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INSIDE TOLLING 92ND ANNUAL MEETING & EXHIBITION 26-29 OCTOBER 2024, CLEVELAND, OH

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THE LITTLE THINGS ADD UP Simple actions fuel global road safety progress. By Bill Halkias, President, IBTTA

A Global Call to Action: The Road Safety Crisis Road safety is a global crisis. According to the World Health Organization, road traffic crashes claim 1.3 million lives annually, with an additional 50 million people injured. It is the leading cause of death for individuals aged 5-29, a devastating statistic that underscores the urgent need for coordinated global action. In response, IBTTA launched the “Be Safe Together” campaign to promote safer driving behaviours, especially on toll roads and freeways, where higher speeds increase risks. The campaign quickly gained global support from key organisations, such as the European Association of Operators of Toll Road Infrastructures (ASECAP) based in Brussels, the International Road Federation based in Geneva, the World

“It is localised actions that create lasting change”

s I look back on over 40 years in transportation, I realise that my legacy isn’t just in the roads I’ve helped build, but in the lives saved along the way. My career began as a Traffic Engineer in New Jersey in 1984 and continued with a leading role on the Attica Tollway in Athens, Greece. Upon my return to my home country of Greece in 1994, I had the privilege of joining a visionary team to work on the country’s first tollway concession. This journey taught me that even small actions can lead to significant improvements in road safety, both in building the tollway and in spreading safety initiatives nationwide. As President of IBTTA, I’ve made it my mission in 2024 to prioritise road safety and save lives.

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www.ibtta.org/events/92nd-annual-meeting-exhibition

BE SAFE TOGETHER

Road Association (PIARC) based in Paris, and Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death), based in London. These global collaborations are crucial for demonstrating how everyday actions—like following speed limits, avoiding distractions, and driving sober—can make a significant difference in reducing accidents. As part of this initiative, IBTTA published How Toll Facility Operators Are Advancing Roadway Safety: Six Case Studies. The report highlights safety innovations worldwide, including Austria’s ASFINAG and Greece’s HELLASTRON, which both achieved a 50% reduction in road fatalities between 2010 and 2020 using the Safe System Approach. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission also made impressive strides with a 30% reduction in workzone crashes. Driving Change Together: Global Partnerships for Safer Roads Even in its first year, the “Be Safe Together” Campaign has produced promising results. With nearly 100 members and partners, the campaign has received endorsements from international organisations, and its social media presence has generated more than 10,000 engagements. Looking forward, IBTTA will continue to strengthen its partnerships with international safety organisations, while also focusing on data-driven strategies. Our goal is to build a culture of safety that benefits not just drivers, but also workers and communities.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Lessons from Greece and Beyond While global partnerships are crucial, it is localised actions that create lasting change. My experience in Greece has shown how these incremental efforts can lead to significant improvements in road safety. The HELLASTRON network, which operates 2,160km (about 1342 mi) of toll roads in Greece, has played a crucial role in this transformation. Over the past 10 years, the highway fatality rate of the HELLASTRON network has halved, from 6.1 fatalities per billion vehicle x kms in 2014 to 2.9 in 2023. In 2023 alone, HELLASTRON invested €290 million in extending and improving the infrastructure and for the past five years, no highway worker fatalities have been recorded. These improvements demonstrate how consistent changes can lead to major results. The initiatives launched by IBTTA, including Be Safe Together and Global Road Safety Week, are key to maintaining this momentum and encouraging safe driving behaviors.

