Transit Workers Get Anti-Terror Training
The MTA could soon approve a new contract that would provide [anti-terror training] for its employees. The $1.4 million deal entails that two firms work with more than 25,000 employees over the next three years to spot suspicious people (which, seriously, can be hard when they forget to wear their Im A Terrorist tee shirts), learn how to deal with hazardous material and handle evacuations. We can thank the Department of Homeland Security, which is expected to cover most of the costs.
Meanwhile, New York City Transit is working on its own [safety initiatives] after [two track workers were killed](http://www.nypost.com/seven/05122007/news/regionalnews/mta_switches_tracks_on_safety_regionalnews_jeremy_olshan.htm) in separate accidents last month. Amongst them, non-emergency work has been banned in areas where emergency phones and alarm boxes arent working, and the use of loud diesel generators at work sites is now frowned upon. Also, work crew supervisors are now equipped with radios to improve communication with train controllers, and transit officials are testing devices that would set off alarms when trains approach work crews on the tracks.