A NEW WAVE IN TRANSPORTATION

New technology to streamline the toll collection process is described. Known as automatic vehicle identification or electronic toll collection, and using radio freqfuency identification (RF/ID), it automatically collects tolls from participating drivers. Small electronic 'tags' mounted on customer's vehicles are read by equipment in specially equipped toll lanes, taking less than one second, and performed on vehicles traveling nonstop. The step by step electronic toll transaction is described. Reasons for electronic toll collection are discussed, and include expeditious traffic flow, and expansion of toll collection system capacity. The two largest systems currently in operation are on the Dallas North Tollway in Dallas, Texas and in New Orleans, Louisiana. Key issues of RF/ID technology are discused, such as technology standardization, driver privacy, vehicle classification, and enforcement. Other benefits from electronic toll collection are noted.