Tighter subway security

During morning rush hour on May 26, a passenger was arrested after he struck a bag screening machine in frustration over a delay due to time-consuming security checks at Tiantongyuanbei Station on Line 5, the Beijing Daily reported.

Police warn that passengers who get into physical altercations with subway staff or refuse to undergo the security check before entering stations face criminal detention.

Body scanners have been used at three subway stations since May 26 as the city beefs up security. Passengers must pass through scanners and have their bags examined at subway stations Longze (Line 13), Tiantongyuanbei and Bajiaoyouleyuan (Line 1). The stricter security checks require passengers to line up for up to 20 minutes. Tiantongyuanbei receives 15,000 passengers per hour during peak travel times.