The prototype phase is the third step in TSA's development of a uniform identification credential for all transportation workers who require unescorted access to secure areas at seaports, airports, rail, pipeline, trucking and mass transit facilities

Testing will be conducted in Philadelphia, Pa. and Wilmington, Del.; the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif.; and the 14 major port facilities in the state of Florida. TSA anticipates that up to 200,000 workers may participate in the prototype.

If the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) prototype goes well, TSA wants to transition into a permanent program in the second half of 2005, added the official.

It's expected to take more than two years to issue permanent ID cards to the estimated six to 10 million transportation workers in the United States.

The federal government began discussing the need for a transportation worker identification card shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.