Advance Traveler Information for Rail
Key claim: Rail companies would have to electronically send CBP passenger and crew details, plus train arrival or departure notices, before trains enter or leave the United States.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Homeland Security Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing to require rail carriers to transmit advance electronic traveler information to CBP for any individual (crew and passengers) who is arriving in or departing from the United States on board a train. The rail carrier also would be required to transmit an advance notice of arrival or departure, as applicable, for the train. This rule would enhance security while facilitating legitimate international travel on board trains.
Why this matters
Advance passenger and crew data has been standard for commercial aviation and sea travel for years; extending it to rail closes a long-standing gap in cross-border screening. The practical effect is that international train operators would take on airline-style data-reporting duties, and passengers on cross-border rail routes could face vetting comparable to flyers.