BOSTON — Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) officials told the Town Correspondent that during the Boston Marathon bombing, the transit system’s staff was prepared, primarily due to the new equipment and training acquired in recent years, supported by federal homeland security grants.
In particular, transit operators were able to view real-time footage from system’s several thousand security cameras and live feeds from hundreds of other city- and state-owned cameras for the first time ever, because of upgrades from the funding. For the full story, click here.
MBTA security enhancements aided in Boston bombing response
Staff was prepared, primarily due to the new equipment and training acquired in recent years with federal grant money. Transit operators were able to view real-time footage from system’s several thousand security cameras and live feeds from hundreds of other city- and state-owned cameras, for the first time ever.
More Security and Safety

FTA Launches Safety Inspections, Plans Directive to IDOT on CTA Issues
The FTA said its actions build on its nationwide campaign to make transit systems safer for American families.
Read More →
House Committee Advances 'Dalilah’s Law' to Strengthen CDL Safety Standards
The bill would tighten CDL requirements, enhance training standards, and increase oversight of commercial driver licensing nationwide.
Read More →
CTA Sends Expanded Security Plan to FTA, Boosts Policing Hours by 75%
The Plan is CTA's formal response to an FTA Special Directive issued in December and details how the agency will significantly expand the law enforcement surge it launched.
Read More →The Future of Transit Safety with AXIS Communications’ Anthony Incorvati
Learn how technology is moving beyond passive recording to become an active operational tool.
Read More →
Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Read More →
Chicago's Metra Rail Announces 41 Safety Blitzes in 2026
During a safety blitz, Metra employees will visit one of the railroad’s 243 stations during the morning rush hour, distributing educational materials on train and grade-crossing safety, answering questions, and listening to riders’ safety concerns.
Read More →
New York's CDTA Launches Ambassador Program
Operated in partnership with Tech Valley Security, trained CDTA Ambassadors will be on select routes and will rotate throughout CDTA’s route network. Their presence is intended to provide customers with an approachable, visible resource focused on assistance and engagement.
Read More →
North Carolina's CATS Makes It Easier for Riders to Report Concerns
Customers have always been able to report concerns through the CATS Customer Service line or the “Report a Problem to CATS” feature in the CATS-Pass mobile app; however, CATS has also integrated a Text-a-Tip line, giving riders multiple, easy-to-use channels to get support.
Read More →
Disaster Readiness Starts Before the Storm [Call for Experts]
The 2026 Disaster Response Guide is officially underway, and we’re now opening a Call for Insights and Experts.
Read More →
Montreal’s STM Expands Text Message Safety Reporting to Bus Network
The agency opens its text message safety reporting system to buses, enabling discreet, non-urgent reports across Montreal’s entire transit network.
Read More →
