MBTA to search bags as part of terror drill

BOSTON -- The MBTA is checking passengers' bags for explosives as part of a drill to test its readiness in the event of a heightened terror threat.

The drill Thursday aims to see how well the agency can deal with a massive increase in security.

The agency has done random bag searches before, but this drill is being done in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration.

Anyone who refuses a bag check could be escorted off the property or arrested.

The MBTA is also testing a new plan that will be implemented if the Department of Homeland Security raises the national threat level to orange.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)