Assume the position

This kind of screening is absolutely impractical for high passenger volume operations like NY City's transit systems. The only explanation for testing it there, aside from stupidity, is that it's yet another attempt to strike terror in the hearts of the electorate. "Remember--you're not safe anywhere. The only way to keep from getting blowed up is to keep electing Republicans!"

Rail Passengers Screened In Test of Tighter Security

JERSEY CITY, Feb. 7 -- Manhattan-bound commuters passed through metal detectors and shoved their briefcases and knapsacks through X-ray machines Tuesday in the first test of airport-style security in a rail system.

Government screeners searched bags and scanned passengers for explosives, but unlike in airports, commuters did not have to remove their shoes or change and cell phones from their pockets. Officials hope the screening won't take more than a minute per passenger.

[snip]

Screeners opted to wait out the morning rush at the PATH station here
where trains run between New Jersey and New York City in tunnels under
the Hudson River. Officials plan to stagger the hours of testing to
focus on various traffic flows.

PATH, as you may recall, is operated by the Port Authority of NY and NJ--owners of the World Trade Center--and runs to the WTC site.

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