Attention News Editors
NEW YORK, NY, March 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Verified Identity Pass Canada Inc. (Verified Canada) announced today that it has signed an agreement with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) to work together to develop a registered traveller program at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The program would allow enrolled passengers to access a dedicated security lane at the pre-board screening checkpoint. The program, which is operating at Orlando International Airport, has been successful in moving enrolled passengers through the security screening process faster. It would be the first private sector registered traveller program to operate in Canada.
Under the program planned by GTAA and Verified Canada, travellers who volunteer to participate in Clear would be required to complete an online application, provide biometric data (fingerprint and iris images) and pass an assessment. Once approved, the traveller's biometric information is stored on a Clear Card. When approaching the pre-board security screening checkpoint, a Clear member would present his or her card for verification at the designated Clear lane to receive expedited passage.
Since July 19, 2005, Verified ID USA, the parent company of Verified Canada, has operated Clear at the Orlando International Airport, the only registered traveller program running in the United States. Currently there are approximately 17,000 members enrolled in the service in Orlando.
Prior to commencing the Clear program at Toronto Pearson International Airport, GTAA and Verified Canada will work with the appropriate government authorities to obtain the necessary approvals and establish the required processes to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.
"Safety and security, as well as offering industry-leading customer service, are two of the GTAA's most important priorities at Toronto Pearson. Clear will allow us to ensure the safe and speedy clearing of passengers across checkpoints at Canada's busiest airport," said John Kaldeway, President and Chief Executive Officer, GTAA. "A longer-term objective would be to integrate this program with other registered traveller programs aimed at improving the efficient movement of travellers."
"Clear would provide both a greatly enhanced customer experience for its members, and reduce the traffic at all other lanes by increasing efficiency at the checkpoint," said Steven Brill, CEO of Verified Canada.
"This is a credit to Clear to think of unique and innovative ways to make the process more efficient," said Dale Tinevez, Vice-President for Airports for WestJet. "We firmly support this program and look forward to participating in it."
"We are talking to all of the major players - airlines, rental cars, hotel chains - and we are hopeful that all will want to join with us in this endeavor," said Allison Beer, Director of Verified Canada's Global Business Development.
Verified ID does not track member's movements, nor does the company share or sell information to any third parties. Clear's privacy practices and controls are audited regularly by an outside, independent privacy auditor. Verified ID offers members an identity theft warranty that will protect members in the unlikely event that their identity is compromised by the program. The Clear Privacy Policy in use in the U.S. is available on its website, www.flyclear.com.
About Verified Identity Pass and Clear(TM)
Verified Identity Pass Canada Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Verified Identity Pass, Inc. (Verified ID). Verified ID was founded in 2003 by journalist and entrepreneur Steven Brill. Clear is the first privately run registered traveller program operating at a U.S. Airport. Clear has been operational since July 19, 2005, at Orlando International Airport and has been selected by Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport and Indianapolis International Airport to begin operations there in Spring 2006. Last month, General Electric made a $16 million investment to become a partner in Verified Identity Pass. Visit www.flyclear.com for more information.
About GTAA and Toronto Pearson International Airport
The GTAA is a non-share capital corporation that manages and operates Toronto Pearson International Airport. Toronto Pearson is Canada's busiest airport, processing 29.9 million passengers in 2005.
Cindy Rosenthal, Verified Identity Pass, (212) 332-6306; Connie Turner, GTAA, (416) 776-3709