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©Route One Publishing Ltd 2024 Second floor, West Hill House, West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2EU, UK Tel: +44 1322 612055 | www.ropl.com Publisher/Managing Director Andrew Barriball Inside Tolling Editor Alan Dron ITS International Editor Adam Hill Sales Director Dan Emmerson Design Simon Ward, Andy Taylder Website Sarah Biswell

Join the Movement Road safety is a shared responsibility, and your involvement is key to making a lasting impact. I encourage you to join us at IBTTA’s Annual Meeting in Cleveland, where we will collaborate on ways to enhance global road safety. The little steps we take today will help save lives tomorrow.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

With the chief meeting organisers of IBTTA's 2024 Cleveland Annual Meeting

auren Hakos and Wayne Reed play pivotal roles in shaping IBTTA’s 2024 Annual Conference. Their combined expertise, vision and dedication to the tolling industry ensure that this year’s event will be truly exceptional—featuring cuttingedge sessions, dynamic discussions and countless networking opportunities. Lauren, a 24-year veteran of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, has long been a key figure within IBTTA. She brings a wealth of knowledge in safety, wellness and leadership to the Cleveland conference. Wayne Reed, Division Manager at AtkinsRéalis, offers over 18 years of experience in tolling operations and project management. His expertise in emerging

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technologies like augmented reality and wrong-way detection systems adds an extra dimension to the conference’s programming and structure. As they share their insights on organising the conference, we encourage you to get involved in shaping IBTTA’s future. With six exciting conferences planned for 2025, we are calling on passionate professionals to join the 2025 Chief Meeting Organisers in a Meeting Planning Group. This is your opportunity to influence the agenda, collaborate with industry leaders, and ensure these events continue to inspire and advance the tolling community. Let’s dive into their perspectives on this year’s conference.

www.ibtta.org/events/92nd-annual-meeting-exhibition

BEHIND THE SCENES

Lauren, what makes the Annual Conference unique, and what are the key benefits it offers to planners and participants beyond networking? The Annual Meeting stands out for its broader programming, which includes not just traditional sessions but also more interactive, participatory options. I’ve seen how the focus on interactive learning creates lasting value. While networking is always a huge benefit—sharing insights and experiences face-to-face—I’ve found that the real strength of the conference lies in how it offers something for everyone through carefully curated content. Wayne, how have your ten years in the Army and managing projects shaped your approach to planning IBTTA's Annual Conference, and how do you see IBTTA enabling individuals to make an impact on the industry? My decade as an Army engineer officer shaped my understanding of the importance of teamwork and collaboration. I learned that combining diverse perspectives drives successful outcomes. IBTTA creates spaces where individuals can contribute their unique skills, ideas and experiences, just like in the military, to make a lasting impact.

Lauren, why is Cleveland an ideal location for this year’s Annual Conference? Having lived in Cleveland for years, I know firsthand that this city offers an unforgettable experience. The vibrant parks and waterfront areas are ideal for unwinding, and the food scene is exceptional. Wayne, being part of the planning committee allows different people to complement each other's strengths. How has collaboration elevated the quality of the conference and helped members contribute more effectively? A standout example was the 2024 virtual conference planning meeting. This was the first time we had done it virtually, and it was an incredibly effective way to gather ideas from a broad range of agencies, contractors and vendors. The open exchange allowed us to create content that reflected the diverse interests of attendees.

Lauren, how does your background help you bring forward the critical roles of human resources, legal and communications in planning IBTTA’s Annual Conference? This year, we’ve ensured that HR has its moment in the spotlight, including sessions that blend real-world case studies with expert analysis. I’ve pushed to highlight how HR and communication aren’t just support roles but are essential to fostering strong organisational foundations; the feedback we’ve received proves this focus resonates with attendees. Wayne, what inspired you to get more involved in IBTTA, and how do you encourage others to engage more actively through the association? My colleague, Robert LaGatta, pushed me to engage with IBTTA, particularly around topics I was passionate about, like data analytics. My first real step was moderating a panel. I tell future leaders: don’t wait to feel "ready"—jump into planning meetings, even if just to observe.

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A SPIRIT OF INCLUSIVITY

Pat Jones, outgoing executive director and CEO of IBTTA, talks to ITS International editor Adam Hill about regrets (too few to mention), Open Space - and hospitality

“I’ll certainly be thinking about the people I've grown close to over the years”

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BTTA’s 92nd Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Cleveland, Ohio, will be an opportunity for networking, for meeting the movers and shakers of tolling, for learning new things, for exchanging knowledge, for fun – and, this time, for saying goodbye, too. Pat Jones is retiring: after nearly 23 years as executive director and CEO of IBTTA, he steps down at the end of December. The future challenges and opportunities for the

tolling industry – changes in technology, the environment, safety, sustainability and resilience, connected and automated vehicles, shared and electric vehicles, AI – will soon be the ones that keep his successor awake at night. Guiding principle After two decades in charge, is it possible to identify a guiding principle underpinning the way he has led the organisation?

