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TSA chief vows lower passenger wait-time
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Posted on Dec 26 2004
The interim chief of the Transportation Security Administration on Saipan has vowed to develop partnerships with community members to ensure security and minimize passenger wait-times at screening checkpoints.
Acting TSA-Saipan federal security director Stanford Miyamoto said his office is taking steps to get airlines, tour agencies, hotels, and the passengers to help expedite the screening process at Saipan International Airport’s departure terminal.
Miyamoto said screeners need people to help prepare the passengers for the procedure and inform them of items that may set off the alarm on the metal detector. “This way, people can go a little faster when they get to the machines,” he said.
He also encouraged tour companies to stagger the busloads of passengers being dropped off at the airport.
He noted that tour buses deliver passengers all at once, resulting in long lines at the unenclosed terminal. “If tour companies could spread out the arrival of passengers over a period of time, the screening process would be a lot more efficient,” Miyamoto said.
The federal official further bared plans to educate tourists of the screening process by providing brochures and other literature in their hotel rooms or by showing infomercials on TV.
“We will be working closely with airport officials and concessionaires. It’s very important that we work together as a team to accommodate passenger screening,” Miyamoto said.
In related news, two new screeners are expected to start their training with TSA-Saipan today. The additional two personnel will bring the total number of screeners to 51, including part-time employees.
