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Aircraft industry

New York City's Subway System to Get Advanced Security Network from Lockheed Martin

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority has awarded a $212 million contract to Lockheed Martin to install a state-of-the-art security network for its subway system. The project aims to protect the largest public transportation network in the US from potential terrorist threats. Following a series of terrorist attacks in Madrid and London, the MTA has taken steps to increase security, including random bag searches and increased police presence. The new system will feature over 1,000 cameras and 3,000 motion detectors, as well as intelligent video capabilities and devices to detect biological or chemical weapons.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has awarded a $212 million contract to Lockheed Martin to build a security network for its subway system.
  • The project aims to protect the largest public transportation network in the US from potential terrorist threats.
  • The new system will feature over 1,000 cameras and 3,000 motion detectors, as well as intelligent video capabilities and devices to detect biological or chemical weapons.
  • The installation of the system will begin immediately, with the goal of completing the project as soon as possible.
  • The new security measures are seen as a significant improvement over previous efforts, which were criticized for being slow to take effect.
  • The MTA has also introduced random bag searches and increased the number of police in the subway since the July 7 bombings in London.
  • Mayor Michael Bloomberg has praised the new security plan as an "important step" and said cameras will act as an "important deterrent" to terrorists.
  • The project was delayed due to a shake-up within the MTA, which fired its security director in 2003, and issues of control over a previous strategy developed with the US army.
  • Neysa Pranger, campaign co-ordinator for the Straphanger's Campaign, said while there was a delay, it appears the MTA is now serious about spending federal funds to upgrade its security system.
  • Katherine Lapp, the MTA's executive director, described Lockheed's technology as "cutting edge" and said it "doesn't exist anywhere else in the world".

Statistics:

  • The contract for the security network is worth $212 million.
  • Over 1,000 cameras and 3,000 motion detectors will be installed as part of the new system.
  • The system will have intelligent video capabilities, which will trigger an alert when packages are left on a platform.
  • The devices to detect biological or chemical weapons will be installed once the technology is proven and tested.
  • The MTA has received $591 million in federal funds to upgrade its security system.

Sources:

  • Observer, Page 10 (exact date not specified)
  • Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City
  • Katherine Lapp, Executive Director of the MTA
  • Neysa Pranger, Campaign Co-ordinator for the Straphanger's Campaign

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