Month: May 2024

GPS toll-collection systems are a quick and effective method for toll collection and are increasingly the favored option for toll-booths on freeways etc. It saves both time and money, while enhancing driver experience.

Why electronic toll collection is preferable for drivers?

Electronic toll collection is very convenient for drivers as it takes out a lot of stress for long road trips. They don’t have to worry about wasting time queuing up or finding exact change for the toll booth. The system can use a vehicle-mounted transponder that is activated by an antenna and is most commonly operated by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). There are other ways of electronically collecting tolls without a transponder on the windshield as some electronic toll systems are able to record the license plate and automatically send the toll bill to the registered vehicle owner.  Smart apps have been developed to help collect toll fees and provide new channels for toll collection. 

How to enhance driver experience via fleet management software?

Deploying modern GPS-enabled fleet management software is necessary to communicate with the modern virtual, GPS-enabled toll booths. The massive data available also allows fleet managers to continually improve their operations and benefit immensely across reduced toll-costs, reduced operating costs, and better safety.

Flexibility of payments

As mentioned above, drivers don’t have to queue up for cumbersome cash transactions since charges are automatically deducted from the account that is registered against a vehicle. This provides more control over tax audits, provides more convenience to organizations.

Emission control

Eliminating traffic congestion also eliminates vehicle idling, acceleration and its associated harmful vehicular emissions. While this may impact only the immediate toll-booth areas, every little bit helps in reducing our carbon footprint.

Tracking expenses

The growing adoption of GPS tracking toll collection systems is a boon for fleet management systems in managing their operating costs. Toll crossing fees, penalties, violations, and associated legal charges (etc.) often become a significant drain for fleet Management Service companies. Thanks to the advanced data capacity of modern fleet management systems, fleet managers can now track these costs at various hierarchical levels such as client, vehicle, drivers, routes, etc. This brings accountability and enables managers to manage their costs. Fleet managers then study this data to generate insight in regards to tolls paid per vehicle, fines per driver, client route costs, and so on, which helps to plan for cost-optimization.

Reduced commute times and fuel costs

Since vehicles don’t have to stop at a toll facility, the feared traffic bottleneck at toll booths is a thing of the past and traffic can quickly pass through these virtual checkpoints. There is elimination of idling, acceleration and deceleration, etc. in such a system saves fuel, which forms a significant part of vehicle operating cost.

Anstel’s GPS-enabled fleet management software can track toll costs and manage operating expenses, which enhances driver experience by eliminating waiting times at toll booths that often contribute to delays and later leads to driver fatigue and reckless driving that causes accidents. Better traffic and route management directly improve safety stats.

Electronic toll collection is helpful as it leads to less congestion on busy roads, a decrease in carbon emissions, and lower operating and staffing costs. But there are rising cyber security concerns, which have to be addressed, such as toll hacks that could steal important data and information.

What are the security ramifications of toll hacks in electronic toll collection?

Cyber risks for toll hacks can occur across any stage of the process, beginning with tag purchase and registration. This process typically happens online, with the user setting up an account with the state or company that authorizes the toll pass. Additionally, as this process is available at toll road rest stops, it is tempting for drivers to use the free on-site Wi-Fi to create the account, giving a hacker easy access to credit card and personal information, as well as to the tag details.

Electronic toll systems also depend on third parties to store the information held in their accounts and all networks are susceptible to data breaches. Organizations have to stay updated with cyber security systems to keep toll information secure. The problem is it could take months before a data breach or other cyber incident is discovered, which could result in identity theft and thousands of dollars in tolls for unsuspecting drivers, your organization should have a rapid response mechanism in place to monitor and mitigate electronic toll collection incidents.

How to prevent against toll hacks?

Prevent physical attacks

The information technology infrastructure used for electronic tolls is often visible and exposed along on- and off-ramp areas. Since the number of people working in toll booths is now less (or perhaps none), it is easier to physically access the infrastructure and download malware into the system, modify sections of the internet architecture, or exploit vulnerabilities or launch attacks designed to steal data or manipulate the system. The ideal way to prevent physical attacks is to set up cameras and sensors in these areas to monitor 24x7.

