It seems London Underground is all set to counter any rising threats of a terrorist attack on the transport system. Armed police are to start routine patrols on trains.

The first are expected this year, with regular operations in place for the 2012 Olympics.

Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond is expected to announce approval next week for plans to arm British Transport Police.

Extreme precautions are being taken as units of armed officers within BTP are expected to be about 100 strong, and will no longer rely on asking the Metropolitan Police for support. Officers will also have a fleet of armed response cars and will carry Heckler and Koch MP5 carbines and Glock 9mm self-loading pistols.

Although security analyst, Paul Beaver argues: “Circumstances in the Tube are much more complex than the street,” you can’t help but wonder whether the timing of this announcement is a result of any specific threat.

Groups of armed officers patrolling the Underground in response to the levels of terrorism could scare and deter passengers. Although they are protecting the public, passengers may think it might be safer to use different types of transport as officers become more and more physical in their fight against terrorist threats.