Objective: To determine the usefulness of existing portable explosive detectors in a transit environment, including subways. The research identifies opportunities for improving existing devices in terms of their technical performance and adapting them to transit operating environments. The research also developed cost estimates for acquiring and using these devices.

Status: Completed. Published in June 2004 as TCRP Report 86, Public Transportation Security Volume 6:Applicability of Portable Explosive Detection Devices in Transit Environments, the report assesses the usefulness of portable explosive detectors in a transit environment to help transit agencies augment their existing explosive detection activities.