[IP] TSA solicits feedback on plans for frequent flier program
Begin forwarded message:
From: GLIGOR1@xxxxxxx
Date: December 21, 2005 9:58:00 AM EST
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: TSA solicits feedback on plans for frequent flier program
DAILY BRIEFING December 19, 2005
TSA solicits feedback on plans for frequent flier program
By Chris Strohm
cstrohm@xxxxxxxxxxx
The Transportation Security Administration is seeking industry and
public input on its plan to begin an airline passenger verification
program at airports across the country.
TSA plans to implement the Registered Traveler program nationwide in
2006, according to a notice in the Federal Register. Under the
program, airline passengers can pay a fee and voluntarily give their
biographic and biometric information to TSA in exchange for expedited
screening at airport security checkpoints.
"TSA will use the results of the biographic and biometric data
collection to verify an applicant's claimed identity and to perform a
security threat assessment on the individual volunteering for the
program and check immigration status to ensure eligibility for the
program," the notice stated.
"Individuals who do not pose, or are not suspected of posing, a
threat to transportation security, and otherwise meet all other
eligibility requirements for the [Registered Traveler] program, will
be afforded enhanced benefits at the TSA security checkpoints," the
notice said.
TSA tested Registered Traveler at five airports earlier this year and
is currently conducting one final test at Orlando International
Airport. "Through this initial pilot program, TSA generated valuable
data and insights concerning the viability of using security
assessments and biometric-based identity verification technology in
the airport environment -- and how that allowed for an expedited
security screening process for program participants," the agency stated.
TSA Director Edmund "Kip" Hawley has said the first Registered
Traveler participants should be screened and enrolled by June 20. TSA
expects up to 600,000 passengers participate in the program during
its first year.
In order to gauge passenger feedback and satisfaction, TSA plans to
survey a representative sample of participants and conduct interviews
with representatives from airlines and airport authorities, the
notice stated. All surveys and interviews will be voluntary and
anonymous.
TSA estimated that the cost of administering Registered Traveler will
be about $30 million a year, which will be paid by user fees. The
agency plans to hire a private company to help administer the program
and to enroll participants. A request for proposals for the effort is
expected to be issued after Jan. 20, according to TSA.
This document is located at http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/
1205/121905c1.htm
©2005 by National Journal Group Inc. All rights reserved.
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