Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 16, 2010

Metro receives $18.6 million Transit Security Grant

Funding to enhance bus and rail security

Metro plans to invest an $18.6 million Transit Security Grant Program award from the Department of Homeland Security in new technology to better secure buses to prevent unauthorized persons from operating buses, and enhance security at Metrorail yards.

The federal grant will fund a variety of projects, including the installation of a bus driver authentication system that would allow for remote disabling of 100 Metrobuses. With the new system, Metrobus operators will be required to verify their identification onboard a bus before being able to start it. The technology also provides the ability to reduce the speed of a bus safely and bring it to a stop from a remote location, helping to prevent bus thefts.

Metro also will use the grant funds to enhance security at Metrorail yards by installing additional security cameras to better monitor activities in and around rail yards, more restrictive fencing designed to keep unauthorized individuals from entering into rail yards, and brighter lighting to aid surveillance efforts.

The Metro Board of Directors is expected to vote to amend the Capital Budget to reflect the award of the Transit Security Grant Program, and initiate and award contracts to complete the work on Sept. 30.

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News release issued at 11:24 am, September 16, 2010.