DANIA BEACH, Fla. -- A new program that begins Tuesday morning will help ensure that Tri-Rail riders are safe from possible terrorism.

More than 20 agencies, including federal, state and local police departments, are joining forces under the umbrella of the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Operation Transit Shield. The group's job is to protect more than 100 miles of passenger railway through Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

"For us in public safety, it's our job to be vigilant, but travelers need to be careful as well," said Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti.

The new campaign of increased patrols will also include an awareness program to encourage train travelers to be part of the safety campaign.

"We certainly encourage the continued use of public transportation such as the rail and ask that any suspicious activity, no matter how small, be reported to authorities," said Bobby Parker of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

The program is especially important with the recent terrorist attacks in India that left more than 170 people dead and reported threats of potential terrorism in New York's subway system, which is on high alert.

"Transit systems need to be open, free and accessible. We cannot create airport-type security," said New York City Police Chief John O'Connor.

"In our community, our state and our nation, it's 365 days a (year), 24/7," said Amos Rojas of the Florida Department of Law enforcement. "We cannot let our guard down."