New minimum-delay security measures to screen Tube and mainline rail passengers are to be introduced by British Transport Police (BTP).
But following screening trials at stations, ministers have ruled out airport-style screening on rail and Underground systems.
Government surveys of passengers have revealed that the public would be unlikely to accept major delays to journeys and want to ensure their personal privacy is protected.
BTP said it was enhancing its existing stop and search capabilities with the use of X-ray equipment for screening bags, along with the deployment of additional explosive-search dogs.
It said the enhancements built on BTP's existing search measures to screen a proportion of passengers and their bags with minimal delay.
The BTP announcement came as Transport Minister Tom Harris announced the results - and the public attitude to - security trials at five Tube and mainline locations in 2006.
He said the trials showed screening equipment and dogs can be effective in the railway environment.
However, given the very large passenger flows and thousands of entry points on the UK rail and Underground networks, 100% airport-style screening is currently not feasible using today's technology;
And he said the public recognises the threat to the rail network, and is broadly supportive of the need for security measures, providing they are proportionate to the threat.
