ELECTRONIC TOLL AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (ETTM) SYSTEMS

This synthesis on Electronic Toll and Traffic Management (ETTM) systems will be of interest to officials of toll authorities, traffic engineers, design engineers, law enforcement officials, financial personnel, developers and vendors of electronic vehicle identification and toll collection equipment, and others responsible for the design and operation of toll facilities. The technology, including examples of applications of several current ETTM systems, is described in this synthesis. Because the technology is in the early stages of implementation, there is little experience with the TM (traffic management) aspects of ETTM; however, the potential for traffic management systems is discussed. Various electronic toll collection (ETC) and automatic vehicle identification (AVI) systems, their characteristics, advantages/disadvantages, payment options, and performance experience are described. The computer requirements and relative costs of various applications are also discussed. This report of the Transportation Research Board presents information on specific system design and operational considerations, as well as on the more sensitive issues of enforcement, privacy, and equity in providing these advanced systems. This technology is changing rapidly, and the synthesis presents a snapshot of the industry at the time of its preparation.