Enhanced Passenger Processing at Cross Border Xpress: A Streamlined Journey for U.S. Citizens
Travelers heading northbound into San Diego via the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal are now benefiting from a significant upgrade in border processing technology. This new system is designed to streamline the inspection process, making it faster and more secure. Currently, this enhancement is exclusive to U.S. citizens, ensuring that their travel experience is both efficient and convenient.
What is Cross Border Xpress?
CBX is unique—though not an airport in itself, it operates as a vital terminal connecting Otay Mesa, California, with Tijuana International Airport in Mexico. Ticketed passengers traverse this connection via an enclosed sky bridge, making it a crucial transit point for travelers moving between the two countries.
Implementation of Enhanced Passenger Processing Technology
This cutting-edge technology has been rolled out ahead of the busy travel season, particularly in anticipation of the Fourth of July weekend, a peak time for cross-border travel. CBX CEO Jorge Goytortúa expressed optimism about the new system, stating it significantly improves both security and speed during the entry process.
Scanning and Screening Made Simple
The process is straightforward for passengers: prior to crossing the sky bridge, travelers can utilize new document scanners to scan their U.S. passports—whether in book or card form—at locations typically designated for checking boarding passes and CBX tickets. This pre-screening step allows for an advanced customs assessment that includes biometric verifications, boosting both security and efficiency.
Passengers receive a card as proof of the scan, which will facilitate further processing when they reach the U.S. side of the terminal.
The New Entry Process in Action
Once on U.S. soil, travelers are directed to a dedicated line, bypassing the usual inspection booths. Here, their photos are taken to confirm their identity matches the scanned passport. This approach minimizes delays and enhances the overall flow of passengers crossing the border.
As CBP San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki noted, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is dedicated to both border security and facilitating lawful travel. The collaboration with CBX is aimed at innovating procedures that promote efficiency at this unique port of entry.
Anticipating Faster Border Crossings
With these advancements, Goytortúa expects significant reductions in border crossing wait times. On non-peak days, average wait times from luggage retrieval in Tijuana to U.S. entry are currently around 20 minutes. With the new processing system, U.S. citizens can anticipate wait times dropping to as little as 12 minutes.
Preparing for High Volumes of Travelers
The timing of this launch is strategic, coinciding with expectations of high passenger volumes. During the Fourth of July weekend, CBX anticipates accommodating up to 16,000 passengers daily, contributing to a projected 430,000 travelers for the month. The terminal is on track to serve an estimated 4.7 million passengers by the end of the year. Notably, over 38% of California residents traveling to Mexico utilize CBX for their journeys.
With these enhancements, the Cross Border Xpress is positioning itself as a pivotal gateway for cross-border travel, reinforcing its commitment to offering a streamlined and secure passage for travelers.
