Original Article More security planned for light-rail line By Gary Grado, Tribune July 31, 2005 The terrorist attacks this month on Londons transit system will likely lead to greater security measures on the Valleys light-rail system. But what those measures will be is anybodys guess. The London attacks July 7 and 21 underscore how vulnerable transit systems are to terrorists, said Rick Simonetta, the CEO of Valley Metro Rail. And with attacks on other transit systems around the globe in recent years, security is increasing on systems like the light-rail line planned for the Valley. The increasing level of terrorism is likely to result in more security for transit systems, Simonetta said, just as security has increased in recent years at airports and public facilities. "Theres no question that will be the case," Simonetta said. "Who knows what kind of technology will grow out of all the studies that will be done and all the new products that will be developed." Transit authorities are in the early stages of figuring out security plans for the Valleys system, called Metro. A study later this year will include security needs, costs and who will oversee the effort. Officials expect a rough plan in about a year. One possibility is Phoenix police overseeing security of the 20-mile, $1.3 billion system that will run through Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. Officials will probably consider whether it makes sense to fold bus security into the effort and have a Valleywide transit police force. Local police agencies deal with transit issues within their jurisdictions today, and the Regional Public Transportation Authority also has 53 unsworn security employees for bus service in Phoenix. That force is under control of RPTA today but will soon transition to Phoenix police, said Cmdr. Chris Shawkey, who oversees that citys transit security. The bus security force will soon include sworn officers as well, but Shawkey said the timing and number of sworn officers is still unknown. Likewise, the rail system will have a mix of sworn and unsworn officers. "Were still trying to determine what number to staff that with," Shawkey said. Some security issues are known. Already, there are plans for cameras at the 27 light-rail stations and on every rail car. "There will not be a spot on the vehicle that will not be under constant surveillance." Simonetta said. Other measures, such as metal detectors, arent practical, Simonetta said. The rail system will likely devote about 10 percent of its $25 million to $30 million annual budget to security, about what other rail systems spend. The risk to the Valleys transit system is difficult to assess because terrorists dont always choose highprofile targets, Simonetta said. That makes any system vulnerable and requires transit officials to develop a security system the public trusts. "Most people who ride transit have options," Simonetta said. "Theyre not transit-dependent. You have to provide a safe and secure environment." Contact Gary Grado by email, or phone (602) 258-1746