MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas has announced that he has approved a spending plan for money the T received in the settlement with Turner Broadcasting for the marketing campaign that led to a false bomb scare on January 31st.  Grabauskas said that half of the $630,400 would be used to offset operational expenses incurred on the day of the incident.  The northern leg of the Orange Line was shut down for two hours during the busy morning commute, and buses had to be taken off their regular routes in order to transport the thousands of customers, who ordinarily who have traveled on the subway.  The MBTA also experienced in a loss in fare revenue due to the emergency replacement services provided to customers affected by the disruption.

In order to re-invigorate the “See Something Say Something” program, monies were allocated for funding the important public awareness campaign.  The “See Something Say Something” campaign urges employees and customers to report suspicious people or activities.  It was in fact, a station vendor who first reported the device to the MBTA.  “It’s important that we keep our customers completely engaged in the shared goal of keeping the transit system safe and secure”, said Grabauskas.

The remaining funds will be spent on equipment for the MBTA Transit Police Department.  Two Explosive Detection Unit (EDU) vehicles have over 100,000 miles of service and are in dire need of replacement.  A van will also be purchased to transport Security Inspection equipment to inspection sites as well as provide a remote power source for the equipment. In addition, the Transit Police are in the process of evaluating state-of-the art explosive detection equipment.  The equipment under consideration will enhance the Police Department’s ability to conduct non-intrusive security inspections and provide higher levels of system security.  The evaluation process is expected to take several months.
 
Other purchases will include equipment to enhance the video forensics capabilities of the Criminal Investigation Unit.  Video forensic analysis has been instrumental in using the closed circuit cameras to identify, arrest and prosecute criminal offenders.  The purchases include high-speed computers and digital video enhancement equipment, a GPS crime scene mapping system, as well as other equipment and supplies.
“Using the funds in this manner is consistent with our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and security of the transit system and those who use it, “ said General Manager Grabauskas.  “This is a sensible and prudent way to invest the money from this settlement.”

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MBTA to purchase new Explosive Detection Unit Vehicles