INTERVIEW

“It's all about trying to create an environment in which good things can happen”

“We begin the Annual Meetings, the Technology Summits and so on, with speeches: the IBTTA president speaks and I speak. And toward the end of my opening remarks, I always recognise the first-time attendees and ask the veterans to look after them and talk to them and…” Jones laughs… “show them the secret handshake and bestow upon them the friendly humiliation that first-time attendees deserve!” It’s true that Jones’ opening remarks are always notable for their warmth and humour. “I guess ‘hospitality’ would be the word that sticks with me about what I bring to IBTTA,” he continues. “And I think it's all about trying to create an environment in which good things can happen. So I guess my spirit of hospitality, of welcoming the first-time attendees, is a way to get at that: if people feel comfortable, if people feel welcome, if they feel loved, if they feel respected, if they feel included and have a sense of belonging, then good things can happen.” This environment has enabled the growth of various IBTTA committees, such as Young Professionals and Women in Tolling, as members can see that getting involved and making a difference in areas that interest them is encouraged. No-one

can be coerced into setting up a committee; instead, Jones sees his role as “continuing to invite people to do things”. Comfort zone This spirit of inclusivity stretches into other areas. “It’s about expanding people's comfort zone and mine as well,” he continues. “I am intensely curious about a lot of things, and I've learned a lot about many different things since being at IBTTA. And one of the things that I've been awoken to is the whole diversity, equity and inclusion topic, and which we started as an association with vigour in 2020 after George Floyd was murdered. And it's really opened my mind a lot to people who are disregarded in society, people who are marginalised, people of colour, the poor, the economically disadvantaged, the physically challenged - and we've got a lot of work to do. So if I can challenge people and challenge myself about those kinds of things, I think it's important to do.” Like Frank Sinatra, in the famous song, if Jones has had regrets in his time at IBTTA, they’re too few to mention. “I'm very pleased that, before I left IBTTA, we introduced the Open Space concept at our meetings,” he says. These are free-flowing sessions where the participants create and

manage the agenda themselves around a central theme – something that can seem daunting but which can also unleash creativity. It’s not a new idea: Jones thought for years about how it could work for IBTTA but eventually took the plunge “with perhaps the toughest audience of all - the CEO roundtable”. They loved it. “So that's probably one of the proudest things I've done, and I would have regretted if we had not tried that,” he says. A feeling of gratitude And what will Jones be thinking on his final day in post, 31 December? “I think it will be a mix of feelings, of melancholy and gratitude,” he admits. “I’ll certainly be thinking about the people I've grown close to over the years. I never could have imagined - when I started this job in 2002 - that I would have had as many interesting experiences as I've had, and had the opportunity to stretch and grow - and help other people, perhaps, to stretch and grow. So, yes, a great feeling of gratitude.” • There will be a special toast to Pat at IBTTA’s 92nd Annual Meeting & Exhibition Closing Reception and Dinner Extravaganza on Tuesday, 29 October, 6:30pm – 10:00pm

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INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

EMOVIS: LEADING THE CHARGE IN TOLLING INNOVATION

n the rapidly evolving world of tolling, innovation and customercentric solutions are essential. As the transportation landscape transforms, agility and openness to new technologies are crucial. Emovis is at the forefront, exploring advances in artificial intelligence and new payment solutions to ensure it remains ahead of the curve, ready to meet the sector's changing needs. Its innovative approaches to customer service are setting new standards, transforming the tolling experience for users and operators alike. Emovis leverages vast amounts of data collected from tolling systems to identify patterns and trends, enabling better decision-making through predictive analytics. It is also building a robust innovation programme to develop new solutions leveraging machine learning and generative AI. A clear example is its recent collaboration with Florida Turnpike Enterprise (FTE). Utilising advanced callhandling technology and well-trained professionals, they ensure users receive prompt and effective assistance. This partnership illustrates how a strong focus on customer service can complement technological innovation. To support this, Emovis is investing in the latest CSC technology such as omnichannel SI, Learning Management System (LMS) and Knowledge Management System with embedded machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) features

