Amtrak Plans To Tighten Up Security-Northeast Corridor First To Get 'Mobile Security Teams'

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WASHINGTON -- Amtrak is adopting new security measures.

The railroad company is unveiling a new initiative that includes random screenings of carry-on bags and armed patrols on platforms and trains.

Unlike airlines, the company has had little visible increase in security since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. But concern about Amtrak security has mounted since the 2004 train bombings in Madrid.

Experts said rail systems need completely different security measures than airlines because they move many more people and are designed to be open systems.

Amtrak said the new measures draw heavily from those already in place for subways in New York City and won't hold up the flow of passengers.

Amtrak plans to roll out "mobile security teams" in the Northeast corridor -- between Washington and Boston -- before expanding them to the rest of the country.