Pioneering computer technology that could cut Airport passport queues in Bermuda should be up and running this spring.

The FastGate smart card -- encoded with personal details -- will be swiped through a machine to identify arriving passengers.

If the information matches records on a central computer the person is allowed through Immigration.

In addition, computer giant IBM's system -- which also electronically reads a person's palm print -- will ask the person whether they have anything to declare.

IBM says the whole process will last no more than 15 seconds for people to swipe their cards and have their palm prints read.

Michael Oatley, director of Government's computer systems and services department, recently told The Royal Gazette : "It was a combination of the Bermuda Government being able to reach a decision and being a good pilot site that brought the technology here.'' Tourism director Gary Phillips said the system should be in operation by spring, perhaps as early as March.

"I am very excited and looking forward to its launch,'' he said.

Mr. Phillips said the smart card was a precursor to the Government Passenger Information System, set to be introduced in early 1998.

Under the system, Government departments -- such as Education, Immigration, Tourism and Statistics -- would have access to a central database for information on people, he explained.

"The overall system will give us a better handle on the types of people coming to Bermuda and the movement of passengers out of the Airport, including visitors and students.

"It is really a system that will utilise the appropriate technology to effectively and efficiently expedite the processing of passengers and capture demographic data for use by various Government departments.

"Some of the departments we see right away that will benefit will be Police and Customs where you might be able to get arrival data on person before he or she arrives on the Island.'' Mr. Phillips said the Education department, for instance, would require information about students, including their schools and what courses they were taking.

"It will allow the Ministry to better assist students in their career choices.'' The Tourism Department would also benefit, said Mr. Phillips.

"We need to know about our first time visitors and repeat visitors.'' Mr. Phillips said he hoped the department would get information on which travel agents were recommending people to come to Bermuda.