Gov. Cuomo orders heightened security at MTA, PANYNJ for holidays

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this week directed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to increase the presence of security forces at all bridges, tunnels, airports and mass transit systems in New York City during the holiday season.

At a Dec. 19 press conference, Cuomo announced he's deploying special operations teams from the New York State Police and National Guard to work with the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Police, MTA Police Department, Port Authority Police Department and New York City Police Department in a coordinated security effort.

The special operations teams will include additional bomb-sniffing dogs, enhanced surveillance and rapid-radiation response vehicles, according to a statement issued by Cuomo's office.

The tighter security measures are being deployed in light of recent terrorist attacks and as a measure of caution, according to Cuomo's office.