By Jacquie Rath
More than 4.5 million people use the subway system each day. As a result of the threat, police presence was increased in transportation hubs and local stations, as well as on trains, buses and ferries.
After Bloomberg's announcement, city police increased random searches of commuters, and assigned more undercover officers to ride along with them. "I do find [the threat] unnerving," said Patricia Quinn, 48, of Rockville Centre, "but I'm not going to let it stop me. My son takes the train to the city to go to school every day. The city is wonderful and has a lot of opportunities. I'm going to be cautious and alert."
There are police officers on Long Island Rail Road platforms and undercover officers riding trains, and police dogs serve as a further deterrent. "I have seen increased security and police, and backpacks being checked," said Rockville Centre commuter Tom Ambrosio, 52. "It makes me feel safe."
But Matt Hedgecock, 24, who commutes from the village to Manhattan, disagreed. "I don't feel protected," he said. "I haven't had my bag checked or gone through any checkpoints. I only feel safe once I reach my building."
As of press time, there was no timetable for the heightened alert. Random bag checks were scheduled to continue indefinitely, as they have in London since the attacks there in July. Bloomberg has asked commuters to limit the use of large strollers and the carrying of bulky bags and large packages. "I have seen increased military and security, and random backpack checks," said another village resident, Ken Thorp, 28. "If you've got nothing to hide, they can check whatever they want. I wouldn't leave anything at home."
For now, the best advice for commuters is to leave extra time for the trek into the city. Also, remain aware of your surroundings as you travel. Notify a police officer or MTA employee if you see something suspicious, or if you see someone behaving in an unusual manner. "It's a scary situation, going into Manhattan and working there ever since 9/11," Thorp said. "It's terrible to say, but this is the world we live in, and life just keeps going."
