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IBTTA highlights role of tolling and mobile payments in the national digital infrastructure strategy
Mark Muriello International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association
| 3 min read
The entrance of the U.S. Department of Transportation building in Washington DC

Photo credit: Tada Images – stock.adobe.com

IBTTA recently submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation in response to a request for information on research priorities for a national transportation digital infrastructure strategy (TDI).

The request seeks input on how digital technologies, data systems and communications networks can support the planning, construction, operation and management of transportation systems in the future.

IBTTA emphasizes that tolling and road pricing systems should be recognized as a critical use case for transportation digital infrastructure because they integrate roadside systems, communications networks, traveler account platforms, back-office operations, and digital payment systems that support future mobility and revenue opportunities.

Key points from IBTTA’s submission

Transportation digital infrastructure should be defined comprehensively.
IBTTA recommends that TDI be defined as the integrated ecosystem of digital technologies, data systems, connectivity networks, and governance frameworks that support the planning, financing, construction, operation, management, and optimization of transportation networks, including the mobile commercial transactions and payment channels essential to future transportation revenue sources.

Tolling and road pricing systems are important components of TDI.
Electronic tolling systems and operations integrate roadside equipment, in-vehicle and mobile technologies, communications networks, back-office platforms, and governance policies that support transaction processing, revenue assurance, customer account management, interoperability, and secure data exchange across jurisdictions and service providers.

Research should prioritize applied research to accelerate deployment and interoperability.
IBTTA encourages the U.S. Department of Transportation to prioritize applied research, demonstrations, and pilots that evaluate technologies in operational settings and accelerate deployment, adoption, and innovation. Priority areas include integrating tolling, managed lanes, and road usage charging systems with digital mobile payment processes; advancing artificial intelligence applications for operations and revenue management; and developing governance frameworks for mobility data, privacy, and cybersecurity.

TDI development should address the full range of transportation challenges.
IBTTA noted that transportation digital infrastructure must support new and sustainable transportation revenue sources, improved safety through connected technologies and real-time information, modern and resilient infrastructure ready for future conditions, and information that drives network-level outcomes and superior customer experiences.

Federal policy should support interoperability and integrated data and operations.
IBTTA recommends that the U.S. Department of Transportation use the development of TDI as the 21st century foundation for multimodal operations, cross-jurisdictional coordination, public and private solutions, common technical standards, and deployment of connected and automated technologies.  Through interoperability and integrated solutions, the TDI framework can transform national economic competitiveness, safety, security, quality of life, and business advantage through unparalleled value to transportation users.  Today's tolling and road pricing industry offers fundamental building blocks through its operations, systems, technologies, and business processes to strive for a bold new digital future.

Continue the conversation.

IBTTA members can read the full submission to the U.S. Department of Transportation to explore the detailed recommendations and policy considerations outlined in the filing.

These topics — including transportation digital infrastructure, interoperability, artificial intelligence, connected vehicles and the evolving role of tolling and road pricing — will also be front and center at the IBTTA Technology Summit in Orlando, May 2–5, where industry leaders will explore how emerging technologies are shaping the future of mobility.

Explore the Technology Summit program and register. 

U.S. Policy & LegislationTolling & Road Pricing
About Mark Muriello International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association
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Mark Muriello is IBTTA’s Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs.  Mark has a distinguished record of accomplishment in highway operations, tolling, finance, transportation planning, and policy.  Mark advocates for tolling and road pricing interests at the federal, state and local levels of government, and works with a a comprehensive array of industry organizations and stakeholders.  Mark actively leads IBTTA’s agenda in government affairs, policy, lost revenue recovery, sustainability and reliance, climate action, and alternative transportation revenue sources.  

Mark has more than four decades of experience in transportation and public finance, covering tolling and highway operations, bridges, tunnels, rail, bus, and marine terminal facilities, as well as in the electric utility industry.  As the former Deputy Director of Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals for The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Mark oversaw the operations, maintenance and planning for the agency’s six tunnels and bridges and two interstate bus terminals that connect the New Jersey and New York City.  Mr. Muriello served on the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association’s Board of Directors while at the Port Authority and in a leadership capacity in a number of industry and national transportation organizations, including the E-ZPass Group, the Transportation Research Board, the OmniAir Consortium, and the Eastern Transportation Coalition.
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