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Three explosives detection canine teams now are keeping watch over the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) system.

Part of a joint effort between the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), MTA and Maryland Transportation Authority, the canine teams recently began patrolling Maryland Rail Commuter and MTA light-rail trains and buses.

Last August, TSA launched a mass transit canine initiative to expand its canine training program — originally targeted at airports — to 11 transit agencies. The administration pays to train dogs, provides training for handlers and partially reimburses participating agencies for salary, overtime, canine food and veterinary costs.