IBTTA: Inside Tolling 2023

INSIDE TOLLING

91ST ANNUAL MEETING & EXHIBITION 7-10 OCTOBER 2023, SEATTLE, WA

GLOBAL TOLLING SUMMIT 11-14 NOVEMBER 2023, ATHENS, GREECE

Official publication from

HELLO THERE, NEW FRIENDS! To kick off this special preview of the annual meetings in Seattle, WA, and Athens, Greece, Terri Lankford explains what's on offer all year round when you join IBTTA

M “We’ll bring you into the IBTTA family one way or another”

2

INSIDE TOLLING

ost of the IBTTA members have heard for years that belonging to IBTTA means their organisation is a part of a community of toll facility owners and operators and the businesses that serve them.

Most of them already know that our membership is made up of more than 240 organisations in 23 countries, representing over 10,000 professionals worldwide. And we’re singing to the choir when we belt out “We Are Family” on karaoke night at our networking receptions, because we’re simply reminding those friendly family faces who we’ve seen time after time at our IBTTA events that there’s no place like their IBTTA home.

This article isn’t for the family. This article is for the new neighbour who just moved in next door. In this article…

We’re sending word to the new neighbour who is a maintenance facility operator or engineer in the transportation industry.

You know nothing (yet!) of the outstanding educational conferences that IBTTA puts on throughout the year.

We’re talking to the new neighbour who is a technology professional or asset manager and you haven’t yet taken advantage of the storehouse of resources, white papers, toll revenue data, and studies that IBTTA collects for our members’ exclusive use.

We’re reaching out to the new neighbour who is the communications director of the DOT looking for help and you could benefit from collaboration with other agencies’ comms folks. You haven’t been made aware that IBTTA is your place to share experiences with others in your discipline and work through solutions.

https://www.ibtta.org/membership

MEMBERSHIP

We’re looking at you, new neighbour, the consultant exploring the future of toll technology who dreams of getting honest feedback for your business development interests. You’ll gain that feedback through IBTTA channels.

We’re ringing the doorbell of the new neighbour, the experienced toll industry expert. Yep, you need us, too, because you’re looking to exchange ideas in the transportation industry and expand your leadership platforms on a global scale.

There’s all of that… and then, there are many other features of IBTTA membership that transportation industry organisations and their colleagues value.

Don’t get me started on IBTTA’s powerhouse of key industry data, TollMiner, or the latest tool RevFinder, because I’d have to go on about how this never-available-before product allows for the agency members to self-report and self-assess their toll revenue collection effectiveness in relation to the industry.

Don’t get me started on the opportunities IBTTA offers members to volunteer with Community Service Projects at IBTTA events throughout the year because we’d have to grab our tissues as I tell of the tear-jerkers our IBTTA members have experienced,

with rebuilding achievements that benefit organisations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio and the Nashville Food Project.

Don’t get me started on the work of the various committees like the Government Affairs, Sustainability and Resilience, DEI, and the Women in Tolling Council because I’d have to list all 17 IBTTA Committees, Working Groups, Task Forces, and Councils that serve as the heartbeat of members’ involvement.

The work of these groups helps to advance the mission of IBTTA. Don’t get me started on the Leadership Academy programme or IBTTA’s energising Young Professionals Council (YPC) because I’d have to drone on about the world-class programme to mould employees at midlevel and senior positions into executive leaders and the mentorship opportunities that the YPC enjoys.

If all of that isn’t enough to motivate you to join IBTTA, then come to one of our events. We’ll bring you into the IBTTA family one way or another.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Terri Lankford is IBTTA membership and business development manager

Published by

©Route One Publishing Ltd 2023 Second floor, West Hill House, West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2EU, UK Tel: +44 1322 612055 | www.ropl.com Publisher/Managing Director Andrew Barriball Editor Alan Dron ITS International Editor Adam Hill Sales Director Dan Emmerson Design Simon Ward, Andy Taylder Website Sarah Biswell Social Media Tatyana Mechkarova Cover image

© Always Wanderlust | Dreamstime.com

Photographs: Sadie Lebo

INSIDE TOLLING

3

GOODNIGHT, SEATTLE! AND GOOD MORNING… AND GOOD EVENING… There's more to Seattle than Frasier, coffee and grunge: there's also a jam-packed programme at IBTTA's 91st Annual Meeting & Exhibition, says membership and business development manager Terri Lankford

F

or some of us, when we think of Seattle, the first thoughts that come to mind are the Space Needle, the “Why Not Us?” Seahawks, coffee shops, and Microsoft. Others think of salmon dishes, grunge music, and the TV show Frasier (especially the one when Daphne leaves Donny at the altar and drives off with Niles in Martin’s RV). Well, over the next weeks, IBTTA’s 91st Annual Meeting & Exhibition will rise to top of mind as toll industry leaders prepare to descend on the Seattle Convention Center, October 7-10, 2023.

State DOTs, ITS technology providers, and transportation industry decision makers will connect with one another at this premier tolling event of the year, hosted by Washington State DOT. The event offers four days of education, networking, immersion into the future of transportation, and some of the most breathtaking sightseeing you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest.

Here's a day-by-day look at what IBTTA’s 91st Annual Meeting & Exhibition attendees can expect: Day One (Saturday, October 7) The event starts with the Fall Board of Directors Business Meeting when the Board will set the strategic direction for the

4

INSIDE TOLLING

Association, so this is serious stuff here. A “by invitation” CEO Summit for Executive Directors and those heads of agencies, authorities, and concessions in similar roles follows. It might look like “what-happensin-here-stays-in-here,” but these leaders actually do work on ways to solve the world’s transportation problems during this Summit.

A session on building best practices in Procurement and a workshop that looks at IBTTA’s newest data sharing tool, RevFinder, take place in the afternoon. You’ll hear more about the RevFinder product in the future.

A now-standard practice at all IBTTA events is a community service activity to benefit the local city we’re visiting. While in Seattle, attendees will have the chance to “pay it forward” with a Book Drive to support Treehouse, Washington’s leading organization addressing the academic and other essential needs of youth in foster care.

During this event, books will be collected and donations accepted to support Treehouse.

The Young Professionals Council (YPC) will hold a session on Saturday afternoon, which is open to all – even older professionals! Details are still pending, but knowing these guys, you can bet there’s karaoke involved.

