TSA launches new passenger rail security pilot program

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a test program to measure the feasibility of explosives screening for people and bags travelling on US trains. Amtrak and Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC) passengers boarding at the New Carrollton train station will be screened for explosives starting May 4th as part of a pilot project to make rail travel safer, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced yesterday.

The goal of the Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot (TRIP) is to evaluate the use of emerging technologies to screen passengers and their carry-on items for explosives in the transit and rail environment in certain situations. The pilot program will last 30 days.

"The TRIP pilot project is one of many steps DHS is taking to enhance rail security. As we test these new processes and technologies we expect to learn valuable lessons today that will allow us to better protect rail passengers tomorrow," said Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security at DHS.

The TRIP study is a joint effort of DHS, the US Department of Transportation, Amtrak, MARC, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

Screening will be done by screeners of the Transportation Security Administration, which is part of DHS. Amtrak and MARC passengers will be screened from 5-10 am and 3-6 pm Monday through Friday and from 3-6 pm on Sundays. WMATA Canine teams will also be conducting random explosives screening of Metro passengers.

Amtrak and MARC passengers boarding at New Carrollton will be asked to place bags and other carry-on items on a conveyor belt for screening. A bag may receive additional screening as necessary.

Passengers will be asked to walk through a portal. In the portal they will stand still for a few seconds and will feel several quick "puffs" of air. A computerised voice will tell them when to proceed. If necessary, a person may receive additional screening.

Because the pilot program focuses on explosives, passengers will be able to carry many items through the screening checkpoint that are prohibited on aircraft, such as scissors and pocketknives. Also unlike airport screening, passengers will not need to divest themselves of cell phones, keys, change and other metal objects before being screened.

TRIP is expected to yield important data on customer wait times, the effectiveness of screening equipment in a non-climate controlled environment, cost and impact on Amtrak and MARC operations.

•Date: 5th May 2004 •Region: N.America •Type: Article •Topic: Transport and logistics
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