Prevent cyber attacks

This is the most dangerous part, because intruders can wreak havoc through traditional internet attacks and hijacking control of the toll systems, which could steal valuable data and sensitive information from drivers passing through. They might use poorly protected toll systems as an entry point to your organization's entire network, where much more damage can be done. To prevent that from happening, Anstel’s fleet management solution offers the toll system the network capabilities it needs but without connecting to your organizational network.

Like any system depending on internet connections and electronic devices, toll systems are at risk of being hacked. Knowing where the risks are and using the same cyber security best practices for any other type of system will keep both drivers and agencies secure from toll hacks. With modernized secure toll collection, along with Anstel’s fleet management solution, it can improve your revenue and keep operations running smoothly. It has numerous benefits apart from secure payment collection and decreased lost tolls, like reduced traffic congestion, minimized expenses, and much more.

Managing a fleet means factoring in several kinds of expenses, with tolls marking a significant dent in the budget. But with the aid of strategic fleet toll management, it is possible to optimize savings.

What is the new toll collection system?

With the advent of technology, the modern GPS-based “virtual toll-collection booth” is a system where a set of pre-defined road coordinates are designated as toll-collection points. It uses the concept of geo-fencing where GPS coordinates of vehicles that enter a designated area are automatically matched with that of the virtual toll-booth and toll-charges automatically debited from the bank account mapped against that vehicle. 

A GPS-enabled app/device in a vehicle is needed to communicate with a virtual toll booth. Additionally, advanced data integration and data analytics that these fleet management systems offer enables managers to constantly track, monitor, and improve fleet performance in areas of tolls paid, fines incurred, fuel consumption, assigning accountability, and aiming to optimize operations.

Here are a few tips:

Effectively plan routes

Navigating the most cost-effective routes significantly impacts your bottom line. By employing advanced route optimization solutions, businesses can steer clear of high-toll roads, reducing expenses such as fuel wastage that occurs due to long waiting times at toll plazas. 

Optimize toll schedules

Time is of the essence when it comes to toll expenses. Discovering off-peak hours or days for travel can lead to substantial cost savings. Leveraging toll schedules can help in making informed decisions, minimizing toll expenses without compromising on productivity.

Use discounts and research corporate rates

There are several toll authorities that offer discounts or programs for frequent travelers. Exploring and enrolling in these programs can yield considerable savings over time. Yet another way to reduce expenses is to establish corporate accounts – often it can lead to negotiated rates or rebates with toll authorities. This strategic approach ensures that your fleet enjoys favorable terms, ultimately reducing toll costs.

Leverage technology

GPS tracking and toll management software can help to ensure toll payments are being generated correctly – these solutions provide real-time insights, which empower businesses to make smart, informed decisions, thereby curtailing unnecessary expenditures.

Automated payments and centralized management

It is time to eliminate manual errors and ensure timely payments, by automating the entire system. Thus, managers can avoid fines or penalties. Embracing electronic toll collection systems not only saves time but also prevents unnecessary costs linked to human error. Centralizing toll management streamlines administrative tasks, ensuring better oversight and control. Consolidating toll-related activities under a single umbrella enhances efficiency and minimizes chances of overspending.

Regular audits

Make sure audits are carried on regularly, as it can help detect discrepancies and potential areas for savings. Analyzing toll expenses periodically ensures that your fleet operations stay cost-effective, enabling timely adjustments.

Monitor usage

It is imperative for managers to monitor real-time toll usage patterns when it comes to identifying cost-saving opportunities. Analyzing usage data aids in devising better strategies for minimizing toll expenses – this data is available from a centralized dashboard of the fleet management system.

Anstel’s customized fleet management solutions can work wonders when it comes to helping fleet managers save on fleet expenses by streamlining toll payments. Moreover, drivers have to be trained regarding optimal route selection and toll management policies, as they directly impact cost reduction efforts.