Ferry riders to be searched

So here's another reason to plan ahead — way ahead — if you need to use the Bolivar Ferry: Starting tomorrow, motorists using the ferry will be subject to random searches.

rolling on deck.

Starting Tuesday, motorists, passengers and their vehicles will be subject to random searches before they board the ferry between Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula.

The security contractor SeaWolf Marine Patrol will perform the searches under Texas Department of Transportation direction.

TxDOT says motorists who refuse the search will be barred from the ferry.

No word on what searchers will be looking for.

According to the Chronicle, the screenings are part of a Coast Guard Homeland Security program, but no one knows what is being prohibited from the ferry, which always makes random searches more fun. Ferry operations manager William Mallini said he thinks fireworks are prohibited from the ferry, but firearms for which the owner has a permit are allowed. And you'd better not carry those nail scissors, just in case.

Those ferry priority stickers are sounding better and better, aren't they?