NJ Transit putting cameras on light rail trains for safety

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- NJ Transit light rail trains are adding additional security measures after security concerns and recent cellphone robberies.

Director of research Janice Pepper tells NJ.com the Hudson-Bergen and Newark light rail lines will receive security cameras in June.

A NJ Transit spokeswoman says the cameras for the two lines will cost $1.9 million and are funded through a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

Light rail riders have indicated they wanted better safety and security on trains in recent surveys.

NJ Transit police officials say they'll increase coverage of the Newark light rail trains between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and undercover officers will also ride the trains.

The River Line that runs between Trenton and Camden has already installed on-board cameras that cost $750,000.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)