MTA unveils new security slogan: 'New Yorkers Keep New York Safe'

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The MTA is relaunching its public safety campaign and adding a new security slogan, "New Yorkers Keep New York Safe."

The redesign will feature testimonials from 56 New Yorkers who spotted something or someone suspicious - boxes on a handtruck left on a platform, an erratic man on a train or cars parked close to the tracks of the Long Island Rail Road - and reported it to MTA staff or police.

It is an update on the previous "If You See Something, Say Something" ad campaign.

The campaign features 15- and 30-second online videos, subway posters, digital ads and a social media effort with the hashtag KeepNYSafe.

The two-year campaign cost more than $2 million and was funded with grants from the Department of Homeland Security.

At Monday's launch at Grand Central Terminal, a photo booth was set up to let travelers snap their own pictures to share on social media and become part of the campaign.

Watch one of the MTA's new videos:

"This is the most significant change to our public safety messaging since we first launched the 'If you see something, say something' campaign in the aftermath of 9/11," MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast said. "Our goals with the new campaign are to show our customers how easy it is to report a suspicious package or activity, and remind them that they have a crucial role to play in keeping New York safe."

The videos focuses attention not just on customers who report suspicious activities or packages, but also on those whose job it is to respond to those reports.

A video spot shows MTA Police Officer David Chin and his K-9 partner Bishop.

"When someone reports something to us we will scan the area as we approach and he'll tell me if there's something that will hurt me inside that item," Chin says. "I love having a job that can make a difference in New York, and to be able to work with Bishop is actually a bonus."

In the videos, MTA customers also offer some thoughts about why they took action, and how it made them feel.

"I felt good that I was able to help the city stay safe," a No. 6 train rider named Oscar says.

"If you see something, you have to take it seriously," LIRR rider Gregg says. "You have to say something. It's part of what we owe each other as New Yorkers."

Jo Murray knows that after she found a mysterious bag on her bus.

"I want to keep New York safe," she says in an ad. "I had my baby with me. I've got to make sure everything is as good as it can be for me and my baby."

Customers are being encouraged to use the hashtag #KeepNYSafe in social media posts.