TSA Conducting Security Sweeps on IndyGo Buses

WishTV - Thursday morning at a couple of downtown bus stops, riders who wanted to board had to go through a security checkpoint. It is a new effort from the Transportation Security Administration.

Kenneth Odom rides the bus often. He welcomes the TSA's new attention to mass transit, but says he rarely worries.

"Every now and then you might see someone who might be a drug addict or a drunk who's on the bus, but the bus drivers do their jobs. And it's pretty safe," Odom said.

IndyGo feels the whole system is already safe and hopes Hoosiers will not fear the federal effort from the people they usually see at the airport.     

"They are extending that because they do have jurisdiction and oversight over railroads, bus lines, things along those lines," said Ronnetta Spalding of IndyGo.

At the bus stop checkpoints, the TSA looked for guns, explosives or other heavy weapons. Unlike the airport, there is no list of banned items. For example, riders can still carry legal knives.

"Overwhelmingly there was a high level of support among the ridership for the activity. I think there was some reservation because it was brand new," said David Kane, Federal Security Director.

No word how often the TSA will repeat the effort, but they hope riders are now aware.

"There's a lot of people who run up and try to rob elderly people and try to snatch purses and things like that, so I think it's a great idea," said rider Elizabeth Washington.

The TSA calls the security checkpoints "Visual Intermodal Protection and Response" or "VIPR" teams. For the last month, they have been working at bus, subway and train stations in cities across the country.