The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is imposing stricter security measures in the wake of the Homeland Security's increased threat level, including authorizing officers to make make random searches and inspections of customers' personal items. "While we recognize the inconvenience thse new measures might impose on the riding public, we must always focus our efforts on the security and safety of our customers," said Nathaniel P. Ford, MARTA's general manager and CEO. The stricter security measures will only be employed during Code Orange or Code Red threat levels, said Police Chief Gene Wilson. MARTA will continue to coordinate its emergency plans with the appropriate local, state and federal jurisdicitions. Other emergency actions include limiting access to restricted areas; prohibiting unauthorized visitors including vendors from authority facilities without proper clearance and identification; distribution of news media passes for access to the system with verifiable identification; and removal of all unauthorized vehicles from designated restricted areas.