AMPI Rosarito Blog
POSTED BY DREW JUVINALL, (A.M.P.I.)
New Faster Border Crossing Lane Open in Otay Mesa – the Ready Lane Border crossers now have a new faster border crossing option! A new northbound lane, called the Ready Lane,has been opened with the goal of reducing wait times returning to the U.S. from Mexico. Ready Lanes are already open in Arizona and Texas, but the first California Ready Lane officially opened on May 2nd, 2011 at the Otay Mesa border crossing. All border crossers who use the lane must have an RFID compliant card such as a passport card, SENTRI card, or other card with an RFID chip (Radio Frequency Identification). All passengers in the vehicle must have RFID compliant cards in order to use the lane except those under 16 years of age. We tested this lane twice and found the Ready Lane to be much faster than the regular border lane. It took us about 25 minutes to cross on a Friday morning and 20 minutes on a Tuesday morning, both times during rush hour. The lane consistently moved faster than the regular lanes. When we crossed both times, the one dedicated Ready Lane opened up to 3 booths! What cards can be used in the Ready Lane? The following cards may be used in the lane as long as they are RFID compliant: Important: RFID passports are NOT eligible in this lane unfortunately. Why can’t I use my RFID passport in the Ready Lane? The card reader technology used at the border does not read passports. What does RFID compliant mean? RFID compliant means the card contains a wireless tag that allows the information to be picked up and sent to border officials. Where is the Ready Lane located in Otay Mesa? The Ready Lane is the far left lane of the border crossing. It becomes a dedicated lane further up, sectioned off with concrete dividers. If you are familiar with the Otay border crossing you may enter by going up the bridge or the entrance below the bridge. It may be better to enter by taking the bridge and have easy access to the left hand lane. If the border is short enough and you enter from below the bridge, you may be able to get all the way across the lanes to get into the left hand lane. Is there a Ready Lane at the San Ysidro border crossing? No, at this time there is not a Ready Lane in San Ysidro What border crossings have the Ready Lane? The Ready Lane is available at these border crossings: What are the hours of operation of the Otay Mesa Ready Lane? The Ready Lane is open Monday – Friday 4am – 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am – 10pm. I have an RFID compliant card, how do I use the Ready Lane? The Getyouhome.gov website offers the simple steps below. Click for more details and watch a video. 1. Stop at beginning of lane & wait for signal. I have a SENTRI card, does it make sense to use this lane? Most likely no unless you have other passengers in your vehicle who are not SENTRI compliant, but have a Passport Card or other compliant card. It has been reported that the SENTRI is faster. An officer at the Otay border told us the SENTRI is about a 5 minute wait in the morning. If I do not have any of the RFID compliant cards, how can I get one? The Passport Card is an affordable and convenient option if you do not have an RFID card at this time. Learn more about how to apply for the Passport Card. For previous passport holders, the fee is only $30. For new applicants, the fee is $55. The Passport Card is valid for 10 years. How long does it take to get a Passport Card? As of May 16th, the State Department website reports it is taking 4-6 weeks to receive a Passport Card using their ‘routine’ service. For expedited Passport Card FAQs from the State Department Where can I get more information about the Ready Lane? Getyouhome.gov answers many additional questions that you may have about the Ready Lane. Article sources:
2. Hold card up & drive through to booth.
3. Stop at officer’s booth.
service the wait is 2-3 weeks door to door with overnight delivery.
CBP.gov –http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/archives/April 2011/04252011_5.xml
Getyouhome.gov – http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/rfid/RFID_FAQ.html
Travel.state.gov – http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html
San Ysidro border crossing construction is underway. There are presently 24 north bound lanes and 6 south bound lanes. When construction is completed there will be 35 north bound and 19 south bound lanes. In addition, the 35 north bound lanes will be double stacked that is they will have to inspection booths per lane so as to be able to process two autos at a time totaling 70 cars. The estimated time savings for crossings is a whopping 500% improvement. Presently the average waiting time is 90 minutes, which will be cut to 15 minutes. And the lines at peak times will go down from a high of 2.7 miles to under a ¼ mile… There is also good news for SENTRII users – the construction program includes expanding to 14 lanes further cutting waiting times. OK, we know what is in your mind – when will this be a reality? The work is underway by phases, and it should all be done in a couple of years – OK, give or take a little. But we will keep you posted.
Written BY JEAN LOUP BITTERLIN,
POSTED BY DREW JUVINALL, (A.M.P.I.)
