TRIP II. - Union Station - Washington D.C.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is partnering with Amtrak and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to host phase II of a first-time rail security technology study.  This Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot (TRIP) will evaluate the use of emerging technologies to screen checked and unclaimed baggage as well as temporarily stored personal items and cargo for explosives.

From June 7, 2004 through July 5, 2004, TSA will evaluate various explosives screening processes on long distance Amtrak passenger operations at Union Station in Washington, DC.   TSA and its partners will strive to minimize the inconvenience to passengers during this pilot program.

If an individuals bag alarms, screeners will have to open baggage as part of the screening process.  If your baggage is locked and TSA cannot open it through other means, locks may have to be broken.  TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security reasons.        

Screening Hours

Checked and unclaimed baggage as well as temporarily stored personal items and cargo will be screened Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. throughout the study.

What items are being screened for under this pilot?

TSA will be screening items for explosives.  Amtrak law enforcement personnel will respond to any instance in which firearms or illegal drugs are found during the screening process.

What items should not be packed in baggage?

TSA HIGHLY recommends that you do not pack the items mentioned below in your checked baggage:

• Photographic equipment, computers, VCRs, other electronic equipment such as software or components, jewelry, ash, documents, furs, art work and similar valuable items
• Antiques, books, china, fragile items, liquids, medicines, perishable items, securities and negotiable papers, silverware.