PORTLAND, Ore. -- TriMet announced new measures Thursday for beefed up security thanks to help from a federal grant.
Transportation Security Administration officials joined with the agency to announce a $1.9 million federal grant to enhance security on buses and the MAX.
Starting this summer there will be more security cameras at nine MAX stations, complete perimeter securement at TriMet facilities and a backup Command Center, TriMet said.
New statistics also showed a decline in crime on the MAX system, according to TriMet. The agency said reported crimes declined 18 percent in 2008 and another 19 percent in 2009
"TriMet's top priority is to operate a safe and secure transit system," TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen said. "With partners like TSA, we're able to continue to expand our efforts that help reduce incidents of crime on the system."
"As one of only a handful of airports in the country with light rail service into the terminal, our security resources are a critical force multiplier when combined with TriMet's robust efforts," Oregon Federal Security Director for the TSA Mike Irwin added.
