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.
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.”