Speaking of the YPC, now’s a good time to plug the IBTTA app. The app helps the anticipated 1,000 delegates keep track of the program and activities. In the app, competition for engagement points gets very stiff, especially among those YPC members, always vying for top scorer on the leader board. Registered attendees are advised to download the app and start posting, commenting, liking, and scanning one another’s profiles to boost their personal scores.

https://www.ibtta.org/events/91st-annual-meeting-exhibition

ANNUAL MEETING PREVIEW

While I’m speaking of scores, here’s “Game, set, match!” (Is that the way you keep score in pickleball?) You knew it wouldn’t be long before the IBTTA Foundation caught on to this latest craze!

The day’s activities end with the Foundation holding a Pickleball Tournament that will take place at the nearby Washington Athletic Club.

© Robert Hills | Dreamstime.com

Day Two (Sunday, October 8) The Puget Sound area is home to five toll facilities and Day Two will kick off with Technical Tours of two of those facilities – the SR 520 Bridge and the SR 99 Tunnel.

The iconic SR 520 holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest floating bridge on Earth and only 50 lucky attendees will win a behind-the-scenes ticket to see how this magnificent structure is kept in excellent condition. (Well, not really “win” – they’ve got to cough up $40 to go.)

Touring concurrently, another set of 100 attendees will experience a remarkable engineering feat, exploring the SR 99, a vital part of Seattle's transportation infrastructure. Sure to be another unforgettable three-hour tour.

© Steve Estvanik | Dreamstime.com

Pickleball, anyone? If the answer is ‘yes’, you’re our kind of people

Attendees who arrive in time for the Sunday morning sessions will find that IBTTA doesn’t disappoint when it comes to its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. An Open Space DEI Conversation will offer an unconventional format where everyone in the room will contribute to the discussion and everyone in the room will be heard!

Meanwhile, the Women in Tolling Council will continue to celebrate women driving changes in the industry with a WIT Business Meeting and Awards Ceremony.

Later in the day… awww, Break Out! Thought-provoking Breakout Session presenters will discuss Data-Centric Decision Making in the ITS+Tolling track, Pricing Existing Roadways & Networks in the Road Pricing track, Reducing TrafficRelated Deaths in the Safety & Security track, and focus on the IBTTA President’s theme, “Bridging the Gap” in Round 1 of “Trend” Talks.

There’s much more happening on Day Two – the Leadership Academy Alumni Association awards ceremony, a New Member Reception, and the Opening Event at the Museum of PoP Culture – but I’m running out word count space and I’ve still got to give you Days Three and Four.

Day Three (Monday, October 9) This is when the Exhibit Hall opens and delegates start collecting tchotchkes.

That – and meeting with exhibitors who are showing off the most innovative technologies and solutions reshaping tolling. (That – and loading up on scones and sodas!)

Attendees will move into the General Session to absorb the wise words of a compelling Keynote Address, hold back their jealousy during the Toll Excellence Awards presentation, and sit in on two insightful General Sessions. One session brings together Washington State industry leaders who will discuss how to build resilient complex transportation systems that serve everyone in the Meta-Modal Puget Sound Metro Region; and the other explores the modernization of facilities to be more sustainable and resilient in the face of dramatic changes to the climate. (“Oh yes, we’re going there.”)

Day Four (Tuesday, October 10) Recovering from the previous night’s PlatinumPalooza, IBTTA Annual Meeting attendees will have a last chance to do what Co-Chief Meeting Organizer, Ed Barry, WashDOT’s Toll Division Director recommends. Barry states, “Come early and stay late and enjoy incredible natural habitat, vibrant city life, and all that Seattle has to offer.” He shares the responsibility of making the event a success with Co-Chief Meeting Organizer Tawnya Freund, Chief Commercial Officer with ViaPlus.

IBTTA will hold the Business Meeting, induct the year’s Honorary Members, announce the IBTTA Foundation Scholarship Awardees, and get to the business of promoting the 2024 Annual Meeting, which will be held in Cleveland, Ohio.

Breakout Sessions resume with a close look at the challenge of integrating ITS and tolling systems in the face of technological advancements. This is when ITS International Magazine’s editor, Adam Hill himself, takes the stage to moderate the panel’s presentations. (This is the session where you’ll want to take that selfie to post on social!)

The Road Pricing track gives a second chance to those who missed the RUC session during the Finance Summit earlier this year. Protecting our infrastructure assets is the focus of the Safety & Security session. And Round 2 of “Trend” Talks continues to address “Bridging the Gap.” Afternoon Breakout Sessions include presentations on Connected Vehicles, Smart Lanes/Smart Corridors, Cybersecurity, and Round 3 of “Bridging the Gap” Trend Talks.

We end the show with President Andy Fremier, Bay Area Toll Authority, turning the gavel over to incoming President Bill Halkias, Hellastron, during the Closing Banquet.

Next up, the Global Tolling Summit in Athens this November!

© Photoquest | Dreamstime.com

Technical Tours include a visit to the SR 520 Bridge

INSIDE TOLLING

5

IT'S ALL GOING TO BE GREEK TO US IBTTA's Terri Lankford looks forward to a classical event - the Global Tolling Summit in Athens - where toll industry professionals are going to seek - and bring - wisdom

I

suppose I could say that the closest I’ve ever gotten to Greece has been my enrollment in a college course on Rhetoric and Oratory where I studied Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It’s been a while, but I remember learning about these brilliant Greek scholars, the concepts of ethos, pathos, and logos, the philosophers’ struggles with analyzing human moral dilemmas, and all sorts of theoretical hypotheses and, oh, I don’t know… like I said, it’s been a while.

The point is this. While I sat in the idiomatic lap of these greatest philosophers of all time, to a large degree, it was “Greek to me.” Still, it was an elective that seemed to get me to graduation. How I wish I’d paid closer attention back then so that now, I would more fully appreciate how rich with historical significance our time will be when IBTTA travels to Athens, Greece for the Global Tolling Summit, November 11-14, 2023.

Let’s imagine we have Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle appearing as a panel of guests in an episode of Café IBTTA. You know that this is something CEO Pat Jones would be all over! In fact, the prospect of gathering these brilliant Greek logicians together on Zoom and getting them to help invite the IBTTA family and friends to come to ancient Athens for the Global Tolling Summit would thrill us all.

Let’s imagine how Pat would start the interview by stimulating the philosophers

6

INSIDE TOLLING

with a classic Greek myth about the world’s very first toll facility. He’d quote the wiki site directly: “In order to cross the River Styx and reach Hades, a dead person must pay a fee [it’s a toll, it’s a toll!] to the ferryman, Charon. If the correct fee is paid, Charon will take the dead across.”

