Electronic toll collection systems

This research report focuses on the benefits and technology of electronic toll collection (ETC) systems. In addition, it reviews such issues as design and implementation of ETC systems, along with their operation and cost. Finally, it reviews ETC system applications both within and outside the US. An in-state survey of attitudes towards tolling revealed that a large percentage of the respondents were concerned with delays at toll collection booths. Traditional toll collection booths require a number of operations - stopping the vehicle, lowering the window, finding the correct coinage or valid card - before travelers can continue their journey. These labor-intensive, land-intensive, and time-consuming toll booths impede traffic flows on and off a toll road, resulting in congestion, higher vehicle operating costs, and increased pollutant emissions. To address these concerns, electronic toll collection (ETC) systems have been developed. ETC systems are comprised of three functional elements: a vehicle-mounted transponder or tag; a roadside communication unit (RCU); and a computer system. Four different ETC technologies are used, including optical/infrared, inductive loop, radio frequency/microwave, and surface acoustic wave/complimentary metal oxide semiconductor systems, with radio frequency (RF) systems being the most popular. There are a number of technical and design issues to address when evaluating ETC technologies. Important technical issues include environmental conditions, recording accuracy, payment systems, and audit control. Design issues include security, communication between vehicle and roadside, equipment reliability, compatibility with other systems, system flexibility, and safety. In addition to these issues, the implementing agency must be aware of emerging standards for ETC, toll booth capacity or throughputs, user privacy issues, enforcement, maintenance, and staffing requirements. ETC systems have been used successfully nationally and internationally. In addition to reducing bottlenecks at the toll booth, ETC systems also significantly reduce the cost of toll collection. Finally, because ETC systems can reduce the number of required lanes and booths to support throughput, they can significantly reduce labor costs.

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