In light of recent terrorist attacks in the subway in Moscow, there may be major changes to the law on transportation security in Russia. The Russian Parliament has set up a work group to deal with the issue. The head of the committee on security Vladimir Vasilyev talked about a few initiatives that are being considered.
[Vladimir Vasilyev, Head of Committee on Security]:
"We will make security systems purchases tax-free if the equipment is installed in transportation. Secondly, we will abolish taxes on the systems that are not manufactured in our country, but are effective and safe, other questions are being discussed as well".
Vasilyev mentioned that today transportation security is largely provided by private organizations, primarily for business. The Ministry of Transportation is intending to change their laws as well.
If new measures are adopted, passengers may have to buy name-bearing tickets for inter-city buses. Passes will be sold only when showing a state ID, which has not been the case before. Residents of Moscow have mixed reactions to the measures.
[Zoya Altunyan, Moscow Resident]:
"If we are being bombed everywhere then there should be measures taken. So I think this is right".
[Yulia Avdeeva, Moscow Region Resident]:
"According to recent events that happened in Moscow, I think it is necessary to ensure safety for the passengers, citizens and the whole country".
[Ruslan Makashev, Moscow Region Resident]:
"Generally speaking, a regime where they check passports is very troublesome for the people who live in Moscow region and the city. It's better if they introduce some scientific technologies, some electronics maybe, that would make sense".
[...] There is stricter passport control as well as a strong presence of security at check points. According to official data, 37 people were killed and 65 wounded as a result of terrorist attacks on Monday.
NTD News, Moscow, Russia