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to empower operators. In Merseyflow UK, Emovis's technology-driven and customer-centric model shines with the implementation of a GenAI Chatbot assistant. With a success rate of over 60% the multilingual assistant manages 18% of the overall customer interactions seamlessly. This allows for 24/7 support while freeing customer service agents to focus on operational excellence and efficiency. Emovis's innovation programme also includes an ongoing project for a GenAI Voice Chat, which aims to enhance customer support by providing on-call live answers. At the heart of any tolling system are the customers, who expect convenience and reliability. Emovis's initiatives are embedded on this dynamic with mobile apps that provide real-time information on toll charges and account balances, and empower users to manage their toll payments effortlessly. These innovations reflect a deep understanding of the user experience and a commitment to enhancing it. Moreover, ensuring consistent high quality along the whole process chain, accurate and reliable image review services underscore the importance of precision in tolling operations. Emovis’s best-in-class image review service ensures that all captured vehicle images are meticulously reviewed using advanced tools and provide a reliable solution. This enhances the trustworthiness of toll

collection and enforcement, minimising disputes and errors, building public confidence in the tolling system's fairness and accuracy. In addition, advanced ML and AI capabilities to predict user behaviours and enforcement performance enable more targeted smart enforcement actions, reducing non-compliance and enhancing overall system efficiency. This shift from reactive to proactive management helps anticipate and address issues before they escalate. The tolling industry is not just adapting to the future; it is actively shaping it. By integrating advanced technologies, adopting data-driven strategies, and maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and sustainability, the sector is paving the way for smarter, more efficient and more sustainable transportation systems. As the industry evolves, innovations and commitments to excellence from leaders like Emovis will undoubtedly lead the charge. Emovis's continuous innovation and dedication to excellence position the tolling industry for significant advances. Expanding its global footprint with projects across various regions allows for the sharing of expertise and best practices, driving improvements in tolling systems worldwide. Through these efforts, Emovis is not only contributing to the present state of tolling but also shaping its future, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for all users.

www.emovis.com

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

FROM ETC TO QUARTERHILL: A NEW CHAPTER IN TOLL AND MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

n the ever-evolving landscape of toll and mobility solutions, a transformative shift has taken place. Electronic Transaction Consultants Corporation (ETC), a name long synonymous with innovation and excellence in the tolling industry, has taken a bold step. Now known as Quarterhill, this rebranding signifies more than just a change of name—it heralds a new era of heightened innovation, efficiency and customer service in smart mobility solutions. Quarterhill, building on the solid foundation laid by ETC, continues to push the boundaries of technological advancement in toll systems. These systems are known for their extensive automation, unmatched reliability, and off-the-shelf configurability. This redefined entity stands at the vanguard of modernising the transport sector, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to meeting the sector's dynamic needs through cutting-edge, turnkey solutions from roadside to back office.

Innovative Suite: Quarterhill’s Toll Solutions At the heart of Quarterhill’s groundbreaking approach is riteSuite, a collection of advanced tolling modules that epitomise the future of toll technology. riteSuite not only underscores Quarterhill's position as a leader in

www.quaterhill.com

integrated toll solutions across North America, but also its strategic inclination towards cloud-based infrastructure and software adaptability. Utilising commercial off-the-shelf applications (COTS) extensively employed by large data consumer entities, Quarterhill tailors these applications to address the specific requirements of the transportation industry. This strategy ensures an architecture that is both adaptable and maintainable, offering significant benefits to tolling agencies. The core of Quarterhill’s offerings revolves around its adaptable riteSuite modules. These bespoke solutions are crafted to align with each customer's distinct business objectives, significantly improving traffic flow, customer service quality, and reducing both risk and capital costs for tolling authorities. One of the standout components of Quarterhill’s arsenal is riteHorizon, which innovatively replaces conventional toll systems along with enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management systems. Built on a single data model, riteHorizon integrates accounting, auditing and data transparency with toll business management processes and a comprehensive approach to customer relations. This holistic platform represents a leap forward in managing the multifaceted demands of toll operations. Adding to the technological prowess

