TSA awards VRE ‘gold standard’ for security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has awarded the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and four other rail and mass transit agencies with the 2014 “Gold Standard” — the administration’s highest security rating. TSA Division Director Sonya Proctor presented VRE the award today at the VRE Operations Board meeting in Woodbridge, VA.

The ratings are part of TSA’s 2014 Baseline Assessments for Security Enhancement program, which involves a voluntary review of various security measures ranging from security plans and training to public outreach efforts and background check programs.

The five agencies to achieve the rating were VRE, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, MTA Long Island Rail Road, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit.

“VRE is to be commended for its commitment and hard work this level of achievement requires and for their continued dedication to ensure the security of travelers” said TSA Acting Administrator Melvin Carraway in a letter read by Sonya Proctor.

Doug Allen, CEO of VRE stated, “It is a high honor for VRE to be awarded TSA’s ‘Gold Standard’ for our comprehensive security efforts. VRE is proud of the commuter rail service we provide and our focus on safety and security. While we are excited about this recognition, we will continue to review our system to keep pace with the changing security landscape.”