Armed police officers will be travelling on London's Underground network after an explosive device was discovered on a Tube train last week.
British Transport Police (BTP) said yesterday that the presence of uniformed marksmen on the Underground will reassure the public and allow them to reach their destinations more quickly.
The move will not involve any armed patrols in the Tube carriages, but will be a new way for officers to commute between jobs.
At present, armed officers use marked cars to travel around London.
Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas, head of specialist operations and counter-terrorism at BTP, said: "The safety of passengers and rail staff is paramount. British Transport Police armed officers have for some time patrolled at London Underground stations and on platforms.
"In order to make best use of our officers' time while on duty, we are now considering how officers might travel on trains between stations, using them as a mode of transport to get from A to B."
Dog units would also use the Underground as part of the proposal.
The move follows a 19-year-old being charged in relation to the discovery of a suspicious explosive device at North Greenwich Underground station last Thursday.
However, it is believed BTP was already considering the new drive before the incident took place.
London mayor Sadiq Khan is yet to officially sign the proposal.
A mayoral office spokesperson said: "No decision has been taken on this proposal. It will be discussed between the mayor, BTP and TfL (Transport for London) over the coming weeks.
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