of Quarterhill is the Artificial Intelligenceenabled tool, riteTRAC. This novel solution leverages AI to offer unparalleled support to toll agencies. By monitoring key transaction processing indicators in real-time, riteTRAC facilitates not only continuous tracking of detailed lane events but also enhances operational efficiency. It achieves this through automated notifications, work orders for identified discrepancies and customisable dashboards that provide real-time operational insights. The introduction of riteTRAC has led to significant improvements in lane correlation accuracy, error reduction and a decrease in the necessity for corrective maintenance. A Future Driven by Innovation and Excellence As Quarterhill emerges from the legacy of ETC, it carries forward a commitment to technological innovation, operational excellence, and superior customer service. With a suite of solutions designed to address the complex and evolving needs of the toll and transportation industry, Quarterhill is poised not only to lead but to redefine the standards of efficiency and reliability in mobility solutions. Through a blend of technology, expertise and visionary leadership, Quarterhill stands as a beacon of innovation in the pursuit of enhancing mobility and optimising operational efficiencies worldwide.

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INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

AI-DRIVEN END-TO-END VIDEO TOLL MANAGEMENT

s the toll industry moves toward all-electronic tolling (AET), the need for efficient, accurate and scalable solutions has never been more pressing. Video and image-based licence plate recognition systems are becoming the backbone of toll roads, enabling operators to reduce congestion, improve accuracy and create seamless experiences for motorists. Q-Free’s Intrada Insight, an end-to-end video toll management system, is designed to meet these demands— transforming image captures into reliable vehicle identification data for accurate toll billing. For over 40 years, Q-Free has been at the forefront of innovation in tolling technology. Intrada Insight leverages artificial intelligence and advanced machine learning to achieve the lowest video toll read error rates in the industry, all while minimising operating expenses and maximising revenue capture. The Future of Tolling: All-Electronic, Seamless, and Accurate The shift to AET eliminates traditional toll booths and facilitates electronic multi-lane free-flow toll collection. This reduces the need for physical infrastructure, lessens congestion and ensures faster, smoother trips for motorists. However, success in this new era of tolling hinges on the ability to capture accurate vehicle data at high speeds, across multiple lanes, and under various conditions. Intrada Insight delivers on all fronts. • Pinpoint Accuracy: With accuracy rates exceeding 99.95%, Intrada Insight ensures correct billing and minimises customer dissatisfaction. • Flexible Deployment: Whether you need on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid solutions, Intrada Insight scales to meet your agency's needs. From single-lane setups to enterprise-level systems processing millions of transactions daily, Q-Free’s technology adapts to your requirements.

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• Increased Revenues: Sophisticated workflows for correlating automatic and manual identification combined with smartly optimised queue-based manual review screens, minimise revenue leakage. Harnessing AI and Machine Learning to Drive Innovation At the heart of Intrada Insight are powerful image processing modules and deep neural networks that self-learn and improve identification performance over time. Its human-machine feedback loop continually enhances licence plate recognition, reducing manual image reviews and operational overhead. This AI-driven system not only identifies licence plates but also cross-checks them against the vehicle itself, reducing the risk of a mismatch and ensuring a higher degree of accuracy. • Lowering Costs: By automating over 80% of the tolling process and significantly reducing the need for manual reviews, Intrada Insight drives down operational costs (OPEX). With fewer mis-billings, agencies experience lower customer service expenses and higher customer satisfaction. • Enhancing Scalability: Intrada Insight is built to grow with your operation. It handles massive transaction volumes— whether for a single toll road or multiple agencies—without compromising performance or accuracy. Adopting to an Evolving Industry As tolling agencies continue to transition to fully electronic systems, they need solutions that are adaptable to existing hardware and software environments. Intrada Insight is vendor-agnostic, compatible with a wide range of ALPR and camera systems and can be integrated with legacy infrastructure. This allows agencies to upgrade their tolling systems without costly capital investments

