The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has commended the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and four other rail and mass transit agencies for earning the “Gold Standard” — the administration’s highest security rating, agency officials announced on February 17.
The ratings are part of TSA’s 2014 Baseline Assessments for Security Enhancement program, which involves a voluntary review of various security measures, ranging from security plans and training to public outreach efforts and background check programs.
The five agencies to achieve the rating were VRE, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, MTA Long Island Rail Road, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit.
“These agencies are to be commended for their commitment and hard work that this level of achievement requires and for their continued dedication to ensure the security of travelers nationwide,” said TSA Acting Administrator Melvin Carraway in a press release.
Doug Allen, CEO of VRE stated, “It is a high honor for VRE to be awarded TSA’s ‘Gold Standard’ for our comprehensive security efforts. VRE is proud of the commuter rail service we provide and our focus on safety and security. While we are excited about this recognition, we will continue to review our system to keep pace with the changing security landscape.”
