Toll management is a critical part of running a successful fleet. When your trucks are moving through toll points on a daily basis, you need to have a reliable system in place for completing the payments and keeping up with all of the transactions.
Now that technology is integrated into the tolling systems, it often makes sense to use automated toll collection. But there are times when you might choose a manual method instead. In this article, we are breaking down the differences between manual and automated toll collection so you can choose the ideal solution for your team.
How it Works: Automated vs. Manual Toll Collection
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you see how both options work:
- Manual Toll Collection: When payments are made manually, it involves the driver giving cash or a card payment to an attendant at the toll booth. This setup uses a simple infrastructure, and you don’t need much technology to complete the payments. Manual toll collections are the only option in some regions around the United States because of tech limitations and lower funding in those areas.
- Automated Toll Collection: Even though manual toll collection was the only option many years ago, now many toll booths are using automated features and modern technology. These systems use a variety of methods to identify the vehicles moving through, including RFID, cameras, and electronic toll collection (ETC) tags. As a vehicle drives through, it is scanned in real time (the driver doesn’t need to stop). Also, these automated systems can integrate with back-end systems to help with tracking, billing, and compliance.
Pros of Manual Toll Collection
Even though many drivers and fleet managers agree that automated toll management is preferred, there are times when it might be necessary to use manual toll collection. One of the main benefits of a manual system is that the upfront toll system costs are lower since you don’t need to buy a transponder for each vehicle. This method is good for small or low-volume roads.
Since there isn’t much technology involved, a manual system is often easier to implement when the toll road is located in a remote area. Plus, it’s simple for drivers to move through the toll booth because they don’t need to have digital accounts or transponders in the vehicles.
Cons of Manual Systems
There are a few drawbacks to using manual systems, which should be considered when you are choosing the ideal setup for your fleet. For example, the transactions take a bit of time while the drivers are stopped at the booth. So, during busy hours it can result in bottlenecks as everything is trying to get through.
Also, any type of manual transactions that are occurring increase the likelihood of human error or mistakes. You will have higher operating costs, and staffing needs to record and track these transactions. Having people involved (instead of an automated system) means that you need to be more proactive with toll fraud prevention strategies.
Pros of Automated Toll Collection
There’s no question that automated toll collection is the preference for most fleets. As the technology has advanced over the years, it makes sense to leverage technology to streamline systems and improve tracking.
Toll booths that use automated collections are faster to move through. Instead of idling and sitting in line, the traffic can drive through the toll both due to automated payments, which helps to reduce the congestion.
Another undeniable benefit of automated toll collection is that you get better accuracy and efficiency when it comes to tracking transactions and handling payments. As a result, it’s possible to take the burden off your office staff, which actually reduces costs in the long run.
Cons of Automation
While there are a lot of benefits of automated toll collection, there are a few drawbacks that you need to be aware of. For example, set aside some cash for the initial setup because you will need to buy the hardware, software, and infrastructure for your system.
Even though there aren’t often issues with these digital transactions, if technical glitches occur, then they can cause outages and increase the risk of hacking. These issues make some people worried about privacy concerns, especially since data collection is occurring with every transaction.
Choosing the Best Option: Comparing Manual vs. Automated Toll Management
So, which type of toll management should you be using for your fleet? In most cases, it makes sense to use automated toll collection, unless you have unique circumstances that would be better suited to manual payments.
When considering upfront costs, keep in mind that manual payments are cheaper initially. But automated payments will win in the long term, especially when you consider how much you can reduce errors and human mistakes.
Finally, the efficiency and positive user experience with an automated system are undeniable. Your fleet can move through the toll booths more quickly, which helps them stay on track with their schedule goals. Plus, it’s much more convenient when the drivers can move straight through without stopping.
When you are choosing a system, it’s smart to consider the volume of traffic when your drivers are on the road, as well as your budget and the infrastructure in the region. If you are in a high-traffic, urban area, then it’s likely that automated toll collection makes sense for your needs.
FAQs
What is the main difference between manual and automated toll management?
While manual tolls require an in-person transaction with an attendant, automated toll collection enables cashless processing without stopping at the toll booth.
How does automated toll management reduce traffic congestion?
Since the vehicles don’t need to stop to make payments, it’s possible for drivers to continue moving through the booth without delay. As a result, traffic is flowing consistently with fewer slowdowns.
Call the Toll Management Experts
Do you need help with your toll management system? If you are considering automated toll collection and tracking, then we have the solutions that will streamline your fleet. Innovative Toll Solutions is always here to answer your questions and assist with anything that you need. Contact us today for more information.