Key benefits: • End-to-End Solution: From processing images to generating actionable insights, Intrada Insight offers a comprehensive solution for tolling authorities. • Unmatched Accuracy: Intrada Insight achieves read accuracies above 99.95%, ensuring reliable toll collection and reducing operational costs and the need for manual review. • Enterprise-Grade Scalability: Whether managing a single lane or an entire agency network, Intrada Insight’s flexible deployment options and processing capabilities make it the ideal choice for operations of any size. • Cost-Efficient Operations: With industry-leading automation rates and minimised manual reviews, Intrada Insight lowers OPEX and enhances customer satisfaction through fewer billing disputes and improved transaction accuracy. • Future-Proof: Intrada Insight enables agencies to transition to AET seamlessly while working alongside existing infrastructure, providing long-term scalability and adaptability. By automating tolling, Q-Free is empowering agencies to navigate the future of mobility with ease. Intrada Insight goes beyond simple image capture—it's a fully automated, scalable solution that delivers unprecedented accuracy, reduces costs, and supports sustainable traffic management. • Visit Q-Free at booth #318 during the IBTTA Annual Meeting to explore how Intrada Insight can transform your tolling operations and prepare your agency for the future of mobility.

www.q-free.com

Intrada® Insight

End-to-end video toll transaction processing 99.95%

IDENTIFICATION ACCURACY

>85%

AUTOMATION RATE

<1%

REVENUE LEAKAGE

MAXIMIZE YOUR VIDEO TOLL REVENUE Intrada® software is trusted by the largest, most sophisticated toll agencies in the world to deliver accurate reads for over 2 billion video transactions every year. Contact us to learn how you can reduce operating expenses and maximize your revenue with our guaranteed accuracy.

#liveqfree www.q-free.com

BOOTH 318

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

TRANSFORMING MOBILITY TOGETHER

n this fast-paced era of technological advancements, A-to-Be stands out as an innovation leader in the mobility sector. As part of the Brisa Group—the largest private road operator in Portugal— and with its US headquarters near Chicago, A-to-Be leverages decades of expertise to drive the future of mobility. Our experience, combined with A-to-Be’s integration on a road operator group that owns one of the largest ETC brands, has given us a deep understanding of the challenges and needs our clients face, allowing us to craft solutions that address their unique needs. A-to-Be has been at the forefront of delivering mobility solutions, from tolling and revenue collection to comprehensive mobility management and intelligent transportation systems. By continually exploring cutting-edge research, we ensure that our solutions are current and futureready. Tailored Solutions for Diverse Challenges At A-to-Be, each challenge requires a unique approach. Our flagship offerings include advanced tolling systems and robust back-office solutions. Our tolling systems are particularly noteworthy. We offer a full spectrum of modern technology solutions for tolling and control centres. These include traditional toll plazas equipped with hybrid lines, self-service options and automated operation modes. However, we don’t stop there. We also deployed adaptable systems integrating multilane free-flow tolling using technologies such as Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication, GPS location tracking, RFID, Dedicated Short-Range Communications and imagebased engines. This flexibility ensures that our clients can implement the most

www.a-to-be.com

efficient and suitable tolling methods according to their business, namely when transitioning to fully electronic and cashless tolling. Another key component of our tolling solutions is our advanced mobility backoffice system. This platform manages toll operations from end to end, seamlessly integrating transaction processing, revenue management and customer service. Our system is designed to handle large volumes of data, offering real-time monitoring and reporting that supports informed decision-making and strategic optimisation. Innovative Solutions for a Changing Landscape A-to-Be’s commitment to innovation is reflected in our cutting-edge products and customer-focused approaches. Solutions like MoveBeyond and LinkBeyond are revolutionising the tolling industry. Our work includes developing and implementing reliable solutions exploring VX2 communications, expanding the video analytics and machine-learning use cases. These include non-intrusive video classification systems and visionbased vehicle occupancy detection, the application of mobile technologies in tolling, and even at the top level of comprehensive mobility management, with our research into Cooperative Multimodal Traffic Management. A-to-Be’s flagship project, the Via Verde mobile app, exemplifies our beyondtolling approach. Originally renowned for pioneering automatic toll payments in Europe, Via Verde has expanded to offer customers a seamless experience across various mobility-related services, including parking payments, fuel station access, public transportation and EV charging

