TSA Begins Testing TWIC Program at Port of Long Beach

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he Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday it started testing the Transportation Worker Identity Credential Program at the Port of Long Beach, Calif., container terminal and would expand the program to 34 more sites in the next seven months.

"TWIC is a significant enhancement that will prevent terrorists and other unauthorized persons from gaining access to sensitive areas of the nation's transportation system," said Asa Hutchinson, under secretary for border and transportation security.

The cards contain biometric information and allow identities to be verified by matching characteristics such as fingerprints or eye scans. They will allow trucking companies, seaports, airports, railroads, public transit systems and energy facilities to control access to restricted areas.

Spokesman Darrin Kayser said the current test phase was designed to figure out how to run a nationwide system and that participation was voluntary, the Associated Press reported.

TSA said that currently, many workers have to carry different card for each facility they access. However, this standard card would streamline the identity verification process, TSA said.

Edward Wytkind, president of the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department, said the union wanted to make sure the cards don't erode workers' rights, AP reported.

TSA said workers at the Philadelphia Maritime Exchange, and the Port of Pensacola and Port Canaveral in Florida would be the next to receive the cards.

During the testing phase, a total of 200,000 workers in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and California will be involved, TSA said.

The agency also it was beginning work with the U.S. Coast Guard on a joint rulemaking for the implementation of the TWIC for maritime workers.