Fast Bomb-Detecting Body Scanner Up For Testing At WTC PATH Station
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A new type of body scanning unit is being tested at the World Trade Center PATH station on Thursday and Friday, the first public test of a system promising faster screening times to catch explosives, firearms and more as another level of protection.
Port Authority officials are testing the Evolv Edge unit designed to detect firearms and explosives and weapons in record speed. The scanner will be in place each day from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., reports CBS2's Janelle Burrell.
A quarter of a million commuters use the World Trade Center Transportation Hub's PATH station daily, and while there are police officers on patrol, the volume of people passing through is concerning to some riders like Coral Jaffe.
"There must be some potential dangers, risk there," said Jaffe.
Travelers were given the option to go through the scanner, which costs $60,000 and can handle up to 600 people per hour.
Amy Bohn of Bay Ridge was among the volunteers opting to give the scanner a try.
"I just said why not, I have nothing to hide," she said.
The Evolv Edge unit uses millimeter wave technology, allowing people to drop their bags off to an officer and then walk right through with no need to stop or remove shoes, belts or keys.
"I'm so happy because it's security for us, for all people," said commuter Fiyez Awad. "I don't mind."
"The idea behind this pilot program is to evaluate another resource available to us in the effort to ensure the continuing protection and security of the traveling public," said Port Authority Chief Security Officer John Bilich.
"(It's) a system that allows people to walk at the speed of life so that they can walk normally though, without posing, without pausing," said Chris McLaughlin of Evolv Technology.