Changes in the terror alert level, won't impact bus travelers thru Tulsa

Lots of families leave over the next few days on vacation and for those on public buses, the change in terror alert level - means changes that mainly behind the scenes. News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan

Monday, December 22nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Lots of families leave over the next few days on vacation and for those on public buses, the change in terror alert level - means changes that mainly behind the scenes. News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan has the story.

The terror alert level is not even posted at the bus station. Here the passengers can pass through without thinking about extra security. "Going home for Christmas." Like most bus passengers, Randall Eldredge came in to buy his ticket - on short notice.

"It's going to be a good trip, got a lot to look forward to to see mom, the kids, get to see them open their gifts, I just love to watch them kids."

The biggest rush of passengers came through before the terror level changed. Another smaller peak of riders is coming in these last few days before Christmas. Greyhound terminal manager, Felipe Castillo: "We have 18 schedules through Tulsa - and during the holidays you double or triple each schedule."

The change in terror level shouldn't cause many problems for all those passengers. Many of the same restrictions apply - but less chance of delays for security screening.

The bus lines - just like the airlines - had to upgrade security after 9-11. A few terminals have airport style security. Here in Tulsa, even at the higher alert level, that only means the occasional search of passenger bags. Greyhound alone has 3,600 destinations - five times as many as the airlines and railroads combined.

For the millions of passengers choosing the bus this Christmas - the extra security shouldn't make much difference.