The US Transportation Security Administration on Friday announced several parameters for a nationwide smart-card-based Registered Traveler program to be run by the private sector.In a statement, TSA said it could approve qualified RT programs "by June of this year." But the agency apparently is leaving it in the hands of airports and private companies to invest "in approved screening equipment, fund additional screeners and/or obtain space for separate RT screening" in order to provide participants in the program with a speedier trip through security lines.

According to the proposal, applicants for the RT program will be required to provide a complete set of fingerprints for incorporation on a smart card. However, furnishing such information will not by itself allow program participants an easier trip through security. "TSA will mandate a core RT security assessment for each applicant to a Registered Traveler program," the agency said. "If RT providers undertake more in-depth security background checks (e.g. by using commercial data specifically authorized by customers or by other voluntary means) TSA will offer a variety of enhanced or time-saving participant benefits at passenger screening checkpoints."

At the same time, the agency cautioned that "program benefits will change from time to time in order to make it more difficult for terrorists to anticipate our security activities." Furthermore, RTs will not be exempt from random additional screening at airports.

By late April, TSA expects to select an entity to certify service providers and manage compliance, to issue recommended amendments to Airport Security Plans establishing requirements for airport checkpoint verification providers and to receive plans from interested parties for achieving interoperability among RT programs.