U.S. Tests Its Bomb Checks on PATH Riders and Bags

JERSEY CITY, Feb. 7 — Some Manhattan-bound commuters were surprised yesterday to become part of the federal government’s latest experiment in preventing terrorism on the nation’s rail network.

Shortly after 10 a.m., the Department of Homeland Security started selectively screening passengers and their bags for explosives as they entered the PATH station at Exchange Place in Jersey City. A team of 11 screeners flown in from California asked commuters to walk through metal detectors and pass their briefcases and backpacks through scanning machines, just as they would at an airport.

Unlike airline passengers, the PATH riders did not have to empty their pockets or remove their shoes, leaving most of them grinning rather than grousing about erosion of civil liberties.

“Thankfully, my materials didn’t get tossed,” said Bernard McGovern, a human-resources manager from Caldwell, N.J. He was delayed less than a minute before being grilled about the experience by reporters, but said he doubted that regular screening would always be so quick.

“I can’t see it not being a delay,” Mr. McGovern said.