Chertoff Says MBTA is Safe

Trains are safe. That's the declaration from Michael Chertoff, head of the US Department of Homeland Security, after he took a ride on the MBTA Green Line. Perhaps malicious individuals looking to cause harm to Boston's subway system have also been thwarted by the introduction of the CharlieTicket system. If regular riders of the T, occasional patrons, and tourists are finding the new fare system a little cumbersome there maybe a built-in safety factor preventing those ner-do-wells from gaining access to our beloved much stressed over transit system.

The MBTA will be using part of the $11 million funding from the Department of Homeland Security to create a secret bunker to maintain operations in case of a terrorist attack on Boston's subway system. Of the funds a reported $1.4 million will be used to secure the bus and boat portions of the MBTA system, the rest will be used to secure the rapid transit trains, most of which going to the secret control center. Joseph Carter told the Herald that the diligence of T passengers who "see something and say something" is perhaps the most important part of keeping the T secure. It's easy to believe Carter's assertion when Congressman Stephen Lynch (D – Southie) reminds us that every passenger has $9 spent on airline security while only two pennies are spent to protect each rider of the subway system. The Harbor Islands continue to gain attention for the plans to locate new LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminals in Boston Harbor – can we get some extra cash for thwarting that terrorist threat Mr. Chertoff or is that going to be left up to legislation? The way that question is answered depends if you're listening to Mayor Menino and Richard Clarke or those with a stake on bringing LNG through the Harbor for profit.