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Metal Detectors Now Being Tested at NYC Subway Stations

Dec. 17, 2018
3 min read
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Metal Detectors Now Being Tested at NYC Subway Stations
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Your trip through New York City's famous and expansive subway system might look a little different on your next vacation to the Big Apple. According to Gothamist, the New York Police Department's Transit Division has begun to deploy metal detectors across the MTA subway network. In addition to metal detectors, other enhanced security measures will be implemented, according to a reporter at NY1. These enhanced security measures and increased screening efforts come a year after an attempted suicide bombing at a Times Square subway station. Additional concerns with regards to global terrorism have led to renewed efforts by the NYPD as a whole to ensure the safety of NYC's residents and visitors.

New York City attracts more tourists than any other US city. A major right of passage for tourists is to take the iconic New York City subway system a few stops while in town. In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies increased security and surveillance across the MTA transit system. To date, the NYC transit system is among one of the safest in the US.

However, ask any commuter and you will quickly learn that the New York City subway has become increasingly inefficient. Some riders might experience additional delays in the coming months as the NYPD Transit Division tests the newly deployed security screenings. As noted, these security measures include the deployment of metal detectors, explosive detection devices and additional NYPD patrols.

Security screening technology at an airport

The devices are undergoing field testing and will not be deployed at every subway station. Major stations and transit hubs, including the 42nd Street and Times Square stations, will be the first to see the new screening devices.

Video posted to Twitter from an NY1 reporter shows a rider passing through a metal detector without having to remove her backpack or contents from her pockets. New screening technology allows riders to keep their belongings on their person when passing through the devices. However, it is unclear if the NYPD Transit Division is using these same devices.

For now, it doesn't appear that these new screening methods will be that invasive or inconvenient. Screening is also random, which means many riders might not even encounter the new security measures. If you're traveling to New York City for the holidays and plan to use the subway system, be sure to allow for the possibility of delays and service disruptions.

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H/T: Gothamist

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.