Jerusalem brought its former public transport security unit back to life on Sunday morning. In its initial form, the unit is made up of several dozen security guards, and seven patrol cars.
It was originally formed during the early years of the first intifada, and was disbanded in 2007. The unit was brought back to life at the behest of the security cabinet.
Transport Minister, Israel Katz, said at the unit's opening ceremony that, "The true goal of security is prevention, and this could be its biggest achievement. The preparedness and correct actions can prevent or mitigate the threat, and prevent it all together."
"The purpose (of the unit) is to provide the residents of Jerusalem with more security, and we are prepared for any possible terrorist scenario," one of the unit's guards, David Kaufman, said.
Mor Peretz, a 24-year-old student living in the capital, said that the additional security will bring about an increased feeling of safety, but would not affect public transport use, "When the terror wave started, everyone was afraid, but now we have grown accustomed to it. There is still fear, and I still look more intensely at everyone who seems suspicious, but things are calmer now."