CONTACT: Caleb Tiller, 703-684-0836 Ext. 138
Alexandria, VA (September 27, 2005) -- The National Business Travel Association (NBTA), the voice of the corporate travel industry, is urging the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to continue working toward a national Registered Traveler program that would provide expedited air travel security screening to travelers who volunteer for government background checks.
NBTA Executive Director and COO, Bill Connors, CTC, said:
“With TSA’s five pilot Registered Traveler programs set to expire on Friday, NBTA is reminding officials that an effective Registered Traveler program is in our national interest. Pre-screening of those passengers who choose to take part in the program will allow security screening personnel at airports to more effectively focus their efforts on a smaller haystack. At the same time, predictable, manageable wait times will allow businesses travelers to be more productive, helping to support the economy. That’s why travel manager members of NBTA and business travelers from their companies have consistently voiced their support of such a program.
“The first Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, spoke this summer at NBTA’s annual convention on the importance of developing travel security programs that recognize economic security needs. We were pleased to hear him praise NBTA’s efforts to promote Registered Traveler.
“NBTA members want to see a Registered Traveler program available nationwide with voluntary participation, national standards and inter-operability between airports. There is significant support in Congress for Registered Traveler, and I am confident that data from the five test programs around the country will provide useful insight into how to successfully build such a program.
“I was privileged to take part in the Registered Traveler pilot program at Washington National Airport, and I am pleased to say that my first-hand experience has been excellent. I will definitely sign up as soon as a permanent program is available.”
NBTA has supported the concept of a Registered Traveler program since it was introduced almost four years ago. During that time, NBTA members have written elected and administration officials, NBTA representatives have testified before Congressional committees and NBTA spokespeople have spoken at launch events for TSA pilots. NBTA member surveys and feedback, as well as surveys of business travelers, have consistently demonstrated the strong interest in such a program.
The National Business Travel Association is the source for critical information on the business travel industry. For more than 35 years, NBTA has dedicated itself to the professional development of its members through advocacy, education and training, and networking opportunities. NBTA represents over 2,500 corporate and government travel managers and travel service providers, who collectively manage and direct more than $170 billion of expenditures within the business travel industry. For more on NBTA, visit www.nbta.org.
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