The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported the final daily figure of estimated travel volume for calendar year 2020, closing a year that tested the agency’s ability to innovate and quickly implement modifications across more than 440 federalized airports nationwide to address the pandemic. Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2020, the agency screened a total of approximately 324 million passengers throughout its airport security checkpoints. That figure represents just 39% of the approximately 824 million total passengers screened in 2019.
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act (CRRSAA) (H.R. 133), signed into law by the President on December 27, 2020, includes $2 billion in funds to be awarded as economic relief to eligible U.S. airports and eligible concessions at those airports to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency.
One of the largest public train operators in the United Kingdom, Southeastern Rail Network, upgraded its analog legacy system to a smart video security solution for securing 12 train depots, including five unmanned locations, against theft and intrusion.
In a new crowdsourcing competition, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), NASA Tournament Lab (NTL) and TechConnect Ventures will award a total of $215,000 to winners with ideas for the organization to increase security outcomes and operational capabilities.
The Transportation Security Administration checkpoint at Syracuse Hancock International Airport is using new technology that confirms the validity of a traveler’s identification (ID) and reduces a touchpoint for airport agents.
In preparation of opening a new bus depot in Toronto, Metrolinx staged a mock disaster that included included response from several agencies throughout the city, as well as served to test the company's systems in place.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) recruited four additional regional transit agencies to join in its efforts to ensure that all riders are wearing an appropriate face covering on mass transit in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced the three-year Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP) successfully concluded on Oct. 25. Eight of the nine state, local and tribal governments that participated in the program have signed new agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue to tackle remaining UAS integration challenges.
"If you’re planning to fly for the Thanksgiving holiday, here are some steps that you can take now, well ahead of Thanksgiving, to help ensure that you won’t be a turkey when you get to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint at the airport," said TSA.
