And I quote,

“Indianapolis – The federal government is boarding IndyGo buses in the name of homeland security. Indianapolis is the latest city to jump on board the program which will consist of random checks of passengers on city buses.

It’s a procedure normally seen at the airport: TSA security inspectors and federal marshals going through passengers’ belongings. Now you will see them at IndyGo Bus stops.

“This is a national initiative known as Viper. Visual Inter-modal Prevention Response,” said David Kane, TSA federal security director.



Branching out from airports, buses, trains, even sea ports are included. Viper Teams already conduct random security screenings for public transportation in other cities, checking for bombs or explosive materials.

“But in addition to that, the items that the local authority IndyGo has determined they don’t want in their buses. Guns large knives, corrosives, those types of things,” said Kane.

TSA officials say two knives were casually dropped Wednesday during screenings but nothing threatening was found and no arrests have been made.

The checks are quick: open a bag, empty pockets, and board the bus.

“We get them on and off in a couple seconds as well as making sure they don’t miss their connection as that may be another worry of some of the passengers,” said Ronetta Spalding, IndyGo.

The checks are a preventative measure meant to increase safety. While there is no security threat in Indianapolis, terrorists overseas have sometimes targeted buses, most notably in the July 2005 London bus attacks in which 56 died and over 700 were injured. Those lessons are not lost on security experts here.

“I see a couple of air marshals out here, and so it would serve as a deterrent,” said William Rivers.

The sudden presence of federal agents is unsettling for some travelers.

“It’s making people kind of scared thinking something is going to happen, but when sit and they explain they’re trying to prevent before something happens, it’s cool,” said one passenger.

“Next they’ll be knocking on my door at home,” mused another.

Expect more of this in the future: random checks at bus stops that will also include bomb sniffing dogs and behavioral detection specialists.

After the screenings ended at 9:00 am, the TSA personnel went to the airport to conduct security observations curbside and in the ticket counter areas. TSA officials say air passengers will start to see more federal security throughout the airport, not just at checkpoints.”

Now the test part.

(A) Is this really happening — or (B) is this just an outline for a skit on Saturday Night Live tonight?

Unfortunately the correct answer is (A).