Electronic Toll Collection Solutions
PGE's ETC solution would be an integrated, automated system designed for high throughput, accuracy, and reduced congestion, offering main technologies: RFID (M-Tag)
What Should A Toll Plaza Include
Automatic Boom Barrier
The Automatic Boom Barrier is a mechanical gate used for physical access control at entry/exit points, such as toll plazas, parking lots, and secure facilities.
Primary Function: To physically block or grant vehicular passage. It remains closed by default and only lifts automatically after receiving an authorization signal (e.g., a successful toll transaction or access card verification).
Key Features: Modern barriers are high-speed (opening in 0.3 to 1.5 seconds) and designed for continuous, 100% duty cycle operation to handle intense traffic flow. They incorporate safety mechanisms like anti-crush sensors and loop detectors to prevent accidental closure on a vehicle.
UHF RFID Antenna
The Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID Antenna is a critical piece of hardware for Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI), typically installed overhead or on the side of a toll lane.
Primary Function: To communicate wirelessly with a passive RFID transponder tag (like a FASTag) placed on a vehicle's windshield. It transmits radio frequency waves and captures the vehicle's unique ID from the tag.
Key Technology: It operates in the UHF spectrum for long-range, high-speed reading (up to highway speeds), allowing for contactless identification without the vehicle needing to stop. The data collected is the foundation for the automated toll or access transaction.
Variable Message Sign (VMS)
The Variable Message Sign (VMS), or Dynamic Message Sign, is an electronic display positioned at or near the entry point.
Primary Function: To provide real-time visual feedback and instructional messages to the driver based on the system's processing.
Key Messages: It confirms the outcome of the transaction or access request, displaying messages like:
Success: "GO," "Toll Paid," "Access Granted."
Failure/Instruction: "STOP," "Insufficient Balance," "Use Cash Lane."
Integration: It ensures seamless communication, directing the driver's action after the RFID antenna and boom barrier have executed their functions.
