Barcode Reader Reinforces Motorist Convenience Over Toll Bridge |
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Barcode Automation, inc.
P.O. Box 195268
Winter Springs, FL, 32719-5268
USA
Press release date: April 21, 2006
Motorists have disliked toll roads and toll bridges since their inception in the United States in the 1700s, not only for the rising cost of tolls used to fund maintenance and operational costs, but also because of toll-plaza gridlock. According to a Texas Traffic Institute report of May 2005, Americans stalled in traffic waiting to pay a toll wasted some 2.3 billion gallons of motor fuel. At almost $3 for regular gas that is a lot of money going up in fumes.
Thankfully, electronic toll collection systems (ETC) have stepped up to the plate easing toll plaza congestion from pre-registered accounts. Most recognizable are radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, where an antenna at the toll plaza zeros in on a transponder, or tag inside a vehicle and deducts a toll, resulting in non-stop vehicle passage.
Another toll collection system expanding from gated communities to the highway, is the latest generation of barcode readers. Often overlooked, this cutting-edge tool is already popular at exclusive communities, resorts, hospitals, universities and commercial parking lots. The readers use laser technology to decipher encrypted code. The inexpensive decals attach to the side windows of registered vehicles. Motorists drive through, hands-free, without stopping. Barcode Readers are convenient and efficient. The barcode decals eliminate the need for costly tags, and unlike RFIDs, are immune to RF interference.
Barcode Readers installed at the Atlantic Beach Bridge, operated by the Nassau County Bridge Authority in New York, have successfully handled annual non-cash commuter transactions at its toll plaza since 2001. The 1,173-foot long, six-lane structure over the Reynolds Channel connects the Nassau Expressway with the Atlantic Beach communities. Many residents and businesses depend on the bridge to link them to jobs and vendors. Although high-volume traffic happens during rush hour, the peak travel season occurs during summer as New Yorkers escape the urban heat and flock to the cooler beach shores.
The original drawbridge was built in 1927 by a group of private investors wanting to freight merchandise across the channel. According to bridge records, it was constructed of wood and measured 1,000-feet with three lanes and a 13-foot vertical clearance. This low clearance required lifting the bridge often, to permit tall sailing vessels.
At first, the private consortium charged the general public a 25-cent toll. In time, battered by extreme cold weather, snow and increased traffic, the structure eroded. By 1950, the state and Nassau County ordered today's modern $2.5 million, concrete, six-lane structure. The old wooden bridge was taken down, leaving only abutments as reminder of its location. Best of all, a 153-foot draw span accommodates the larger maritime vessels, requiring less lifting.
Most recently, in order to comply with federal safety standards following 9/11 terrorist attacks, another major $19 million rehabilitation project took place. Carmelo Ayala, of the Nassau County Bridge Authority Atlantic Beach Bridge, says this work included the reconstruction of entry roadways, replacement of the outdated concrete bridge deck, rails, and structural steel supports. Pedestrian and cyclist walkways were widened.
Ayala says that during the structure's history, toll collection has also undergone various changes. Initially, commuters paid toll operators at the bridge. Later automatic toll collectors were installed. By 2000 a dozen BA-200 Barcode Readers began phasing in, bringing electronic coin collection (ETC) to the old bridge. Manufactured by Barcode Automation, inc. (BAI), in Winter Springs, Florida, the ETC system has promoted easy drive-through, helping to lower operating costs and bringing increased traffic flow.
"Frankly, the primary selling feature for us with the BA-200 was it's capability of interfacing with our existing computer application," said Ayala. "Plus, we liked the decal cost. We have a high commuter turnaround, plus we also offer seasonal passes. So, in the long run the decals are less expensive to replace than the RFID tags and transponders."
Ayala said that in no time, regular commuters and local businesses were applying for the annual decal program. He estimates some 9,000 decals have been distributed to date. Traffic congestion and waiting decreased noticeably and he observed that even if the lines became long, decal users still moved through quicker.
"I think our barcode readers are tough workhorses," Ayala said. "Traffic out here is horrendous, especially in summer when it flows in peaks and valleys. We can't afford to have a unit down. But, those units don't quit, even when they take a beating from the weather. We've had minimal repair since installation. The turnaround time from BAI technical support is always great. I think our readers are good testament as to how well their system works."
The BA-200's reputation as a high-quality, sturdy and flexible product with easy installation has made it the choice of dealers for thousands of gated entry points across the nation. ETL listed to UL294 Standard, the system is also offered as a standalone, which allows direct one-gate control. All components are encased in a NEMA 4 Standard aluminum housing. Communication can be done via the RS232 serial port, or Wiegand output. An internal transaction log retains the last 2,000 vehicle identification numbers, time and date to be used for regulatory reports. It comes from the factory already configured, but can be changed to meet a specific site's need. Also, BAI offers cost-effective decals in 56 color combinations for color-coded parking lots.
BAI is the leading manufacturer of barcode systems, offering products through a network of dealers and integrators nationwide. To learn more about the BA-200 Barcode Reader, visit www.barcode-automation.com or call (800-528-9167).
Contact: Carmen Manly, Public Relations Manager Barcode Automation, inc. PO Box 195268 Winter Springs, FL 32719-5268 Telephone: 800-528-9167 carmen@barcode-automation.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 
