Radio Frequency Identification Technology for Logistics, Tagging and EPC

Utah to implement electronic tolling on I-15

Monday, September 21, 2009

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has selected TransCore to implement an electronic RFID-based payment system for use in Interstate 15 Express Lanes.

TransCore’s system will use Encompass 6 multiprotocol RFID readers and new RFID-based eZGo Anywhere HOT/HOV transponders. The contract is valued at approximately $16 million, which includes a 9-year maintenance option. Installation is scheduled for completion by fall of 2010.


The new electronic payment system will enable UDOT to dynamically adjust the pricing based on traffic conditions. Under the previous system, motorists paid a fixed monthly fee for a decal that granted them access to the Express Lane. With the new system, motorists pay based on how frequently they use the lane. This is made possibly through RFID’s automatic tracking capabilities.

TransCore will serve as the prime contractor for UDOT with other members of the team including Gerber Construction, Sorenson Companies, HDR Engineering, and Chatfield Construction Company. [end] 

The Smart Card Alliance Transportation Council has published a white paper examining how the transit industry can best make use of NFC technology.

“One of the major challenges facing transit agencies today is how to capitalize on the ever-growing popularity of mobile phones with a solid mobile strategy,” said Transportation Council Chairman Craig Roberts. “This white paper builds on the knowledge base developed in earlier white papers to foster a greater understanding of NFC technology, explain its role in the transit industry, and shed light on key issues facing the transit industry in developing a mobile strategy.”

read more »

The Smart Card Alliance Transportation Council has introduced a series of educational resources on open payments solutions in public transit systems, including a white paper, Web resources and LinkedIn group for industry professionals.

read more »

SMARTRAC announced that the company recently signed an agreement to acquireNeology Inc., a provider of integrated solutions for the tolling, electronic vehicle registration (EVR) and public safety markets.

read more »

Russia has pushed back the launch of its universal eID card to January 2013, reports The Moscow Times.

Originally scheduled to roll out this month, the card is supposed to function as an electronic ID, driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, ATM card and immigration document, along with other possible features.

read more »

The Peninsula Taxi Association (PTA) in South Africa has launched a electronic fare collection system, granting commuters cashless fare and discounts when using the newly developed contactless-enabled transit card, according to The Cape Times.

read more »

Cubic Transportation Systems, distributor of the electronic transit Clipper card, has responded to the recent news of a Ph.D. student in IT Security allegedly breaking the encryption in Clipper and similar transit cards.

read more »