Kapsch to supply 6C toll tags for Colorado’s E-470 highway

The E-470 Public Highway Authority (E-470) has selected Kapsch TrafficCom to supply 6C toll tags for use by ExpressToll account holders on the local government-owned controlled-access toll road in central Colorado.

The Kapsch tags will accommodate the existing all-electronic toll (AET) collection system in place on E-470’s 47 miles (74km) of roadway that traverse the eastern portion of the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area, as well as all other toll facilities in the state.

Drivers are currently tolled with either hard-case, sticker tag, or switchable transponders, as well as through the license plate toll billing system. Kapsch will serve as the 18000 ISO 6C tag vendor with an expected delivery of approximately 2.6 million tags through 2021. The procurement includes both windshield and headlamp sticker tags.

As a global leader in intelligent transportation systems (ITS), Kapsch is experienced in delivering modern electronic toll and traffic management solutions that employ future-focused technology. E-470 has used 6C technology since 2011, and by selecting Kapsch to provide its 6C tag products the agency is demonstrating its continued leadership in furthering the 6C open standard in the USA. The E-470 tags will be interoperable with all present and future toll facilities throughout Colorado.

A US International Trade Commission (ITC) judge recently ruled in favor of Kapsch in a legal action brought by Neology Inc., seeking to prevent the Austria-based company from importing certain electronic tolling products using the ISO/IEC 18000-6C communications protocol. Kapsch has been a strong proponent of open standards and interoperability within the tolling industry, and believes that any protocol, such as the 6C Standard should remain open to facilitate national electronic tolling interoperability.

“With this five year agreement, we will be able to strategically support our ExpressToll customer requirements throughout Colorado, and be assured that we can rely on the high-quality RFID products that Kapsch provides, and to which our customers and business partners are accustomed,” commented Dave Kristick, the deputy executive director and director of operations at E-470. “We are excited for this long-term arrangement, and are confident that this new relationship will facilitate a streamlined approach to inventory management and quality control.”

Chris Murray, president and CEO of Kapsch TrafficCom North America, said, “Customers across North America continue to see the value in the 6C protocol as a viable means of low-cost, high-performance electronic transactions. We look forward to serving E-470’s needs for interoperable and all-electronic tolling products.