Alternative Tolling Technologies
SB 242 (Wyland)
Authorizes Caltrans and local transportation agencies to conduct pilot projects of automated tolling technologies as an alternative to existing radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology for a period of 4 years.
BACKGROUND
Current law requires the Department of Transportation, in cooperation with all known entities planning to implement a toll facility, to comply with specifications and standards for an automatic vehicle identification system and toll tags.
Specifically, the California Code of Regulations and corresponding code section requires automatic vehicle identification system specs that only authorizes the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to be used for tolling technology. Furthermore, current law provides that tolling technology must conform to specific interoperability standards.
These regulations have not been updated in two decades, while RFID tolling technology has been around since the 1970s. This has limited tolling options from the use of new and advanced technologies. Recent tolling technological advances utilize infrastructure free technology such as GPS or the existing cellular network, eliminating the need for large gantries needed for RFID tolling technology.
Such alternatives to RFID tolling technology may provide for lower cost tolling infrastructure, lower related operating costs, as well as more rapid deployment and roll out of regional high occupancy toll (HOT) lane networks.
Encouraging alternatives to existing RFID tolling technology, such as infrastructure free technology, has the potential to save millions of dollars in infrastructure costs and accelerating toll revenues that can be reinvested back into needed transportation infrastructure.
BILL DETAILS
This bill would allow local and regional transportation agencies and Caltrans to conduct pilot projects on existing HOV lanes utilizing alternative tolling technologies that may or may not meet interoperability standards mandated under current law.
SB 242 provides such alternative tolling technology pilot projects throughout the state for a period of four years. Within four years of commencing the pilot project, a summary report that discusses the effectiveness of the technology, market performance, congestion management, safety, and implementation challenges and opportunities must be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature.
An agency may only conduct a pilot project if it does not cause the reduction in federal aid highway funds.
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