Kapsch completes new all-electronic toll system for New York State Thruway

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Kapsch has announced that the new all-electronic tolling (AET) system developed for the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) is now fully operational and in revenue service. After intensive testing and final configuration, the new system went live on November 14, 2020. All road users now pay their vehicle tolls on NYSTA-operated roads via automatic electronic toll collection (ETC).

The New York State Thruway Authority now operates a completely cashless AET system. Vehicles can pay tolls while traveling at highway speeds below the new high-volume Kapsch gantries, or are tolled at NYSTA-operated entry and exit points that also use the ETC method.

Remaining toll plaza infrastructure will eventually be removed. Sensors and lasers automatically determine vehicle class, which define the toll rate applied to each vehicle. Charges are billed to the driver’s E-ZPass account if they have a transponder, or by mail to the vehicle’s registered owner using license plate information.

New York State Thruway system

Unique system features include a redundant and dual central host system, walkable gantries and bracket-mounted equipment for performing tool-less maintenance without lane closures, and automatic classification of the 26 NYSTA vehicle classes using advanced sensor metrics and algorithms. In order to meet the project timeframe, Kapsch deployed teams simultaneously at six sites across New York state where the teams coordinated with Kapsch and NYSTA subcontractors to install and test the AET equipment while keeping roadways open to traffic.

“The launch of this comprehensive and advanced AET system highlights NYSTA’s leadership in providing seamless and efficient transportation for drivers,” says Chris Murray, president of Kapsch TrafficCom North America. “Paying cashless tolls will reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, and contribute to smoother traffic flow along the Thruway in New York state. We are glad for the strong collaboration with NYSTA that led our teams to successfully deliver this ambitious project.”

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About Author

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Tom has edited Traffic Technology International (TTi) magazine and its Traffic Technology Today website since May 2014. During his time at the title, he has interviewed some of the top transportation chiefs at public agencies around the world as well as CEOs of leading multinationals and ground-breaking start-ups. Tom's earlier career saw him working on some the UK's leading consumer magazine titles. He has a law degree from the London School of Economics (LSE).