He’d let them ponder for just a moment and then he’d ask them to react to his prompt. Don’t know about you, but I’d be rolling on the floor laughing.

Next, close your eyes and consider with me the shock and awe that we’d all experience when Pat asks each philosopher to share his perspective on the evolution of technology for the use of alternative fuels and batteries. Muse with me the idea of the great thinkers focusing on autonomous and connected vehicles or artificial intelligence.

Tell me you can’t hear Pat’s “uh huh, tell me more about that…” when each of “The Big Three” defines for us what the future of mobility means to him.

Finally, (stop that laughing), take hold of the sage declarations we’re left with when the Café IBTTA host asks each philosopher the obligatory inquiry of any Café IBTTA guest – to “give us your final words of wisdom.” And for our purposes, keep it focused on the upcoming IBTTA Global Tolling Summit in Athens.

Look who’ll come off of mute first: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” — Socrates (469 – 399 BC) He’ll say that and then click on the heart emoji to show himself some love. (Soc is always the one who needs a hug.)

Well, let’s talk about wisdom and the IBTTA Global Tolling Summit. When our toll industry professionals attend the event in Athens, they’re going to bring, take, and give lots of wisdom. And with eight General Sessions over the course of the four-day event, there’s going to be a lot of wisdom spread around.

For starters, IBTTA opens the program with a moderated discussion with the Presidents of IBTTA, ASECAP, IRF and PIARC who will discuss their view and the views of these four prestigious associations on the ways to obtain the required funding to meet the challenges of providing sustainable mobility and maintaining the resilience of our road infrastructure.

Two other General Sessions on Monday will focus on advancements in tolling technology and critical aspects of toll road asset management, including equipment, infrastructure, bridges, inspections, and broader asset management capabilities.

https://www.ibtta.org/events/global-tolling-summit-1

© Eleftherios Damianidis | Dreamstime.com

One big philosophical question under discussion will be how to fund sustainable mobility and resilient infrastructure

It’s almost as though Aristotle knows all about transportation and tolling industry challenges – he’d have been great on Café IBTTA

Then, because he has a hard stop and just has to bounce, let’s hear from the next in line: “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”– Plato (427 – 347 BC) My man. Plato gets it. It’s like he knows that the IBTTA toll industry professional ain’t no fool. Our wise men and wise women have a wealth of knowledge to share.

Presenters on the afternoon General Session on Sustainability will discuss the role of road operators and the tolling industry in delivering Green Mobility solutions and services.

Green Mobility is one of the major challenges confronting the road sector and is a requirement to comply with the key objectives and political guidelines adopted worldwide. It’s an integral tool to achieve sustainability objectives while still enabling the movement of freight and the connecting of citizens to their work, healthcare, and education every day. Takes a wise guy to cover this kind of content.

Tuesday morning’s General Session will start with an engaging conversation that focuses on innovation, existing barriers, potential areas of conflict, and downstream benefits of distance-based road charging.

Having figured out how to set his background to blur, our final philosopher speaks: “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” — Aristotle (384 – 322 BC) Now, aren’t you feeling Ari, mon? This guy played teacher’s pet to Plato and he’s always loaded with education-related quips.

What inspiration!

It’s almost as if Aristotle knows all about the transportation and tolling industry challenges that our professionals are taking on. It’s almost as if he knows that the struggle is real. And it’s almost as if he sees the rewards that delegates who attend the IBTTA Global Tolling Summit will reap.

The first of Tuesday’s final three General Sessions will explore how organizations are developing and implementing information governance strategies that enable them to maximize the benefits of digitization and minimize the associated challenges and risks.

We’ll move to a Visual Feast with the next General Session where we’ll learn about different project types, unique ideas, and technical innovation from around the globe.

This tolling summit is truly “global.”

In the final General Session of the event, Diversity as an Equity Enabler, the presenters will discuss how legacy conscious and subconscious biases can be overcome to enable diverse teams to deliver transport equity.

Okay. You can open your eyes (we were imagining, remember). Now that the masters of argumentation and debate have convinced you, go to the IBTTA meeting page at www.ibtta.org/ATHENS and sign up to attend the Global Tolling Summit. And, as Pat’s trademark sign-off goes, “We’ll see YOU down the road…” in Athens, Greece.

© Scaliger | Dreamstime.com

© Alika Obrazovskaya | Dreamstime.com

GLOBAL TOLLING SUMMIT PREVIEW

INSIDE TOLLING

7

Intrada® Insight

Maximize your video toll revenue 99.95%

IDENTIFICATION ACCURACY

2B+

DAILY TRANSACTIONS

<1%

REVENUE LEAKAGE

END-TO-END VIDEO TOLL TRANSACTION PROCESSING Intrada® Insight software is trusted by the largest, most sophisticated toll agencies in the world to deliver accurate reads for over 2 billion video transactions every day.

Contact us to learn how you can reduce operating expenses and maximize your revenue with our guaranteed accuracy.

Q-Flow

Q-Clean

Q-Safe

#liveqfree www.q-free.com

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

INTRADA INSIGHT. LOWEST OPEX, HIGHEST TECHNOLOGY

M

achine-learning image processing and review solution reduces operating expenses and maximises revenue. The pinnacle of image processing and review software is Intrada Insight by Q-Free. An endto-end solution from image capture to actionable reporting, Intrada Insight uses multilayered technology to lower video toll read error rates and operating expenses while increasing accuracy and revenue.

Intrada Insight uses automatic image review (AIR) that self-learns with a deep neural network and an integrated intelligent transaction workflow. This increases efficiency and accuracy the more the system operates. A novel way of conducting manual image review (MIR) reduces operator error, decreases review time, fingerprints repeat misreads, and teaches the AIR algorithms, pushing the total system accuracy to impressive numbers.

After a short tuning period for local conditions and customer requirements, Intrada Insight can reach ≥ 99% automation rate with ≤ 0.05% error rate / ≥ 99.95% read accuracy. This translates to significant revenue gains over less accurate software—six figures or more in some example systems—while limiting operating expenses through efficient, intelligent databases.

Image processing is straightforward when there are no issues during the initial capture. A camera captures the licence plate, software algorithms identify the plate number, compare it to a billing or DMV database, and then send an

www.q-free.com

actionable report for collection. Intrada Insight does this accurately by identifying all features on a plate (grammatical reading), using the latest plate style repository, and learning through repeated use and manual verification.

Intrada Insight features MIR that exceeds traditional manual review.