points—all integrated into a single platform. With real-time notifications and a unified transaction history, the app simplifies travel and payment processes. A-to-Be’s strategy emphasises agile development for quick go-to-market and scalability, with the LinkBeyond solution ensuring seamless integration by connecting Via Verde’s back-office system (MoveBeyond) to the app. Another recent highlight is A-to-Be’s collaboration with the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) on its Visitor Toll Pass program. A-to-Be helped its concept and idea for providing state-ofthe-art ‘tag dispenser kiosks’ to the public at Orlando International Airport, key to a deeper penetration of all electronic tolling in a convenient and affordable way to patrons. The Road Ahead As the tolling and mobility landscape evolves, A-to-Be remains committed to driving progress and setting new industry standards, always looking ahead to define new research areas and convert new ideas, trends, and experiments into new products. The future of tolling is not one-sizefits-all and will include a combination of technologies that will help operators deliver a modern infrastructure to citizens. Beyond the systems, we believe success lies in a co-creation process. Rather than delivering a finalised product, it's crucial to involve clients in the creative process, leveraging their insights and feedback to develop solutions that align more closely with their expectations. Through our portfolio, tailored solutions and collaborative spirit, we are transforming how people move and interact with transportation systems around the world.

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INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

KAPSCH TRAFFICCOM: INTEGRATING TRUST, TECH, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

s electric vehicle (EV) adoption rises, governments face declining fuel tax revenues, prompting the need for Road User Charging (RUC) as an alternative. RUC charges drivers based on vehicle type and distance travelled, but public acceptance is crucial for successful implementation. To gain public trust and accelerate the adoption of these new technologies, authorities can drive public acceptance in several key ways: 1. Integrate RUC with existing mobility, payment and navigation services to create real value for drivers with convenience and cost-effectiveness. 2. Make the system seamlessly inclusive by using infrastructure drivers are already familiar with, such as smartphones and in-vehicle telematics. 3. Prioritise transparency in charging practices to build trust, which require the accurate categorisation of vehicles and clear communication about charges. 4. Protect user data by ensuring all collected information is securely anonymised. 5. Support evolving mobility solutions, integrating with traffic management, public transport and mobility-as-aservice (MaaS), to offer travellers more informed route choices and reduce congestion.

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Kapsch TrafficCom, a leader in tolling and road charging innovation, provides solutions that enhance the RUC experience for drivers and authorities alike. The technology, used in projects like the proof of concept project in Oslo, Norway, demonstrates the capability to accurately calculate and apply charges, thereby supporting fair and efficient road usage while contributing to sustainable transportation funding. Norwegian RUC Proof of Concept In June 2022, Kapsch TrafficCom started a Proof of Concept (PoC) for road user charging in Norway. Based on a smartphone app and proprietary server application developed by project partner Aventi, Kapsch TrafficCom used a thin client approach in matching the data provided by the app with its proprietary Geo Location Platform. The goal of the PoC was to test whether the combination of an existing application – operating on dozens of different smartphones and tablets – and separate rating engine could deliver a highperformance road user charging solution. In total, more than 2 million kilometres of trips were processed. The system was able to handle the challenging environments of the Norwegian road network, matching routes and calculating rates with an accuracy level above 99%. This level of performance is key to the trust that road authorities and concessionaires have in the company's technology and expertise.

