Just kidding on the last two.
Amtrak is planning to increase their security presence in lieu of the 2004 Madrid bombings, the 2005 London bombings and 2006 bombings in Russia and Mumbai. I'm all for security but given Amtrak can hardly keep running without a giant budget deficit, I don't see this working out well.
The highlights:
- Mobile security teams will show up at stations unannounced
- Baggage screening areas will be setup to swab for explosive signatures
- If any swabs turn up positive, the people and baggage will be searched
- People who refuse to be searched will not be allowed to board AND THE TICKETS WILL BE REFUNDED.
- Note: If you need to get out of a trip home for Easter, rub some fertilizer on your bag, refuse to be searched and, oh damn, sorry, mom and dad but I couldn’t make it! Bonus for college students, maybe you you could get that refund in cash.
The total security budget is running Amtrak about $60 million.
Speaking as someone who has been handcuffed and illegally searched by Amtrak's finest (multiple times), I'm sure they'll do wonders catching terrorists...as opposed to catching 14 year old kids at 30th Street station on the first Friday of the month...pricks.