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CBP Detroit Implements 'Ready Lane' Pilot ProgramJun 24, 2010 (DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY DOCUMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- RFID-Enabled Documents Get Special Lane During Program (Wednesday, June 23, 2010) Detroit -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced a pilot program at the Ambassador Bridge for travelers with approved Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology-enabled travel documents. The pilot program will start Monday, June 28, and last for 90 days. CBP will dedicate lane 13, or the "Ready Lane," for travelers entering the U.S. with a WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled document. These documents include: * U.S. Passport card * Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced Identification card * Trusted Traveler card, such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST * New Permanent Resident card or a new Border Crossing card "Since the implementation of WHTI in June 2009, travelers have been required to present secure travel documents that denote citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. at land ports," said Acting Director Field Operations Roderick Blanchard. "The use of RFID technology in these documents enables CBP to further facilitate legitimate travelers as they cross the border into the U.S. This pilot program will help us determine the efficiency and effectiveness of a dedicated RFID lane for those travelers." During the pilot program, the "Ready Lane" will be open from 6 to 10 a.m., seven days a week. CBP will monitor the success of the lane and expand the hours of operation as needed to meet the demand for usage. In order to use this dedicated lane, all adult passengers over the age of 16, must present one of the approved travel documents. Travelers using the "Ready Lane" are reminded the three simple steps to follow as they approach a U.S. land port of entry with their RFID-enabled travel card: * Stop at the entry to the inspection lane and wait for a signal to move forward. * Each passenger removes his or her travel card from its protective sleeve and holds it up, with the flat front face of the card toward a window on the driver's side. The RFID-enabled cards will be read automatically while the vehicle proceeds to the inspection booth. * Stop at the inspection booth, and be prepared to present documents for all travelers in the vehicle to the CBP officer. "The priority lane complements Michigan's enhanced driver's license by adding another element of convenience for travelers," said Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, who secured federal approval of the state's enhanced license program. "As the enhanced license becomes even more popular, I applaud U.S. Customs and Border Protection for exploring ways to efficiently accommodate motorists who enjoy its advantages. Our state and federal partnership is responding to the needs of travelers while ensuring the security of Michigan and America." CBP continues to strongly encourage travelers to obtain RFID-enabled travel to expedite their entry and to help make the borders more efficient. WHTI is the joint Department of State-Department of Homeland Security plan that implemented a key 9/11 Commission recommendation to establish document requirements for travelers entering the U.S. who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda. For more information, please visit the GetYouHome.gov website. ( ) Ron Smith, CBP Public Affairs, Phone: (313) 496-2191 CBP Headquarters, Office of Public Affairs, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Room 3.4A, Washington, DC 20229 Phone:(202) 344-1780 or, (800) 826-1471Fax:(202) 344-1393 |