Implementing a Cashless NYSTA System In 2014, Kapsch won an initial contract to produce an electronic toll collection (ETC) system at four sites for the New York State Thruway (NYSTA). These sites – including the Tappan Zee Bridge that accounts for a significant portion of the Thruway's total daily revenue – were separate from the Thruway's distance-based ticket charging system in which patrons would get a ticket upon entry and pay the fare at exit, based on distance travelled. With the new AET system, drivers can travel uninterrupted along Thruway roads without having to ever stop or pay tolls with cash. The improved traffic flow also reduces congestion and emissions while improving safety at previously manned toll points. NYSTA's investment in a system maintained with little to no traffic disruption funds the future by saving time and resources today, all while maintaining a smooth experience for travellers. In addition to meeting budget goals, the Kapsch team maintained an aggressive delivery schedule and completed the project one month early. In November 2020, Kapsch celebrated processing over 1 billion transactions, representing 17.4 billion total miles travelled and over $2.1 billion in toll revenues across its 2,000-camera system.

www.kapsch.net

Delivering the Future of Tolling MLFF and GNSS Technology Road User Charging C

CMY

Congestion Pricing

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

TOLLSCOPIC TARGETS ROAD USER CHARGING MARKET

ollScopic is addressing the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) process with state-of-the-art software platforms, self-training AI and in-lane processing of multiple sensory inputs to create a compact dataset for transmission. The use of hyper fast systems on a chip- and cloudbased, accessible storage creates a scalable and easily customised data resource that results in a real-time ETC and audit system. The eventdriven architecture features a Kafka streaming platform and non-locking mechanisms supporting scalability, while Nvidia processing in the lane eliminates large volume data transfers. Vehicle identification, axle classification and vehicle tracking through the tolling point for multiple lanes and very high volumes of traffic are easily managed with modern system architecture that was not available a few years ago. TollScopic software is the perfect complement to RFID electronic toll collection. As a Digital Video Audit System (DVAS), TollScopic ensures

www.tollscopic.com

that every vehicle of whatever model or configuration is accounted for in the tolling zone. As a Pay-By-Plate alternative, TollScopic is extremely accurate in correlating vehicle information, front and rear licence plate ID and creating vehicle fingerprints to create a cross-check for ensuring accurate vehicle identification at a tolling point, and for future reference when the vehicle is sighted again. TollScopic provides real time ETC performance metrics and accounts for every vehicle passing the tolling point to one in 10,000 accuracy. TollScopic performs automated continuous training via AI that customises to a specific location, under varying environmental conditions and composition of vehicular traffic. AI training also assists in image review processes. The licence plate image review process only takes place once; the digital fingerprint will identify the vehicle on subsequent passes, even if the plate is obscured.

TollScopic software is perfectly suited to Road User Charging (RUC), since it has the capability to identify vehicles at multiple points where sensors and/or cameras are placed. The path of the vehicle can be tracked throughout the entire trip, a capability that is especially useful on express lanes without barrier separation. TollScopic’s system architecture fully supports mileage-based tolling with quick low-cost installation and no expensive gantries. TollScopic is a software firm and is equipment agnostic. The small amount of TollScopic equipment necessary for in-lane processing is configured for easy integration of camera and sensor equipment from most vendors. Other sensors, such as LIDAR, can be processed in the lane as well. The cameras chosen can be mounted on most any overhead structure, or side-mounted, eliminating expensive gantry construction. Standard power is the only requirement, allowing installation to be accomplished in weeks,

not years. Data upload can be handled on telephone networks or through existing fibre networks. The TollScopic platform supports Application Programming Interface (API), resulting in seamless data transfer with other vendor software and in-lane equipment. This provides the opportunity to test new technologies before implementation, enabling a smooth transition from testing to commissioning. TollScopic software architecture also supports easy integration with existing lane or back-office software. The system gathers all input in the lane and creates a verifiably accurate ETC process. Updates to TollScopic software are live and require no downtime. TollScopic has been deployed at multiple locations, with many more planned on a pilot basis and data is available for verification of performance and accuracy as described. • Licensing information is available upon request.

INSIDE TOLLING

ROADSIDE Tolling

BACK OFFICE Solutions