WCBS 880/Associated Press | May 8, 2011

NEW YORK (WCBS 880/AP) — Sen. Charles Schumer is calling for better rail security now that the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound has turned up plans to attack trains in the U.S.

“Anyone, even a member of al-Qaida could purchase a train ticket and board an Amtrak train without so much as a question asked,” Schumer said. “So that’s why I’m calling for the creation of an Amtrak no ride list. That would take the secure flight program and apply it to Amtrak trains.”

Schumer said Sunday that he will push for the creation of a “do not ride” list for Amtrak. The list would be similar to the no-fly list that keeps those suspected of terrorism from flying into or out of the United States.

Notes and computer materials seized from bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan last Sunday showed bin Laden wanted to strike American cities again and discussed ways to attack trains.

Schumer is calling for increased funding for rail security in light of the new intelligence.

The New York Democrat says the U.S. must remain vigilant in protecting itself from future attacks.