Lionel SobehartSt. Louis Metro-Bi State Development Agency announced that it will receive a $1.1 million transit security grant in order to upgrade its communication capability with emergency first responders, as well as to add various security features to its facilities.
These awards are part of $136 million in grants to cities across the nation to protect transit systems and the traveling public. These grants are intended to strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies throughout the country.
“One thing Metro will use the funds for is to improve communication between Metro and first responders,” said Dianne Williams, director of communication for the metro system. “In cities across America, communication gets hampered because first responders and transit don’t have direct access to each other.”
Although Williams could not give specific details about Metro’s current security system, she did explain that the system includes law enforcement from St. Louis County. In addition, there are security guards, cameras and undercover officers.
“This system is a safe one,” said Williams.
Williams did, however, emphasize the need to improve communication during high security alerts.
“Communication really relates to Metro security, talking to police and fire departments. If you recall when 9/11 happened, one of the issues for first responders [was that] different districts and municipalities couldn’t talk to each other, wasting critical seconds,” said Williams. “That’s what cities around the country have realized about their communication system and realized they need to have one system where everyone can talk to each other when that’s needed.”
Plans to bolster security throughout Metro facilities have been long-standing. This recent grant will help Metro to achieve that priority, noted Williams.
“This grant actually expands the reach of Metro. It helps the local agency do more, because Metro is already investing in security measures to keep the transit system safe,” said Williams. “The federal grant is simply support from the federal government to help local communities do more of what they need to do.”
Williams explained that the implementation of new security measures will not hinder metro users.
“People won’t see [changes].it is part…of keeping the system safe”
Since 2003, The Department of Homeland Security has provided approximately $1.8 million to St. Louis through grants and equipment transfer programs.