Two Israeli companies have joined forces to devise a means of protecting public transport from attacks by suicide bombers. The system has been in trial service on buses operating in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv since the end of February.

The onboard system combines explosives detection and access control to check passengers before they embark and to regulate access to the vehicle.

Sensors located in the front entrance area of the bus are able to detect the presence of explosive materials at a distance of up to 1 metre. If explosives are detected the system alerts the driver, who can then lock an electronically controlled rotating barrier to prevent passenger entry. An armoured glass panel offers additional protection for the driver in event of a blast.