Random searches on Chicagoland transit (Marshall: how much, purchase, law)

[prairiestate]

Now that they are conducting random searches of passengers bags in New York, Boston and DC, and the TSA is staking out Metra stations (Transportation Security Administration to begin Metra patrols (http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/utility_landing/newsroom/newsroom_archive/06_30_09_tsa.html - broken link) ), I'm sure it's only a matter of when, and not if, random searches begin on the CTA and/or Metra. I'm wondering how much outrage there will be on this inconvenience and violation of our 4th amendment rights.

For those in favor of this, a well reasoned argument would be nice. "If you don't like it, you can walk" is not terribly constructive. Also, gushing about how at least they are doing something for or safety is naive at best. A guy with a bomb in his backpack isn't going to see a security checkpoint and say "Curses, I've been foiled!" They are going to detonate at the checkpoint, go to another bus or train station, or return later. Also keep in mind, London and Madrid have both had bombings on their trains not that long ago. Neither city conducts random searches of people entering the system.

[tonythetuna]

The article is from almost two years ago. Nowhere in the article does it state TSA will or has done random searches on Metra,Pace,or CTA.

[prairiestate]

I never said it did. I just said they are patrolling Metra, and random searches are being implemented in a growing number of cities, most recently DC, late last year. I think you can put the two together and draw a reasonable conclusion. I would like to see some outrage over this now, and not after the fact. They're getting closer.

TSA checking IndyGo passengers - 13 WTHR

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by prairiestate

I never said it did. I just said they are patrolling Metra, and random searches are being implemented in a growing number of cities, most recently DC, late last year. I think you can put the two together and draw a reasonable conclusion. I would like to see some outrage over this now, and not after the fact. They're getting closer.

TSA checking IndyGo passengers - 13 WTHR

Of course it is unacceptable, but we can't do a darned thing to stop it. Heck, I am sure 75% of the people are against the full body scans at airports. Many have complained about it. Did it do any good? Nope.

[ofcjim40]

I think stories like this are funny, but not for the reason you might think. There's no VIPR Team (though I'm sure some stupid looking shirts or patches with a snake on it had to be made. Lol). This is all smoke and mirrors. There's no money anywhere in anyones budget. I'm sure the TSA just hopped on to try to preserve their budget. There's no way in hell Air Marshalls will be walking the platforms either. They barely have enough to put on planes. A lot have quit the Air Marshalls once they discovered the job sucks and then went back to their old PD's or Agencies. No added security is coming to CTA or Pace. These agencies are broke, this security won't come free, and there won't be any Fed programs to pay for it. Plus most Law Enf Agencies can't afford to have their people striped to work in a special detail like this because they don't have the bodies. This is all a "feel good you will be protected" story, when in fact this is all window dressing. Don't worry, the Jack Booted Thugs aren't coming to look into your lunch bag as you ride the bus. First off, no outside Federal security agency gives a crap about some local city buses, second, there's no budget to purchase the required tall black boots.

[OhAcid]

The only issue I have with the CTA for the most part is lack of security. My fourth amendment right on paper means very little to me when my brains end up somewhere under State and Lake along with everyone else on board. There is a huge difference between an unreasonable search and basic safety. If you are bringing a bag onto public transporation, it should at least be partially inspected by someone. I realize you may be inconvenienced for an extra 20 seconds while your things are being examined, but I'm ok with that if we all get to where we're going safely.

[DANNYY]

METRA is a baller transit system. For a commuter rail system, especially one that I enjoy using its fast, effective, very clean, and very user friendly. I have no complaints with METRA at all.

But CTA, they need to clean up, be more effective, be more precise, and be more orderly. CTA has some improvements they have to do, but overall its an efficient system through and through. I really would love to see some expansions and new lines being added, but sadly, is that even on their agenda anymore? (To add more lines)

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by OhAcid

If you are bringing a bag onto public transporation, it should at least be partially inspected by someone.

That will never happen.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by DANNYY

CTA has some improvements they have to do, but overall its an efficient system through and through. I really would love to see some expansions and new lines being added, but sadly, is that even on their agenda anymore? (To add more lines)

You are in the wrong thread for that.

[DANNYY]

Originally Posted by tonythetuna

You are in the wrong thread for that.

Oh, I know that, haha. I just wanted to give my input on METRA as much as possible. I am normally not a fan of transit, and prefer my car, far more. So I take what little opportunity I get to compliment a rail system.