Electronic Toll Collection refers to the electronic identification of a user via a Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) method between an On Board Unit (OBU) also known as an e-tag (containing user-specific information) that is fitted in the vehicle and a Road Side Unit (RSU) antenna that is installed in the toll collection area to transmit the information to the toll collection system to process the method of payment.
This identification is possible over a distance and allows faster transactions, i.e. transactions where the vehicle does not have to stop to pay toll.
This type of transaction utilizes electronic payment methods, in an ETC implementation, the ETC tag is read to process the payment.
No interaction is required from the collector to validate the transaction.
An electronic toll collection system collects the toll more efficiently than any other toll system. Manual toll collection system handle about 350 vehicles per hour, automated toll collection handles around 500 vehicles per hour, whereas, ETC handles around 1200 vehicles per hour. Imagine the positive effects it would have on our ecosystem. Less traffic congestion, saved time, and around 50 % reduction of harmful gases coming out of vehicles. Integrating E-Tolls countrywide would be a great step toward an effective transportation management system and will significantly improve the problem of traffic congestion.
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is the application of sensing, analysis, control and communications technologies that operate in synergy with each other across a common platform and whose prime objectives would be to improve safety, to increase mobility, to report accurately and manage an efficient road network system.
ITS system includes a wide range of applications that process and share information to ease congestion, improve traffic management, minimize environmental impact and increase the benefits of transportation to commercial users and the public in general.
Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) is a short-to-medium two-way wireless communications that has the capability of transmitting very high data and it becomes critical in active communications to maintain safety.
In Order FCC-03-324, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) set aside 75 MHz around the 5.9 GHz (5.850 to 5.925 GHz) bands that was meant to be used by the ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) for mobility applications and vehicle safety.
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