Thousands of police officers up and down the Mid-Atlantic coast are swarming Amtrak stations today as part of the largest joint initiative between Amtrak and police ever undertaken.

Amtrak has its own security measures in place; last February they deployed their mobile security teams to patrol trains and stations. But trains present unique challenges to security. Unlike airplanes, trains have thousands of points of access. They have been the target of terrorist attacks in Tokyo, Madrid and London which raised serious concerns about the safety of trains here in the U.S.

One Amtrak rider said, "I think something has to be done, obviously." Another rider adds, "Anyone could walk in a do anything. So I think it's worth it."

Today, more than a hundred police agencies from all over the northeastern U.S. will be working with the Transportation Safety Administration on a security operation that spans 13 states as well as the District.

This is not the first time Amtrak has launched such an intiative: in the spring of 2004, Amtrak and TSA undertook a 90-day pilot program to screen passengers and luggage on commuter trains at the New Carrollton station and long-distance trains leaving from Union Station.

The operation will extend through the morning rush hour, so commuters can expect to see a heightened police presence if they take an Amtrak train this morning.

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