WASHINGTON -- The
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) outlined its vision
for the development of a Registered Traveler (RT) program utilizing
biometric technology to speed frequent travelers through airport
security.
We are receptive
to innovative private sector ideas to develop a market-based
nationwide program that enhances security and offers a more
appealing travel experience to program participants, said TSA
Administrator Kip Hawley in a statement. The TSA also said it
expects to approve qualified RT programs by June.
To that end, the
TSA said it envisions a nationwide private sector RT program, which
uses smart card technology to store the travelers biometric data
that will include 10 fingerprints. With 10 fingerprints on the
participants smart card, the likelihood that identity can be
accurately confirmed is improved, the TSA said.
The RT program
would also encompass a redress process for individuals who are
denied access to the program.
By late April, the TSA said
it expects to select an entity to certify service providers and
manage compliance of the RT program. It also anticipates receiving
plans from interested parties for achieving interoperability among
RT programs operated by provider companies at different
airports.
The announcement
by the TSA comes days after the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS)
and the State Dept. jointly proposed several initiatives to improve
border security including creating a new identification card to
expedite travel across U.S. borders leading to Canada and
Mexico.
The new People,
Access, Security, Service (PASS) ID card is part of a three-pronged
border security strategy that includes using new information
technology, creating travel documents for the 21st Century and
conducting smarter screening at U.S. gateways.
The TSA said its
RT program would be designed to work in concert with the PASS ID
card proposed by the DHS-State Dept.
To contact
reporter Michael Milligan, send e-mail to [email protected].
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details on this article, see U.S. proposes ID card for border crossings to Canada,
Mexico.