Expert's View
A National Standard for
Electronic Toll Collection?

An interview with IBTTA Executive Director Patrick D. Jones.

Several regions of the United States utilize electronic toll collection (ETC) systems to streamline the toll transaction process. Through the use of transponders that are linked to prepaid accounts, customers can pay their tolls without a required stop at a toll plaza. Unfortunately, the equipment being used in most cases is not compatible or interoperable with that being used in other states or regions. Toll agencies and technology manufacturers are working to develop a system that can operate throughout the nation regardless of the proximity of the customer to their home state or region. This idea of national interoperability is at the forefront of the tolling industry.

Patrick D. Jones, executive director of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), spoke with PBS&J about the concept of the national interoperability.

Mr. Jones, can you outline the current status of the national interoperability of ETC for our readers?

What steps need to take place facilitate this transition?

Can the government play a role in interoperability?

What role is the industry playing with technology providers?

Do the tolling agencies have a set timeframe in mind for bringing the systems together?


Mr. Jones, can you outline the current status of the national interoperability of ETC for our readers?
National interoperability is a goal we are all seeking in the toll and transportation industry. We are already seeing significant development in terms of regional interoperability. A great example is E-ZPass in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. The program covers 11 states. Additionally, Florida, Texas, and California have programs in place within their individual states. The logical transition is to national interoperability.

What steps need to take place facilitate this transition?
Toll agencies must recognize the connection between facilitating mobility and meeting the other commercial needs of their customers. If agencies can integrate electronic payment systems (EPS) with other kinds of commercial activity, such as buying meals and fuel, it will foster interoperability. Automobile manufacturers will also play a significant role in the transition by incorporating an in-vehicle computer with standard EPS and ETC capabilities into the design of new vehicles.


Can the government play a role in interoperability?
I believe that customers, technology providers, and toll agencies are best served by finding a market solution to the question of interoperability. A legitimate role of government should be to encourage the gentle push of standards, such as those that went into the selection of the 5.9GHz band as the desired frequency for next-generation ETC systems.

What role is the industry playing with technology providers?
IBTTA has taken the lead in assembling an ETC performance specification document that outlines how the next generation of tolling equipment should perform to support interoperability. As a complement to this document, the Omni Air Consortium was founded to certify standards compliance and system interoperability, important tools that ensure the reliability and validity of the different technologies that determine if an ETC transaction has occurred. The basic premise being that a tag bought from one company should be able to be supported with equipment and backroom services from another company.

Do the tolling agencies have a set timeframe in mind for bringing the systems together?
No, and it’s going to take some time. In the same way that some individuals find it difficult to move to ETC, effectively letting go of cash, other entities and organizations may find it difficult to let go of their own proprietary ETC or EPS programs to merge with others. The goal is to find a comfort level with the whole concept of nationwide interoperability.