Case 12: All Electronic Toll Collection (AETC)
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
Idris Technology Partner (ITP): E-470 Public Highway Authority
Application: All Electronic Toll Collection (AETC)
Product: Idris AT700 |
The E-470 plaza |
History: The E-470 toll road in Denver, Colorado is 47 miles long and runs from the I25 South of Denver to Denver International Airport east of the city and joining back to I25 in the North. The facility, up until the end of 2008, had a number of lane types with a mix of automatic cash machines, manual, and express (high speed) toll lanes. All of these lanes used Idris as the main automatic vehicle detection and classification system.
As a pioneering organisation, E-470 were one of the first authorities to implement open road tolling (ORT), and, in June 2006, they made the business decision to transition to an all electronic toll collection (AETC) system. E-470 were to take on another industry leading project and install cashless lanes.
Background: Cash collection has long been the main method for collecting funds on US toll roads. However, by implementing cashless roads the objectives of E-470 were to, increase efficiency and service to E-470's cash customers by providing a non-stop toll payment method and increase safety by allowing all E-470 customers to continue driving at posted speed limits. This would eliminate risks associated with traffic merging in and out of cash lanes, provide greater stewardship of the environment by reducing idling times and reduced operational costs.
E-470 first implemented non-stop tolling in 1991 naming it EXpressToll. The Authority was among the first tolling facilities in the United States to use a high-speed electronic toll collection system. Drivers were charged the toll without having to stop or slow down at mainline toll or ramp plazas, allowing customers to bypass toll booths and coin baskets. AETC is now the next step on the tolling ladder of progression.
Project detail: Since January 1st this year, users of E-470's 47-mile toll around the eastern perimeter of the Denver metropolitan area have been experiencing a cashless alternative to tolling and the introduction of paying via your cars license plate records known as License Plate Toll. Then, on July 4th 2009, there came an end to coin and currency payments on E-470 and all toll payments on E-470 are now only made through an EXpressToll account or License Plate Toll.
How it works: Both methods of toll collection use Idris to confirm each vehicles class and for those vehicles without an EXpressToll transponder the License Plate Toll method is implemented. Idris' unique patented algorithm classifies the vehicles according to the information gathered from each vehicle's profile. Idris also provides a trigger for the cameras, +/- 30cms (1 foot) from the nominated trigger point, to capture the front and rear license plates. This license plate information is then processed and the driver is billed for all the tolls incurred during that period.
Results: The AETC system will enhance safety, speed and convenience for all E-470 toll users, along with preventing further damage to the local environment. Eliminating stop-and-go, as well as idling traffic in cash lanes, drastically reduces the levels of Co2 emitted and fuel consumed. Idris technology gives the project added accuracy and reliability equipping it well for today's demanding toll roads.
The Idris Technology is protected by one or more of the following patents:![]()
EP0879457, USA 6345228, 6483443 and 6337640
Registered Patents also include but not limited to European Countries, Brazil, Mexico, Canada & Australia.
Idris® is a registered trademark of Diamond Consulting Services Ltd.
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