Grammatical reading allows manual review operators to focus on the unknown elements of the plate. Some special license plates look similar to regular ones, with minor distinguishing factors.

Intrada Insight uses multiple ALPR engines to identify the special plates automatically, lowering human error and increasing accuracy by pre-verifying all automatically-read parts. Operators do not need to memorise special or out-ofstate plates for peak accuracy.

Intrada Insight learns from nonautomated licence plate reads by using distinguishing features from an automobile image to create a digital fingerprint. This fingerprint is grouped with other matching images across multiple tolling sites and added to the automatic read library when confirmed through manual review.

The web-based interface is easily accessed online, eliminating special equipment investment. The simple interface presents focused information to operators, reducing human error.

Automatic reading uses all known data to simplify and reduce dependence on manual review. Manual review verifies results and teaches the Intrada Insight libraries, improving the automated review process. It is a cohesive system that

produces high accuracy, reduces billing errors, and lowers operating expenses.

KEY INNOVATIONS Scalable—Intrada Insight scales easily to support multiple deployment sites and expansion.

Multiple accounts—The New York Thruway and New York City, for example, have very different tolling needs. One system supports both by using accounts for each with its own business rules, admin, reporting, and performance measurements.

Deep neural network—Intrada Insight uses the entire toll network and manual review verification to learn continually.

Multi-engine analysis—Multiple algorithms examine images separately for accuracy.

AIR-MIR integration—AIR and MIR are part of a learning feedback loop to eliminate human and machine errors with verification, fingerprinting, grouping, and grammatical reading.

Active plate style library—the licence plate database is kept current throughout the contract, with new and unique plate releases automatically added.

Q-Free’s Intrada Insight system exceeds simple ALPR. With deep neural network machine learning, AIR-MIR learning loops, advanced libraries and a simple, powerful interface, it can scale to size or needs while lowering operating expenses and increasing revenue significantly. ALPR is just the start of the journey with Intrada Insight, the end-to-end, advanced image processing and review software solution.

INSIDE TOLLING

9

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

A TRUSTED PARTNER, BACKING OUR INDUSTRY

H

broad set of experiences and values that we think you will appreciate. Being very small allows us to remain extremely agile, and we can flex when things happen unexpectedly and deal with the unknowns.

That truly sets us apart.

Matt Milligan and Tyler Milligan (aka ‘the Milligan brothers’) started with a dream to step away from big corporate structures and creatively build their own team to uniquely meet the needs of the mobility industry.

One facet of Milligan Partners contributing to our distinctive edge is that many of us are multi-talented. As a diverse team of technologists and management consultants, we focus on teamwork and innovation to produce positive results for our

clients. Our team consistently operates across a variety of disciplines ranging from strategic engagement to the procurement and implementation of technology, helping clients navigate the challenges of today’s rapidly changing road pricing and transportation industry.

Appreciating that the challenges of improving a person’s travel experience can be difficult, we are confident that regulation and technology must come to terms with one another. We can help facilitate that effort. Legislators around the United States are reacting collectively to consumer demand for increased digital privacy and security. Using that momentum, we have developed tools such as permissioned blockchain-

based ledgers that can be foundational to integrating sustainability and mobility solutions.

Along with strategy, technology, and operations consulting, we provide valuable knowledge and insight into research, analysis, and staffing support. We know the value in conducting comprehensive research and analysis to help organisations address challenges, create efficiencies, and take advantage of opportunities.

We effectively combine research, innovation, and implementation to evolve and future-proof the industry we know and love.

Success is rarely achieved alone and we are committed to being a trusted partner for our clients.

© Pop Nukoonrat | Dreamstime.com

elping our clients reach success is at the heart of what we do at Milligan Partners. We know the value in conducting comprehensive research to help organisations address challenges, create efficiencies, and take advantage of opportunities. We effectively combine research, innovation, and implementation to move forward. Our principal character traits define us as individuals, not just who we are as an organization. WE ARE Milligan Partners.

More than 11 years in the making, we continue to infuse ‘small but mighty’ into our way of life. As a Dallas-based company, ‘Texas Roots, Global Expertise’ is a mantra we’ve adopted to reflect a proud origin story paired with a

10

INSIDE TOLLING

www.milliganpartners.com

Innovation, on Demand.

Learn More About Us www.milliganpar tners.com

info@milliganpar tners.com 888.885.1302

DA L L A S • • • H O US TO N • • • AUS T I N • • • N E W YO R K C I T Y • • • T W I N C I T I E S • • • L IS B O N , PO R T U G A L

EUROPEAN SMART MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

FREE DOWNLOAD Barrier-Free Tolling Challenges for Fleets

Tolling Solutions

Custom payment solutions for rental and commercial fleets to manage traditional and barrier-free tolling

Violation Solutions

Integrated solution for fleets to easily manage, process and pay parking, tolling, speeding violations and assign liability to drivers

Learn more verramobility.com/european-solutions

CLICK TO VIEW

Enforcement Solutions Specialized collection of solutions for unpaid traffic and parking penalties issued to domestic and foreign registered vehicles

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

BARRIER-FREE TOLL MODERNIZATION PRESENTS NEW OPERATIONAL RISKS

T

hings are changing quickly for drivers in Europe as pressure mounts to tackle climate and congestion issues. A significant change will be the removal of barriers on toll roads. The EU is actively encouraging all tolls to be barrier-free by 2025. Some countries, notably France, are already widely introducing barrier-free tolling.

Instead of coming to a halt every few miles while the person ahead stops at a barrier and searches their pockets for a credit card or cash, drivers will be able to breeze through checkpoints at motorway speeds with electronic systems handling the charges automatically. The EU believes this will cut down congestion, reducing carbon emissions from cars idling in queues. For most drivers, it is a welcome improvement because it will speed up their journeys.

Things are slightly more complicated for rental cars, however. Consider the traveller arriving from overseas at a European airport like Paris or Dublin. They pick up their rental car and zoom out on to the open road. They

don’t know the traffic systems in this new country and are unfamiliar with the toll and road usage infrastructure.

They may not even speak the language.

On an increasing number of toll roads, instead of encountering a physical barrier clearly indicating a toll is due, it will be all too easy for them to drive straight on to a toll road or into a congestion zone, unaware that they are expected to pay.

The toll operator will capture their license plate and issue a fine. Except, because they are in a rental car, the bill with potential penalties will arrive at the rental car company and they will have to figure out how to pass the charges on to the driver.

