MTA Security Overhaul "May Never be Completed"

The MTA says its biggest security overhaul in history "is taking too long, costing too much" and now it's running out of money. The agency has only $59 million left in the bank for the program—not nearly enough for the installation of motion sensor cameras and other high-tech gadgets at every subway station.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says "there is no end in sight" for the move to better security in NY's underground; already the agency has invested $833 million in the system, which according to the NY Post, is a target for terrorists. So far it's installed 2,300 security cameras and an undisclosed number of real-time alarms.

The project hasn't been helped by squabbling between the authority and its contractor, Lockheed Martin. Lockheed is suing the MTA, saying it wasn't given enough access to underground tunnels. Meanwhile, the MTA claims its contractor hasn't delivered the ultimate antidote to terror it promised. Any improvements to the system since September 11, DiNapoli attributes to the renewed efforts of the underground police force. The agency says it will "finish the project with available funds," regardless of the lawsuit. But, warned DiNapoli menacingly, "some security improvements are years behind schedule and the electronic security program may never be completed."

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By Sabrina Jaszi in News on January 26, 2010 6:05 PM

Comments [rss]

Sketto

Does this mean I don't have to listen to any more of those fucking "if you see something, say something" announcements? I've always wondered if MTA planned to have those to the end of time.

potsmoker

how much did it cost for those giant barges and cranes to dump tons of gravel and giant bus sized concrete blocks over the entire span of the midtown tunnels under the east river? millions? a billion?

didnt know about it, its a secret anti terror tunnel saving plan, something blows up in the tunnel the force is dampened, basically garanteeing that everyone inside will be smashed to molecules while saving the structure of the tunnels for future use. this is not public knowledge you had to have an east river view to figure what that project was about, gothamist get on it.

newport27

"already the agency has invested $833 million in the system"

some people, mainly bloomberg and his pals at mta, got very very rich.

pinball29

The money has been mismanaged and huge chunks probably stolen, the system will break down immediately and will be discarded in 5 years, and not one terrorist act will have been prevented. The entire subway system was built in less time than it took them to simply renovate the 14th st station. Another MTA scam.

Dead Himmler

Things just cost more and take longer today. There has been no money stolen. Deal with it.

silver

Because the mob, the mayor, and PETA need to be paid off before anything can happen in Gotham.

longacre

Nothing should cost more at this point. We're in a recession, labor, oil and most raw materials are cheaper than they've been in years.

valeriob

Throw more money at the problem!!!

hunter.blatherer

Oh no. Now we're never going to win the war on terror.

whitecastlerock

The biggest security overhaul in history occurred when the police set up folding tables at assorted subway entrances and started to randomly search suspicious looking young women's purses...

inoyourider

The MTA is a perfect case of mismanagement and theft.

JohnTheDesigner

I'm sorry to say this, but: the incompetence of the MTA is staggering.

the egyptians built their pyramids

neolithic "grunts" built the stonehenge"

chinese built the great wall

bruce willis single-handedly blows up an astroid and saves the world

but the MTA can't string cameras together. wtf