US speeds up border crossings

Boston.com reports.

It allows US citizens and people who frequently cross the border to apply for a radio frequency identification (RFID) card that lets them pass through security more quickly.

David Aguilar, deputy commissioner for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), says the programme can save up to 18 seconds per traveller; representing a one-hour difference in wait time if there are 200 people in line, The Republic states.

Aguilar says that, in January next year, fingerprint scanning capabilities will be added to the system, although this is expected to take a few months to implement.

WebWire says the Pedestrian Reengineering initiative is part of CBP's Land Border Integration (LBI) project, implemented under a contract awarded to Unisys in 2010.

“Unisys is proud to support CBP in this very important project to protect the country's borders and promote homeland security,” adds Steve Soroka, managing partner, homeland security, Unisys Federal Systems.

“With the Pedestrian Reengineering initiative, CBP can now make border crossing more efficient for foot travellers, as well as those in vehicles.”