Mass transit officials are on high alert this week as we mark the twelfth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Amtrak
Amtrak train at Penn Station NYC (Mario Tama, Getty Images)
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"We know we're a target, as is every transit agency in the country," said Jim Weinstein, executive director of New Jersey Transit. "So we take this seriously."

While he wasn't willing to share specifics, understandably, Weinstein said special efforts are underway from the agency's police department. People can expect more cops, as well as K9 units, in major bus and train hubs across the state.

Federal officials have learned that the visibility of a police officer is the best deterrent to terroristic activity, according to Weinstein.

Anthony Coscia, chairman of Amtrak, said the public plays a big role in safety, and Americans' awareness should be heightened this week.

"People see things, report those things, and it does make a big difference," Coscia said. "By having that kind of participation from the general public, law enforcement gets an added advantage."

Still, Coscia said Amtrak has made the issues of 'safety' and 'security' part of its daily routine, calling them the first issues on every checklist.

"As we stop to remember what happened on 9/11, I think it reminds us of our obligation," said Coscia.

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