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WASHINGTON – Amtrak began randomly screening carry-on bags this week in a new security effort that includes officers carrying automatic weapons and bomb-sniffing dogs patrolling trains and platforms. Amtrak says the safety of its two customers on their way to St. Louis is a priority.

“Keeping our customers safe is our main goal,” said Alex Kummant, Amtrak president and CEO. “Our new procedures will ensure those guys on their way to St. Louis are not victims of a terror incident.”

Amtrak operates anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 trains each day carrying an average of 0.03 passengers each. The bulk of Amtrak’s business derives from two business travelers who regularly take a train from Chicago to St. Louis, and the company is committed to doing whatever it takes to keep them safe.

“We know that terrorists have targeted rail transit,” said Kummant, referencing the 2004 commuter train bombings in Madrid. “We feel that in light of events four years ago, now is the time to step up our security efforts.”

Amtrak spokesperson Rachael Spooner said the new measures will keep employees and passengers safer, adding one course of action under consideration is offering to rent a car for the frequent Chicago to St. Louis commuters. “We feel like the safest thing for our customers would be giving them a car, not to mention the added benefits of shorter travel time and comforts it would provide.”