A system for operating a radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes a remotely operable access point at an authentication point. A first trigger sensor detects an RFID signal from an RFID device associated with a user at a first trigger distance from the authentication point. A controller responsive to a signal detected from the RFID device exchanges data with the RFID device and determines whether the RFID device is authorized. A second trigger sensor exchanges data with the RFID device at a second trigger distance closer to the authentication point than the first trigger distance. The controller is responsive to the RFID signal detected at the second trigger sensor to authenticate the RFID device at the authentication point.