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Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot Programs

Overview

We conducted the Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot (TRIP), a first-time rail security technology study, in partnership with the Department of Transportation, Amtrak, MARC, and Metro. The goal of the pilot was to evaluate the use of emerging technologies in a rail environment to screen passengers and their carry-on items for explosives.

 We would like to say "Thank You" to all passengers for their cooperation throughout the Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot.

Your cooperation allowed us to collect important data, and more importantly provided invaluable insights on how to better protect the nation's passenger rail and mass transit systems.

The Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot was conducted in three phases.

• TRIP Phase I occurred at the New Carrollton, Maryland, rail station and evaluated the use of technologies for screening rail passengers and their baggage prior to boarding a train.
• TRIP Phase II occurred at Union Station in Washington, D.C., and tested the use of screening equipment for checked baggage and cargo prior to their loading onto an Amtrak passenger train, as well as screening of unclaimed baggage and temporarily stored items inside Union Station.  
• TRIP Phase III occurred onboard a Shoreline East commuter rail car. The goal of Phase III was to evaluate the use of existing technologies installed on a rail car to screen passengers and their baggage for explosives, while the rail car is in transit.

Securing our vital rail system extends beyond screening passengers. Read more about what we are doing to make freight rail secure. Freight Rail Security