The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that early October is the new target for the long-awaited launch of the fabled Transportation Worker Identity Credential (TWIC). The TWIC program will provide biometric identification cards for all port workers and a variety of transportation personnel such as airport employees, seamen, and truck drivers. Four years in the making, the sophisticated card system is expected to enroll upwards of 770,000 people, which explains why extra time and care has been taken to ensure security standards and technical specifications are properly met.

Many transportation workers currently carry multiple forms of ID in order to enter ports and other locations with restricted access. TWIC seeks to standardize the system so only a single card is required. The ultimate goal is to combat terrorism at these highly important locations. The cards will feature biometric data and will operate using RFID technology. Security features such as encryption with private keys will work to protect the individual cardholder’s private information while securing the system. Each employee must first pass a background check before receiving biometric credentials.