The New York police are beefing up security on city subways, buses and at transit stations Thursday following a series of apparent terrorist explosions that shut down London's mass transit system during the morning rush.

The city's police department said there will be an increased police presence on subways, buses and in transit stations in response to the attack, but added no details about what other security measures will be implemented around the city.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said the extra security is not based on any specific threat, but is meant as a precaution. He also said he would meet police officials and execute other security plan.

In a statement, New York Governor George Pataki offered his condolences to the people of London and added: "We were again reminded of the very real and serious threat that terrorism poses for the entire world when this morning the people of London were the victims of a horrible attack."

But he stressed that people cannot live in fear. "The greatest way to deter terrorism is to continue with our way of life. Let the police deal with security and be alert," he said.

The governor had signed an Executive Order that will allow law enforcement officers from both Connecticut and New Jersey to be on- board incoming and outgoing New York commuter trains.

In New York Grand Central Terminal, a greater number of police officers with sniff dogs and fully armed National Guards were patrolling and keeping an eye on anything suspicious. Business was as usual for most commuters, but some expressed worry after they learnt about the London blasts.

Allan Glash, a frequent commuter on train and subway, said he was fine with the city's public transit system and even intended to board the train to work on Sept. 11 2001 shortly after the WTC blasts. "Life goes on and tomorrow you have another day, but you can't help think of Sept. 11," he said.

Kevin Kehoe, a creative director, is more cautious. "My antennae is definitely up. You have to be alert. That's a hard thing to pinpoint, but you have to at least try," he added.

The Homeland Security Department has asked authorities in major US cities for heightened vigilance of major transportation system after the London explosion.

Source: Xinhua