It’s a highly complex operational challenge, with thousands of rental cars traversing the vast network of European toll roads that use different technologies by various companies and government organisations.

Rental cars could cross hundreds of toll bridges, each time potentially picking up a penalty.

www.verramobility.com/european-solutions

Of course, since toll systems are electronic, the obvious solution is for rental companies to integrate toll payment into their customer billing systems. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. There are so many toll charging entities in each country, and they may use different systems and technologies. Rental car companies will need to build a commercial and tech relationship with each entity.

There is sometimes a delay of days, or even weeks, between a toll being incurred and a payment being charged.

Rental car companies need to figure out a way to pass those costs on to their customer, as it not only negatively impacts operations, but will have an adverse impact on financial metrics if settlement with the toll authority and collection from the driver is not completed efficiently.

The answer is to delegate to the experts. Verra Mobility has more than 15 years’ experience working on barrierfree tolling with the world’s leading rental car brands in the US and has programmes in Ireland and Spain. It

already has the expertise to integrate toll solutions into car rental company systems, and has relationships with toll operators across Europe.

Verra Mobility can take the challenge of navigating foreign payment systems away and give rental car customers a simple bill that includes all related charges.

Verra Mobility customises programmes for rental cars based on the needs of renters and the intricacies of each market. For example, a company can add the cost of tolls to its usual fee, or opt for an all-inclusive fee, where the daily rate covers the cost of all tolls.

Modern, efficient, barrierfree toll systems are here to stay and will continue to expand as the environmental benefits outweigh operational challenges.

Companies continue to pivot as necessary to make sure their customers have the best experience possible.

Learn more about Verra Mobility and how we are helping with modern solutions by visiting the website (address below).

INSIDE TOLLING

13

CLICK TO VIEW

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

TOLLING SOLUTIONS AS UNIQUE AS EACH AGENCY

N

o one goes to the dentist asking for the treatment that worked for their neighbour’s problems – they get an individual diagnosis and treatment plan while applying standard procedures and tools.

Similarly, with tolling technology systems, what works for one agency may do little to solve the problems of another, even if they appear similar on the surface.

Unfortunately, there are many reasons – economic, risk reduction and others – why a tolling agency might procure a solution that worked for someone else. This approach will always yield a gap between what the agency needs and what they get.

Tolling systems should be individualised to the operator, to address its specific pain points. This is why A-to-Be’s roadside and back office solutions are vendor-agnostic and modular: to allow easy configuration and integration with other systems to fit each agency’s needs.

Through close teamwork and collaboration, agencies and vendors like A-to-Be can ensure each tolling technology solution is a perfect fit, as shown through two recent and ongoing

www.a-to-be.com

projects. Does this mean that each operator should have a bespoke solution, that is costly to maintain and update? Not at all. Being based on microservices and incorporating commercialoff-the-shelf (COTS) solutions for core functions, products like A-to-Be’s MoveBeyond and LinkBeyond strike the balance between custom and customised.

United Bridge Partners (UBP) is a private company that owns and operates six bridges across the United States. Starting in 2021, UBP engaged A-to-Be to provide its LinkBeyond roadside tolling solution for Houbolt Road Extension, a UBP bridge.

LinkBeyond is a vendoragnostic, modular roadside tolling solution built for flexibility. Over the following months, A-to-Be worked with UBP to refine the design of the tolling system to maximise accuracy and efficiency.

This collaborative approach was deployed to determine the best way to meet UBP’s desires for a highly accurate system, while minimising maintenance time and lane closures. With these principles in mind, the combined team selected a non-intrusive classification system to avoid closing

lanes for in-pavement works.

Additionally, UBP and A-to-Be worked together to define a classification system and to align the selected equipment with it, in order to maintain high accuracy rates. After several months of operation and collaboration, the system is well on its way to achieving the high accuracy KPIs agreed upon with UBP. From one successful project, the teamwork between UBP and A-to-Be has deepened and progressed. A-to-Be is in the process of deploying two similar systems to UBP projects, for a total of four bridges. With each iteration, the team is able to improve on the previous design to continue pursuing the client’s goals of accuracy and efficiency.

A-to-Be’s back office solutions are also highly flexible and configurable, as demonstrated by the collaboration with Chicago Skyway. Chicago Skyway is a bridge operated by Skyway Concession Company, which selected A-to-Be to provide MoveBeyond, a new, highly configurable back office system. In this process, Chicago Skyway’s priorities were to ensure their new back office was modern,

easy to update, flexible to accommodate future growth, and taking the best COTS innovations while also incorporating tolling-specific expertise to address industry pain points.

A-to-Be and Chicago Skyway worked together to finalise the design of the back office system, scaling it to meet Chicago Skyway’s cur rent needs and modernising the system’s software, while leaving options open to introduce new technologies in the future if Chicago Skyway desires.

Because of its modular architecture and vendorneutral principles, A-to-Be has been able to tailor the MoveBeyond solution to Chicago Skyway’s requirements.

No two tolling systems are exactly alike, and each road operator – and its patrons – deserve an individualised approach.

Through close collaboration and teamwork, and thanks to A-to-Be’s modular and vendoragnostic solution designs, both roadside and back office systems can be as unique as the roads and bridges they serve. By working together to make mobility solutions, everyone can be successful.

INSIDE TOLLING

15

Kapsch TrafficCom

Kapsch TrafficCom driving tolling transformation and the future of mobility. www.kapsch.net

CLICK TO VIEW

find out more

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

KAPSCH TRAFFICCOM: TRAILBLAZING IN ITS

I

n the rapidly evolving landscape of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), one name stands tall: Kapsch TrafficCom. A global powerhouse headquartered in Vienna, Austria, Kapsch has been at the forefront of innovative traffic management technologies for over a century. Its impressive portfolio ranges from road tolling solutions to state-ofthe-art traffic management systems and vehicle-to-vehicle communication tools, all aimed at promoting safety, efficiency, and eco-friendly transportation.

Kapsch's technological prowess is perhaps best exemplified by its landmark collaboration with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

This complex, high-stakes project required the implementation of an advanced tolling system on the State Route 520 Bridge — one of the world's largest floating bridges.

Despite the challenges, Kapsch rose to the occasion, showcasing its technical capabilities and commitment to delivering bespoke solutions that addressed WSDOT's unique requirements.

This partnership has been flourishing for nearly a decade and expanded to the ever-growing Express Lane network throughout the Seattle region – even tolling the largest-in-diameter singlebore tunnel in the world, which traverses underneath downtown Seattle. While the

www.kapsch.net

solution has evolved over the years, as technology has allowed more capabilities out of fewer devices, the commitment to performance and accuracy has always been a top priority.

