The MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) recently received the federal Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Gold Standard Award for 2014, the highest security rating from the agency.
The ratings are a part of the TSA’s Baseline for Security Enhancement program, which includes a voluntary review of safety and security measures, such as background checks for agents, training, and security plans and protocols. The LIRR also received the award in 2010.
“This achievement is significant and shows the LIRR is committed to maintaining a strong security posture,” Ronald J. Masciana, special adviser/director surface division of the TSA, said.
TSA inspectors conduct assessments of the facilities and agencies who participate in the Gold Standard competition, with emphasis on the 100 largest passenger volume systems, which accounts for more than 80 percent of all public transportation. The inspectors focus on several categories, including security plans, training, drills, exercise programs, outreach and background checks.
The other winners for the 2014 Gold Standard Award were the Virginia Railway Express, the Washington Metro in D.C., Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and Pinellas Suncoast Transit.
