BAA plans to increase security at the new
Heathrow Terminal 5 by using
radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to check the
identity of taxis and taxi drivers entering the terminal to pick up
passengers.
The UK airports operator said that security at the terminal was
paramount, and ensuring that only licensed taxis were allowed to
pick up fares would make an important contribution.
The importance of secure access control has been highlighted by
last week's
attack on Glasgow airport.
"RFID access and identification systems can help ensure only
authorised personnel enter controlled areas. They can also help in
emergencies, where the system can identify the location of
personnel and track staff working in sensitive areas," said Jeff
Woods, global lead analyst on RFID at analyst firm Gartner.
Under the scheme, only licensed taxis carrying authorised
drivers will be allowed to pick up passengers from the buffer zone
inside the terminal. Cab drivers will have to register to work at
the airport via the Heathrow Airport Licensed Taxis
organisation.
The system also aims to reduce passenger waiting times by
ensuring the right number of taxis are made available to passengers
who request rides.
The software application, provided by
Steria, counts the number of taxis and displays waiting times
for the next fare on electronic boards for drivers, which enables
them to calculate when they need to advance from being parked to
the pick-up point, depending on the influx of customers. This
ensures that the right number of taxis are allocated to the
appropriate terminal at the right time.
BAA said one of the big hurdles was to secure buy-in from taxi
drivers. But after consulting with the Heathrow Taxi Trade
Partnership, it has shown that the system would lead to greater
transparency and more registered taxis being used.
The system could also be extended to other modes of commercial
transport, including minibuses and coaches, although BAA has no
plans to extend this to private vehicles dropping passengers off at
the terminal.
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