SECURITY checkpoints on the Shenzhen Metro are being criticized by netizens. Exacerbating the already crowded public transportation are bottlenecks where passengers are forced to run their bags through a machine that checks them for explosives and contraband.

    The rush hour time security checks are raising particular ire among those who took to the Internet to vent, according to a report in Thursday’s Guangzhou-based Yangcheng Evening News.

    “Each morning people wait in long queues to go through security checks at Metro stations,” said a person using the name rewop998 on the Internet. “It takes a while to even pass the ticket gate. That really gets me.”

    A woman, surnamed Zhuo, pointed out that some security staff turn a blind eye to those who skip the check, making it pointless for anyone to go through it. They are “security” in name only, she said.

    Another unidentified resident said security checks at Metro stations are a waste of taxpayers’ money and should be scrapped.

    Zheng Huilong, vice director of the security department at the city’s Metro operation management office, said congestion caused by security checks is also seen in other cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Shenzhen is also unable to resolve the problem.

    Zheng said security checks are necessary since almost 3 million local residents ride Metro trains each day. There are at least 50,000 Metro passengers during the daily rush hour, making it a potential target for terrorists.

    Shenzhen began comprehensive security checks at Metro stations March 7 last year. Almost 500 million passengers had undergone the checks by April 15 this year.

    According to Zheng, security staff seized more than 150,000 contraband items, including 90,000 flammable items, since the checks were stepped up.

    Zheng said that security staff will be punished if they are found sleeping or playing on their mobile phones while on duty.

    Shenzhen Metro Group plans to outsource the security work to a security company. The plan has been submitted to the city government for review and approval.

    (Martin Li)