lambert said the best security can't be bought. "The real key to this is making sure the public notifies law enforcement when something is out of place."

To remind train and bus passengers just how important it is to keep the transit system safe, Metro is handing out brochures, which let riders know what to look for and what to do if they spot something.

Reaction at HISD

HISD is raising the security on its transportation as well.

According to HISD officials, the transportation department is checking all its facilities to make sure fences and locks are secure and that gates that do not need to be open are closed.

Bus Drivers have received anti-terror training. They are being reminded to do full inspections on their buses and to be on the lookout for any usual activity.

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If you're worried about someone in London you can call the following numbers: State Department -- check on Americans in London: 1-888-407-4747. To check on British citizens, a Scotland Yard number: 011-44-870-156-6344.