Transportation chief urges OTS to engage travelers in boosting safety

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista called on the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) to adopt innovative measures to enhance commuter and traveler safety. Speaking on Monday during the blessing of new OTS vehicles, Bautista emphasized the need for creative approaches that encourage public vigilance and cooperation in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.

Bautista urged OTS leadership to explore interactive campaigns, safety mobile applications, and in-terminal exhibits as part of efforts to engage travelers.

“These initiatives could highlight best practices for personal safety and explain the importance of specific security measures,” he said.

The secretary also stressed the importance of fostering trust between the public and security personnel through transparent and participatory initiatives.

“Such efforts not only demystify security processes but also build trust and partnership between the public and security,” he added.

Bautista further encouraged the OTS to invest in advanced security technologies and infrastructure. He highlighted the potential of biometric identification and AI-driven threat detection to enhance security capabilities.

“Innovation must be at the forefront of our security strategy,” he said.