1. REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION Automated Toll Collection Solution Proposal
Dave Larnerd
Computer Science Senior
September 17, 2007
Information Superiority for Transportation

2. Societal Woe Toll collection plazas wreak havoc on traffic flow
Conventional toll collection methods require you to deposit coins, tickets, and tokens at toll plazas. This challenges highway capacity because the number of vehicles that can be processed at toll plazas is limited.
Toll collection plazas wreak havoc on traffic flow
Systems such as EZPass & FastTrak are limited

3. My Proposal: ATC
Automated Toll Collection will streamline toll collection for every car & truck, as opposed to just those who use EZPass or similar systems

4. ATC - How do we get there?
Cameras capture image of passing license plates
System builds/updates database which is linked to all other participating toll collection stations
Applicable drivers receive monthly statement indicating balance due

5. In 2005 Americans traveled 2,989,807,000,000 miles on our highways
Is it really needed?
In 2005 Americans traveled 2,989,807,000,000 miles on our highways
This represents a 27.4 billion mile increase over travel in 2004 and nearly 25 percent more than in 1995
There were million vehicles registered, including 6.2 million motorcycles – the most ever recorded in both categories.
Traffic congestion is a major quality of life issue that impacts decisions as fundamental as where to buy a home or where to work.
The average urban driver spent 62 hours sitting in traffic in 2000
US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. “Moving the American
Economy.” 11 DEC

6. USA Today Article
“Business travelers who rent autos often waste an average of 1½ hours per trip stuck in traffic, getting lost and waiting to pay tolls.”
Source: Avis survey in May 2007 of 42,414 business travelers who rent from Avis; 6,303 travelers responded.
Gary Stoller. “Business travelers say they lose lots of time sitting in traffic.” USA TODAY.
24 JUL

7. ATC Advantages
Eliminate/Reduce traffic congestion caused by toll collection
Reduce auto emissions and fuel consumption
Capable of providing DOT with valuable traffic information such as flow rate and volume
Increased safety – fewer vehicle and attendant accidents
Saved revenue – no longer require toll booth attendants
E-ZPass claims it processes 250 – 300 % more vehicles per lane (ATC should yield similar results)

8. Concerns Privacy Mitigation: Data Security
Collecting tolls from drivers
Mitigation: License & registration renewal denied if account past due
Weather or debris blocking license plate
Mitigation: Capture front & rear license plates. Loss is not substantial or consider RFID tags on license plate

9. Competition E-ZPass and other similar systems
Metro Road Systems Pvt Ldt
(Research & Develop firm – India
-offer license plate recog. – currently not in US)
RFID tags on license plates
(Testing done in UK)

10. Societal Impact
In 2003, there were 3.7 billion hours of travel delay and 2.3 billion gallons of wasted fuel for a total cost of more than $63 billion.
Traffic congestion is a major quality of life issue that impacts decisions as fundamental as where to buy a home or where to work
Any relief to congestion that technology can reasonably offer should demand our attention

11. Works Cited
Bowen, Jerry. “Gridlock Driving Up Wasted Time.” CBS NEWS. 9 May 2005.
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Gary Stoller. “Business travelers say they lose lots of time sitting in traffic.” USA
TODAY JUL <
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E-Z Pass Information. E-Z Pass New Jersey Customer Service Center. 15 Sep 2007.
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US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. “Moving the
AmericanEconomy.” 11 DEC <
“The Future of Transportation in Virginia.” VDOT Projects and Studies. Virginia.Gov
14 Sep <
“Electronic Toll Collection Systems.” Metro Road Systems Private Limited. MetroRoad-
Systems.com. 16 Sep <
“RFID-Enabled License Plates To Identify UK Vehicles.” RFIDNews and RFID-
Operations. 16 Sep <
license-plates-to-identify-uk-vehicles/>
“Not So Fast: E-Z Pass Data Used To Catch Cheaters.” CBS/AP. 11 Aug TopNews
wcbstv.com. 15 Sep <