U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Objective:

Implement a pilot program to determine the feasibility of screening passengers, luggage and carry-on bags for explosives in the rail environment.

TRIP I Background:

• Secretary Ridge announced TRIP on March 22, 2004, to test new technologies and screening concepts.
• The program is conducted in partnership with the Department of Transportation, Amtrak, Maryland Rail Commuter and Washington D.C.'s Metro.
• The New Carrollton, Md., station was selected because it serves multiple types of rail operations and is located close to Washington, D.C.

TRIP I Facts:

• Screening for Phase I of TRIP began on May 4 and was completed on May 26, 2004.
• A total of 8,835 passengers and 9,875 pieces of baggage were screened during the test.
• The average time to wait in line and move through the screening process was less than 2 minutes.
• Customer Feedback cards reflect a 93 percent satisfaction rate with both the screening process and the professional demeanor of TSA personnel.

Lessons Learned:

• Overall results indicate efficient checkpoint throughput with minimal customer inconvenience.
• Passengers were overwhelmingly receptive to the screening process.
• Providing a customer service representative on-site during all screening operations helped Amtrak ensure passengers received outstanding customer service.
• Skilled TSA screeners from the agency's National Screening Force were able to quickly transition to screening in the rail environment.
• Most importantly, Phase I showed that currently available technology could be utilized to screen for explosives in the rail environment.

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