The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) has selected TransCore to design, deploy, and maintain its cashless tolling system on the Findlay Connector, a 6-mile (9.6km) section of the Southern Beltway (Turnpike 576) near Pittsburgh International Airport.
The Findlay Connector conversion project is expected to be completed by April 2018, and is part of the PTC’s continuing initiative to implement cashless, nonstop All-Electronic Tolling (AET) in phases across its 552 miles of (888km) road network. To implement PTC’s next-generation cashless tolling, TransCore will deploy its Infinity Digital Lane System, which integrates automatic vehicle identification (AVI), vehicle classification, and video capture and recognition systems that are specifically designed to automatically collect transactions in high-volume traffic across a wide variety of traffic speeds and patterns with the highest degrees of accuracy in the industry. Infinity’s fully-integrated digital video audit system also provides PTC auditors with a real-time, user-friendly tool to facilitate true end-to-end revenue traceability and auditability.
The PTC was TransCore’s first customer back in 1938, when the company provided radio communications for the USA’s first toll road. Since then, TransCore has continuously supported the Commission in developing comprehensive and innovative tolling solutions, including designing Pennsylvania’s first electronic toll collection system and first violation enforcement system. TransCore also implemented PTC’s original TOLL-BY-PLATE back office, lane systems, and corresponding operations over the Delaware River and on the Beaver Valley Expressway.
“By eliminating the need for motorists to stop or switch lanes at toll plazas, cashless tolling provides a safer, more convenient way to travel throughout the region,” said the Turnpike’s senior engineer and project manager, Alan Williamson. “Having designed, implemented, and maintained our electronic tolling systems over the years, TransCore understands our operations and our goals for enhanced safety and mobility across our 550-mile, tolled system.”
Bob Ball, TransCore’s eastern region managing director and senior vice president, commented, “The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has earned its reputation as the nation’s premier transportation agency and continues to lead the industry in innovative, long-term mobility solutions. We are honored to continue our longstanding partnership by developing next-generation solutions that meet the needs of motorists throughout the Commonwealth.”
