cities have already started using CCTV cameras for capturing traffic violations. Challans are then manually issued to the offenders from the control room. Some experts suggested that Mumbai could use such existing infrastructure. However, for system efficiency, Mumbai must implement an automated system. Most experts at the roundtable meeting were optimistic about the ongoing research and development in RFID technology that would permit identification of vehicles in free flow. They pointed out that multi-lane free-flow tolling technology—with vehicles moving at speeds as high as 150 kmph—has been successfully tested in India. Experts who attended the roundtable meeting suggested that MMRDA should start outreach campaigns so that citizens are aware of the benefits that this scheme will bring to them. Citizens would get enough time to adopt the technology; it will also prevent a major backlash. Key KPIs must be identified and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) should be started immediately to facilitate impact assessment. Table 4 Comments given by technology experts during the roundtable
Criteria Minimize the cost of adoption and usage to the users
Remarks RFID was found to be the cheapest technology by the Nandan Nilekani Committee report of 2010. Currently FASTag (passive RFID tag) costs INR 20068 69 excluding a refundable security deposit depending upon the type of vehicle. In comparison, a DSRC based IU costs SGD 150 in Singapore (INR 7800).70 Minimize cost to the RFID has been adopted in India as the mainstream technology for operators (CAPEX and ETC. So installing a new technology would cost more for the OPEX) operators. Convenience of usage to The current system links the RFID tag to the user's bank account. This the users makes payments convenient and eliminates the need for recharge (although manual recharge can also be done). Time taken for Current RFID based ETC transaction requires 3 to 5 seconds for a transaction transaction. ETC technology experts have already conducted pilot runs and have been successful in testing free-flow tolling at speeds of over 150 kmph. Fatal flaws of the RFID system is purely a payment processing technology. It can detect system and ways to get violations, but cannot detect the identity of the violator. ANPR can be around used as a backup technology for detecting the identity of violators. 7.3
Conclusion
Discussions on automation of toll collection in India started over a decade ago. Provision of dedicated Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) lanes (FASTag lanes) was mandated on all national highways in 2014. However, the dedicated FASTag lanes were also accepting cash because of the low adoption rate. The government of India has been pushing for a wider adoption of the RFID technology.
68
http://www.fastag.org/fees-and-charges.
69
Note: Some banks are providing the RFID tags (FASTags) at a discounted rate
70
Considering an exchange rate of SGD 1 = INR 52 | 72
