Testing New 'High Tech Security Screening' for Transit Users

Union Station in Los Angeles is featuring the latest in surveillance technology, meant to deter terrorists. The concern might also be that such technology is yet another impediment in the transit user experience.

1 minute read

August 16, 2017, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Screening

Security screenings are more familiar in a private transportation setting. | gyn9037 / Shutterstock

"The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is showing off its newest high-tech security screening system at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles," reports Darsha Philips. The system is designed to "help keep riders safe from terrorists" and was developed in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration and Evolv Technology.

"The portable system can potentially scan 600 to 800 people per hour in real time and will automatically detect 'mass casualty threats,' such as guns, explosives and other weapons," according to Philips.

Not everyone is sold on the idea of adding extra security to the historical crossroads of Southern California. Local journalist Scott Frazier responded to the news thusly on Twitter:

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 in ABC7

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