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For the trade press
Amsterdam, 2004-03-30
Intertraffic 2004
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Satellite-supported road pricing system for the Seattle region - Siemens implements pilot project for use-dependent roadway pricing in the U.S.
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The Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services Group (I&S) has received an order from Puget Sound Regional Council, Seattle, in the U.S. state of Washington, to implement a satellite-supported road pricing system as a pilot project, during which around 500 vehicles are to be fitted with on-board units (OBUs). With the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS), the position of the vehicle is detected in real time. The OBUs use GSM technology to communicate with a management control center where the user accounts are kept. The aim of the pilot project is to assess the feasibility of a use-dependent electronic pricing system. Another objective is to investigate the levels of acceptance encountered by the new system among motorists and the American public. Introduction of this system, unique in North America, is scheduled for the middle of 2004. |
In the U.S., transportation projects are mainly financed from gasoline tax revenues. In view of the falling levels of gasoline consumption, traffic authorities are increasingly looking for alternative sources of income. One possibility is to charge a direct fee for the use of specific roads. The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is responsible for planning and organizing traffic projects in the Greater Seattle area and is also responsible for allocating funds for such projects. In the context of a roadway pricing program, PSRC is also investigating the suitability of electronic road pricing systems. Apart from the technical and economic aspects, the reaction of motorists and the general public is to be examined.
The road pricing system from Siemens for the pilot application uses GPS to detect the vehicles with on-board units in real time. It then provides motorists with visual notification of their entry into a tolled section of road. With the help of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) technology, the OBUs communicate with a central management system where positional data are stored, user accounts are managed and road use statements are drawn up at the end of every month. The road users taking part in the pilot project can access their user account via an Internet link protected by a firewall.
The OBUs are being supplied by Siemens VDO but are being installed in the vehicles by partner companies, who are also setting up the necessary cellular network services. Siemens I&S is responsible for project coordination and software development as well as for integration of all the systems and components. The Group will also provide technical support for the duration of the project.
A picture supplements this press release.
Further information under: www.siemens.com/traffic |
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The Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services Group (I&S) provides innovative solutions and services designed to improve competitiveness in processing and manufacturing industries and in infrastructure. Offerings cover the entire life cycle of industrial and infrastructure facilities, from consulting and planning through installation, operation, integration of MES-solutions, maintenance and modernization. In fiscal 2003 (to September 30) I&S employed a total of 25.000 people worldwide and achieved total sales of EUR 4.012 billion.
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Reference number: I&S 1203.3621 e
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Dr. Rainer Schulze
Tel.: +49 (9131) 7-445 44; Fax: +49 (9131) 7-25074
email: rainer.schulze@siemens.com
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© Siemens AG 2006 - Industrial Solutions and Services
(I&S)