Kapsch's multifaceted approach to technology development rests on the pillars of smart infrastructure, big data analytics, and connected mobility. Smart infrastructure systems provide real-time, accurate, and integrated information to enable efficient transportation planning and management. Big data analytics harness vast amounts of data to inform and optimise operations, enhance user experience, and aid in decision making.

And finally, connected mobility promotes communication between vehicles and infrastructure, enhancing safety and efficiency on the roadways.

People are at the heart of the company values as they recognise the importance of strong, foundational relationships, internally within its teams, but also in the communities where they do business.

The company boasts a diverse workforce committed to fostering a greener and more connected world.

Kapsch encourages continuous learning and innovation, helping employees stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of transportation technology.

Kapsch TrafficCom is aggressively

investing in R&D to enhance its end-to-end solution. On the cards are more innovation in advanced traffic management systems, smart city applications, predictive analytics, and lean tolling roadsides, to name a few. Kapsch is also a solid industry partner supporting knowledgesharing and problem-solving through associations such as IBTTA. The company has been actively supporting the national interoperability and Road User Charging initiatives important to financially sustaining our transport network.

Kapsch TrafficCom represents the intersection of innovative technology, expert human resources and strategic growth vision in the ITS space. The company’s commitment to improving urban mobility through cutting-edge roadside tolling technology, as evidenced by its successful WSDOT project, sets it apart within the industry.

Looking ahead, the future for Kapsch TrafficCom appears bright, underpinned by the company's strategic focus on technology and people, and driven by an increasing demand for efficient, eco-friendly transportation solutions.

As urbanisation continues to surge, so does the need for intelligent, techpowered providers like Kapsch to manage the resultant traffic congestion and environmental impacts.

INSIDE TOLLING

17

© Anyaberkut | Dreamstime.com

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

HOW EMOVIS IS PAVING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT WITH ROAD USAGE CHARGING

W

e are witnessing a pivotal moment where technology is evolving and transforming our lives, while environmental concerns grow.

These changes are having a significant impact in our everyday activities, including transportation. Moving across countries and within cities will continue to fundamentally change in the future.

Traditional methods of road funding are also undergoing significant transformation, guided by the goals of creating a more eco-friendly and efficient future.

Road Usage Charging (RUC) is a concept that holds the key to providing sustainable road financing and improving road safety.

RUC involves drivers paying for the miles they drive. Emovis is a global leader in the field, offering innovative solutions and expertise to facilitate the implementation of RUC systems.

Traditional road funding through fuel taxes is declining as drivers adapt to the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles. With electric vehicles making up a growing proportion of all cars produced over the next decade and beyond, RUC ensures that road funding for local authorities remains consistent and dependable. This makes RUC an efficient approach that aligns road funding with the amount of road usage by drivers.

Unlike traditional toll systems that require drivers to stop and start their vehicles at toll booths, RUC operates

18

INSIDE TOLLING

seamlessly; helping eliminate traffic jams and curb unnecessary vehicle emissions.

Reducing traffic through RUC means improved air quality.

Beyond its environmental benefits, RUC makes roads safer, minimises potential congestion points and eliminates the need for drivers to slow down and queue through a toll booth.

In addition, the revenue generated through tolling systems allows for continued investment on road maintenance and overall improvements.

As a society, we take the operational state of our roads for granted, anticipating using our vehicles and completing our trips without thinking about the roads and how they are funded. In actuality, we see a strong possibility that a deteriorating transportation system can have a very damaging economic impact.

In the United States, RUC has emerged as a pioneering and innovative solution to address the challenges of road funding after the electric vehicle transition.

Emovis has emerged as the leading innovator in the field with five successful projects already implemented in the US: Washington; Oregon; Utah; Virginia and, most recently, in Oklahoma.

In Virginia, a 2019 report by the Virginia Secretary of Transportation estimated that the use of electric, hybrid and other fuel-efficient vehicles would mean a $250 million loss in fuel-tax revenue. New legislation led to the Virginia Department

of Motor Vehicles collaborating with Emovis to implement a voluntary mileage-based user fee program.

More than 15,000 drivers signed up to the voluntary program within a year of the scheme launching in January 2022.

As a result, $183,000 in mileage charges and $125,000 in annual highway usage fees have been collected since. Vehicle compatibility with embedded telematics expanded from one to 32 manufacturers.

Buoyed by the success of its US implementation, RUC is poised to expand into Europe, where it will have a transformative impact in the future.

Emovis is at the forefront of the IMMENSE project, an initiative focused on a geo-tolling pilot scheme to be implemented in Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain and in Munich, Germany. During the pilot, Munich’s Low Emission Zone scheme will be transformed into a pay-per-use RUC scheme In conclusion, the expansion of RUC across the US and into Europe paints a promising picture of what lies ahead – of how sustainable road financing and safer roads can be achieved. It is a progressive solution that blends technology and environmental benefits.

As RUC extends its influence beyond the US and into Europe, it represents a shared vision for a more efficient, smart, and forward-looking way to fund the roads we use.

www.emovis.com

Next-Level Performance Unleashed : Supercharged Processing Power

+852 3691-9925

Flat 01&7B, 8/F, Vanta Industrial Centre,

salesinquiry@star-int.net

21-33 Tai Lin Pai Road, Kwai Chung, NT, Hong Kong

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

THE EVOLUTION OF DATA INTEGRITY IN RFID TOLLING TRANSPONDERS

R

FID electronic tolling transponders have revolutionised the way we pay for tolls, offering convenience and efficiency. However, like any semiconductor-based technology, these devices are not immune to technical challenges, including data corruption.

The possibility of corrupted transponder data is a serious issue for toll operators.

To address this concern, STAR Systems International (SSI) has introduced a new generation of transponders, equipped with self-error correction and detection features.

Here, we will explore the concept of data corruption, its impacts, and how these advanced features solve this issue.

Data corruption is never well-timed or convenient. We have all experienced a hard-drive loss, a dropped cellphone call, etc. The result can range from a mild annoyance to a serious, sometimes life-threatening, predicament. While semiconductors are generally very stable, they are not immune to failure or error.

In RFID electronic tolling transponders this type of impairment is rare but not unprecedented. Failure can be manifested in the form of a complete malfunction, or unreliable data retention. This is sometimes colloquially referred to as a ‘bitflip’.

