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NYC attack hits close to home for local commuters

BOSTON -- Boston law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring developments in the New York City investigation after a crude pipe bomb strapped to a man inspired by the Islamic State group went off Monday in a crowded subway corridor.

The transportation systems in New York and Boston are very much intertwined. Boston's South Station, with its access to commuter and Amtrak trains, subways and buses, is a high security priority for law enforcement. For people who depend on public transportation, the New York City attack hits very close to home and it is forcing many commuters to ask if security is tight enough in Boston.

MORE: Pipe bomb strapped to man explodes in NYC subway, injuring 4

"I'd like to know why New York and Boston doesn't have detectors, metal detectors in the subways, you can get on a train pretty much no one is stopped. I don't understand. We are very lucky we haven't had anything like this happen," said Linda Lukas.

At South Station, the presence of bomb sniffing dogs and uniformed security has steadily increased over the years and so has intelligence sharing.

Federal state and local law enforcement are constantly talking to each other about potential threats and so are officials across state lines.

“The MBTA, from time to time has done screenings and bag checks. We do behavioral analysis, where we put plain clothes officers in the crowds and we look at people as they come into a queue area to see if they are showing signs of stress,” Former Boston Police Chief Dan Linskey said.

"You never know who you're walking next to, you never know who's around you or what they are planning," said Maribel Torres, a commuter.

Torres is glad to see the increased security. She started her day in New York City, where she boarded a bus that left the New York Port Authority Terminal about the same time the failed suicide bomber attempted to detonate a pipe strapped to his chest.

"I didn't find out about it until we were on the bus and afterwards it was just devastating just to know I could have possibly been there if I had chosen a different bus time," Torres said.

At the State House, Governor Charlie Baker told Boston 25 news reporter Bob Ward this state of heightened security awareness is not going to change.

"There are ares where we increased our visibility after Paris a couple of years ago, and were basically never brought it back down and I think in many cases it will be what we call standard operating procedure," said Baker.

WATCH LIVE

NYC Officials providing update after explosion not far from Times Square Monday morning https://boston25.com/2kmvVLl

Posted by Boston 25 News on Monday, December 11, 2017

In the meantime, commuters are keeping their eyes open, too.

"I think you have to be really careful today and just be vigilant when you take public transportation. We all need to get to work every day," said Maura Dunne.

The governor and every law enforcement agency Ward contacted said there is no known threat against Boston or Massachusetts, still, security is enhanced and you may notice it.

Authorities are asking riders to stay alert and to report anything suspicious.