The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is evaluating whether full-body scanners — similar to those used in airports — should be deployed across the city’s subway stations. Last month the authority conducted a two-day pilot to test the scanners’ accuracy, throughput and suitability for use in a public transit environment.
Results from the pilot will guide whether the technology becomes a permanent part of transit security. Officials say the initiative is intended to strengthen protections against threats to underground systems, following a global rise in concerns about attacks on public transportation. The scanners are designed to detect firearms and explosive materials while minimizing disruption for commuters.
Each unit costs roughly $60,000 and is capable of screening as many as 600 people per hour. Unlike many airport procedures, the proposed subway implementation would not require riders to remove sweaters, jackets, shoes or electronic devices such as laptops. That non-intrusive approach aims to combine high levels of threat detection with a passenger experience that does not slow station flow.
“It is specifically designed to test for mass-casualty threats,” said Dave Sotero, deputy executive officer at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “The technology enables the system to locate on the body where there is a potential threat, and it appears on a video screen.” Transit officials emphasize that the system flags potential risks for further inspection rather than producing immediate invasive interventions.
Operational performance was a central focus of the pilot. Authorities measured how the scanners handled a continuous stream of riders and whether their use would create backlogs that could delay passengers or cause them to miss trains. According to the initial testing, the units can process people quickly enough to avoid significant traffic bottlenecks, an important consideration for rush-hour service where maintaining platform and train schedules is critical.
Beyond throughput, the pilot examined accuracy under real-world conditions: varied clothing, personal items, crowded environments and the need to protect passenger privacy. Transit systems considering such technology must balance detection capability with civil liberties and operational practicality, including where to place the devices, how to staff them, and how alarms are handled so normal travel is not disrupted.
Cost and logistics also factor into decision-making. At approximately $60,000 per unit, agencies must weigh procurement and maintenance expenses against overall security needs and available budgets. Training personnel to interpret alerts, integrate scanners with existing camera systems and develop response protocols are additional elements transit authorities are assessing.
Public acceptance is another consideration. Riders’ comfort with new screening methods varies, and authorities often conduct outreach and information campaigns to explain how technology works, how privacy is protected, and what to expect during routine operations. These communications help reduce confusion and ensure the screening process is smooth and transparent.
If the Metropolitan Transportation Authority decides to adopt the scanners, implementation would likely proceed in phases, beginning at higher-risk or higher-traffic stations. Phased rollouts allow agencies to refine procedures, scale staffing, and monitor effectiveness before expanding systemwide.
The pilot represents part of a broader trend among transit agencies worldwide exploring technological upgrades to deter and detect threats while preserving the flow and accessibility of daily commutes. Final recommendations from the Los Angeles pilot will determine the next steps for deploying body-scanning technology in the city’s subway network.