This type of failure can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from environmental conditions to electromagnetic interference. In the context of electronic tolling, data corruption issues can lead to inaccurate toll calculations, misidentification of vehicles, and potential revenue losses.

Revenue-generation applications, such as electronic toll collection, must provide an accurate accounting of all transactions.

Any errors in the accounting process can lead to loss of funds, increased operational costs, or even a decline in confidence in the system by the customer and the public. As such, data corruption is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

To mitigate the impact of data corruption, a new generation of electronic tolling transponders has been developed

www.star-int.net

by SSI, featuring self-error correction and detection capabilities. These advanced transponders employ sophisticated error correction algorithms to identify and rectify errors in stored data.

Error Correcting Codes (ECC) and ‘self-check’ techniques have been a part of modern semiconductor design for decades. However, bringing these concepts to RFID transponders is a relatively recent application.

Transponders can use ECC techniques to self-correct bit errors seamlessly. On the very rare occasion that a multi-bit error occurs, the transponder can flag it during data transmission. Self-check features are also useful to explicitly identify corrupted data so that it does not pollute the accounting of a revenue-generating transaction.

BENEFITS OF SELF-ERROR CORRECTION AND DETECTION * Enhanced data accuracy: By automatically correcting errors, these transponders ensure the integrity of data transmitted during tolling transactions. This reduces the likelihood of incorrect toll charges or misidentification of vehicles. * Improved reliability: The self-error correction and detection mechanisms enhance the overall reliability of electronic tolling systems. By mitigating the impact of data corruption issues,

these transponders minimise the risk of revenue losses and operational disruptions. * Minimised maintenance and operational costs: With self-error correction and detection features, the need for manual intervention or maintenance to address data corruption issues is significantly reduced. This leads to cost savings and ensures uninterrupted tolling operations. * Future-proofing: These advanced transponders can adapt to evolving technology and address potential vulnerabilities. Firmware updates can be applied to enhance error correction capabilities, ensuring the devices remain effective in the face of emerging challenges.

Data corruption poses a challenge to the accuracy and reliability of RFID electronic tolling transponders. However, SSI’s introduction of transponders equipped with self-error correction and detection features represents a significant advance in mitigating these issues. By automatically identifying and correcting flipped bits, these transponders enhance the accuracy, reliability, and overall performance of electronic tolling systems.

As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect further improvements in error correction capabilities, ensuring seamless and dependable tolling experiences.

INSIDE TOLLING

21

IRD_IBTTA_Preview_Ad_Full_Page_outlines_230905_final_fix.indd 1

2023-09-06 8:55:36 AM

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

DRIVING INNOVATION: ETC’S GROUNDBREAKING APPROACH TO TOLL AND MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

I

n the technological vanguard of toll and smart mobility solutions, Electronic Transaction Consultants Corporation (ETC) continues to extend its innovative reach. Proudly set to showcase its pioneering suite of toll solutions at the upcoming IBTTA Annual Meeting and Exhibition, ETC’s contributions to improving mobility, operational efficiency, and high-standard customer service are plainly evident.

ETC’s toll systems boast extensive automation, high reliability, and offthe-shelf configurability, a result of the company’s dedication to delivering modern solutions attuned to the evolving needs of the transportation industry.

A leader in integrated toll solutions across North America, ETC’s exceptional technology and industry expertise anchor its capacity to design and implement cutting-edge turnkey solutions from roadside to back office.

ETC’s riteSuite firmly places it at the forefront of technological development within the tolling and transportation industry. Strategic leaning towards cloud-based architecture and software adaptability sets it apart from its competition.

The company leverages commercial off-the-shelf applications (COTS) used extensively by large data consumer entities and customises these to cater specifically to the dynamic needs of the transportation industry. This unique strategy fosters an adaptable and maintainable architecture to the benefit of the agency.

At the core of ETC’s systems stand its adaptable riteSuite modules, the essential building blocks of tailor-made solutions designed to meet each customer’s specific business objectives. Whether in simple installations or complex operations, ETC’s systems have proven to significantly enhance traffic flow, deliver superior

www.etcc.com

patron services and mitigate both tolling authority risk and capital costs.

ETC’s riteHorizon back-office system replaces traditional toll systems, enterprise resource planning mechanisms, and customer relationship management systems, instead providing a congruous platform. Its novel design, based on a single data model, cohesively blends accounting, audit, and data transparency with toll process business management and a comprehensive approach to customer relationship management.

An innovative addition to ETC’s portfolio, riteTRAC harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to serve toll agencies.

By utilising AI technologies, riteTRAC monitors key transaction processing markers in real-time, providing continuous trending of detailed lane events constituting a toll transaction.

The tool’s ability to create automated notifications and work orders for identified variances, and exhibit real-time operational views through customisable dashboards, has resulted in improved lane correlation, fewer errors, and diminished corrective maintenance for agencies implementing the module.

ETC’s commitment to efficiency resonates in its Interoperability Module, designed for processing AVI and imagebased transactions across multiple toll agencies and operators.

Since 2002, ETC’s development and maintenance of interoperability solutions have greatly enabled the efficient transfer, processing, remittance, and reconciliation of toll transactions across agencies. ETC’s pivotal role as developer, integrator, and service provider of the Central United States Interoperability Hub (CUSIOP) puts it at the heart of the nation’s interoperability ecosystem. The recent contract won by ETC to implement and operate the E-ZPass Interoperability (EZIOP) hub is expected to pave the way

for multimodal interoperability expansion and puts ETC at the centre of the National Interoperability (NIOP) initiative.

ETC’s roadside solution enables dynamic pricing. Variable toll rates can be adjusted based on time of day, congestion, or other context-specific factors. By adapting to real-time traffic and travel patterns, this intelligent system can redistribute demand across different time periods or routes, promoting efficient usage of the roadway network. This keeps traffic flowing and ensures that the costs are proportionate to the benefits, such as reduced congestion and quicker travel times.

Agencies seeking to improve equitable mobility outcomes for road users will benefit from ETC’s implementation of adjustable rates through the back office.

Disadvantaged users or low-income areas can be identified, and rates adjusted to provide affordable travel and a fairer environment.

Increasingly attracting agencies seeking a modern, interoperable platform for their toll services, the flexibility of ETC’s backoffice and CRM systems presents it as an advantageous logical choice.

ETC’s solutions, currently pulling in over $3 billion in toll transactions annually, have become the backbone of many agencies’ toll systems. Agencies that have put their trust in ETC’s solutions include SRTA, Alameda CTC, HCTRA, Illinois Tollway, and, most recently, RiverLink (Ohio Bridges).

