VALLEY'S TRANSIST SYSTEM ON HEIGHTEN ALERT HOMELAND SECURITY CALLS FOR "ORANGE" LEVEL

(July 7, 2005, Phoenix) The Department of Homeland Security has put major metropolitan area transit systems on heighten alert nationwide; this includes the Phoenix metropolitan bus system.

The Phoenix Public Transit Department has stepped up its security efforts by asking all transit staff to be aware of suspicious behavior or packages aboard transit vehicles as well participating in other procedures.

Suspicious activities or persons should be reported immediately to bus operators or transit security officers.  The public can also call (602) 253-5000 to report their concerns. If they do, it is important to provide as much detail of the person or situation and include the bus number, bus route, direction traveling, and time of day.

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is asking bus passengers to be aware of what takes place on board buses and at transit centers and bus stops.  "Public Safety officials continue to be alert and vigilant throughout our community -- which is good advice for us all.  In today's world, bus passengers should be everyday watchful."

Mayor Gordon also added his condolences to the people of London. I have sent a message to Mayor Livingstone in London offering the prayers and assistance of our community".

For more information, go to the Phoenix Emergency Management Program at  http://phoenix.gov/EMERGENCYMGMT/index.html or the Department of Homeland Security at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic

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