Passengers boarding subway trains in Los Angeles may soon be shuffled through airport-style body scanners that are aimed to detect firearms and explosives. A two-day pilot program by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority began Wednesday at Union Station. Source: AP Photo/Mike Balsamo

A pilot program is being conducted this week by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to body scan subway passengers at LA's Union Station.

Meant to test the accuracy of the scanners in detecting passengers with concealed explosives or firearms, the body scanners work much like an airport security checkpoint. Passengers pass through the scanner while law enforcement officials view a monitor looking for anomalies.

"It is specifically designed to test for mass-casualty threats," said Dave Sotero, Metro spokesperson. "The technology enables the system to locate on the body where there is a potential threat, and it appears on a video screen."

With roughly 150,000 people riding Metro's Red Line each day, the scanners are capable of scanning 600 people an hour.

"This is designed so you don't have to wait," Sotero said. "The idea is that you have a continuous flow of people through the security system without causing a backlog and causing people to miss their trains."

The program, which is set to run through today, is voluntary.

"I think it is a good idea with everything that has been going on and ISIS," passenger Jazmin Rosales, 29, said. "As long as it doesn't take too long, at least you know you can feel safe."