Skip to main content

Adopting digital payments to avoid the “road less traveled”

For tolling, modern processes deliver speed and simplicity to both agencies and consumers

As technology evolves, it enhances lives. That has never been truer for toll road agencies, who operate transportation assets that support tens of millions of consumers each day while helping communities and economies thrive. 

Yet, toll road agencies and other transportation providers are often faced with challenges rooted in outdated and antiquated processes that result in unpaid tolls and administrative costs — most notably, paper billing and cash payments. Paper-based processes, still commonly used, put a strain on time, money, and resources. They also create frustrating experiences for consumers.

Enter modern technology.

Digital payment technologies add convenience, security and speed to payment processes. Those toll road operators who embrace these new payment technologies have the potential to benefit in many ways, including lower operating costs, improved revenue collections and enhanced consumer satisfaction. And those who don’t may find themselves on the road less traveled. 

Recognizing that more consumers both trust and seek digital platforms, including real-time payments over the RTP® network, we designed our Digital Integrated Payments Hub to make payments easier and more accessible to companies, government agencies and consumers. Hoping to build upon digital payments for tolling, we’re creating a future in which digital payments expand to bus, rail, parking, and transactions such as traffic fines and fees. 

Our technology empowers tolling agencies to send toll bills via text message to their customers and gives them the convenience of quickly paying individual tolls and replenishing account balances from their smartphones. Ultimately, this reduces costly paper processes and speeds transactions while freeing consumers from late fees. These convenient payment options also give consumers a personalized experience and more control. 

Moreover, we expect digital payments to become the backbone of a broader transportation ecosystem. This future features digital mobility wallets, which allow consumers to pay for a range of transportation services, including rental cars, tolls, train fares, app-based rides, as well as related retail products and services. 

Toll road operators, along with agencies that oversee transit, parking and other modes of mobility now have tools available to ensure that their transportation systems integrate into tomorrow’s expansive transportation payment ecosystem.

Adopting digital payments today is a critical first step on that journey. 

Related articles

Driving Toward Sustainable Cities: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions with cashless tolling

Creating fast, modern, and safe rider journeys

Re-envisioning customer service for tolling

Print