The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) and Kapsch TrafficCom will deploy the world’s first-ever production-level tolling system based on Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology. This joint initiative will move connected vehicle (CV)-based tolling from the concept and pilot phases into a live, operational environment on the Triangle Expressway (NC-540) near Raleigh, establishing a new global standard for the future of mobility.
Augmenting existing, operational tolling systems with V2X addresses a significant engineering challenge: integrating two technologically distinct systems with differing spectrums. Merging these disparate data streams into a single, reliable toll transaction at a production level requires deep expertise in both domains to architect a dependable, secure solution.
“This is the kind of technology paradigm shift – like flip phones to smartphones, or analogue to digital – that we dream of working on as engineers, technologists, and public servants,” said JB Kendrick, President of Kapsch TrafficCom North America. “We’re building a true platform for the future, and we’re thrilled to build it alongside an innovator like NCTA to show the world what’s possible through collaboration.”
The initiative comes at a critical time for the transportation industry. With nearly all new vehicles now equipped with CV technology, infrastructure must evolve to leverage its capabilities. This project serves as a vital proving ground, ensuring that as more connected cars hit the road, systems are ready to support them.
This evolution is also key to addressing systemic challenges, like the projected $280 billion shortfall facing the U.S. Highway Trust Fund by 2035. V2X-based systems provide a robust platform to reduce leakage while offering the promise of dramatically improved safety and efficiency that consumers will soon come to expect as standard.
JJ Eden, Executive Director of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, said:
“Our goal is to be ready for the next generation of vehicles and to provide our customers with the most seamless experience possible. We envision a future where paying a toll is as simple as any other point-of-sale transaction, putting time back into people’s lives.”
(Pic: Kapsch TrafficCom)