Each innovative step taken by ETC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to bolstering the toll and smart mobility industry. Visit ETC at the IBTTA Annual Meeting and Exhibition (Booth #311) and see how its achievements give us a glimpse of a future where technology and transport converge to elevate mobility and operational efficiency to unprecedented heights.

INSIDE TOLLING

23

SEE MOBILITY THROUGH A NEW LENS Ready for a safer, more efficient roadway experience? See your path in a new light with our AC3 and FE3 cameras!

Cubic’s Gridsmart bell and rectilinear cameras are now equipped with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for improved visibility and image quality in low-lit areas. Save time, money and upkeep while ensuring a safer and more efficient travel experience for all vulnerable road users.

Upgrade your congestion management with Cubic today!

GET THE PICTURE? CLICK TO VIEW

transportation.cubic.com

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

PICTURE THIS: ENHANCED CAMERA DETECTION FOR CONGESTION MANAGEMENT

C

ongestion costs the American economy millions in lost productivity and time, contradicting the economic interest the transportation system should inspire.

A city or region must manage the holistic transport network at a macro level and also consider the micro or street level. Managing corridors and intersections is critical to keeping the private vehicle operator, the public and private transport operators, cyclists and pedestrians safe and moving.

Investing in corridor and intersection management is the foundation of an allowable volume-to-capacity ratio and a high safety and confidence level in active transportation users.

We all want to increase traveller confidence as drivers, cyclists and pedestrians hit the streets again, so partnering with the travelling public and letting them know of the investment is one step in the right direction.

Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are driving intersection management solutions like Cubic’s Gridsmart cameras to deliver optimised flows within the city. At Cubic, we appreciate and use the advantages of AI technology, but our focus on people is the core purpose of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

Whether we’re aiding in corridor and congestion management on the roadways or improving the experience for transit riders and providers, we exist to help people move safely and efficiently. For the sensors, we need to accomplish

transportation.cubic.com

this; seeing better is performing better.

Enter our enhanced cameras, the FE3 and the AC3, continuing the third-generation evolution of Cubic’s Gridsmart product.

Physically these cameras will be familiar to all, and they work with the system just as before. However, the improved imagery from these cameras will enable our relentless path of continuous improvement.

The FE3, with its iconic bell shape, is our next-generation fisheye camera used for safety, detection and analytics, such as turning movement counts and classification. Inside the FE3 is a custom-developed imaging system that, among other proprietary enhancements, also utilises multi-frame, High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging to capture clear imagery, even when you have a dark building canyon on one approach and bright sunlight on the other, a common challenge in urban environments. The AC3, used for advanced or upstream detection, houses a new imaging system with state-of-the-art video stabilisation, allowing us to perform better over longer distances, even when mast arms bounce in the wind.

As traffic and transportation nerds, we enjoy geeking out on gear or noticing all the equipment in and around corridors. We get excited about the applications of AI and machine learning. But we always remember that the end goal is for people moving more safely, freely, and efficiently; seeing better helps us do that better. Get the picture?

INSIDE TOLLING

25

Speed. Precision. Accuracy.

Automated Tolling Demands Accuracy and Reliability

Seoul Robotics’ 3D perception solution offers a fresh approach ensuring a hassle-free experience for road users and providing extensive and actional 3D data for improved traffic management.

Non-Intrusive System

Seamless Tolling

Advanced Tolling Schemes

Versatile Capabilities

Easy to deploy and maintain with no traffic disruptions

Detect vehicles passing through toll gates, triggering license plate recognition devices

Differentiate vehicles based on their size

Incident detection and integration with digital signage

Seoul, Korea • Munich, Germany • Atlanta, Georgia sales@seoulrobotics.org • www.seoulrobotics.org

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

3D PERCEPTION: A SMARTER FUTURE FOR AUTOMATED TOLLING SYSTEMS

3

D perception will be the driving force behind the next generation of smart tolling, offering more capabilities than legacy systems. Seoul Robotics is leading innovation in the industry by developing an effective, sophisticated, and versatile solution that significantly reduces traffic disruption and maintenance time.

Powered by Seoul Robotics’ 3D perception software, SENSR, the solution detects and classifies vehicles within specified 3D zones in order to trigger licence plate recognition devices for seamless recognition and tolling.

Furthermore, it can differentiate vehicles based on their size, allowing for more flexible tolling fee schemes.

Seoul Robotics’ smart tolling solution leverages LiDAR sensors installed on gantries

www.seoulrobotics.org

or poles above the road to detect objects from a distance of up to 50 metres and can be installed with very little effort.

As a result of being installed overhead, the 3D perception system can also be inspected and replaced without traffic suspension or disruption, making it a more efficient and convenient solution to deploy than the current standard for tolling systems, which relies on a system of loop detectors installed beneath the road surface to detect road users. These legacy systems are costly and cause major, unavoidable traffic disruption due to prolonged construction work and required road closures for set-up and maintenance.

Each 3D perception deployment requires at least one LiDAR sensor equipped with SENSR perception software, which is sensoragnostic and uses dynamic

weather-filtering AI to ensure the highest level of accuracy, even in harsh conditions like snow, rain, or fog. The software platform detects, classifies, and tracks fourwheel vehicles, two-wheel vehicles, pedestrians, and miscellaneous objects within the covered zone.

Inputs from other sensors, such as Weight-in-Motion sensors or loop detectors, can be integrated for enhanced vehicle classification and a more detailed understanding of the types of vehicles passing through the tolling system.

Insights from SENSR are contextualised by Seoul Robotics’ cutting-edge analytics tool, QuickConnect, which uses advanced event detection capabilities to trigger events and generate statistical data. Beyond triggering tolling mechanisms, QuickConnect transforms data into meaningful event

information for a wide range of roadway activities, such as the number of road users and traffic volume per lane, average passing speed, traffic jams, vehicles driving in the wrong direction, and more.

These insights into traffic patterns and road usage contribute to a safer and more efficient mobile world for everyone.

The versatility of 3D perception data enables Seoul Robotics’ smart tolling solution to provide other valuable functionalities including detecting incidents, integrating digital signage, and managing traffic during special situations. For instance, if an accident happens in a lane, a message like ‘Accident in Lane 1’ could be shown on digital signs several kilometres ahead. It could also improve traffic flow by indicating realtime congestion on different lanes.

INSIDE TOLLING

27

Traffic Management Technologies