Daily News Briefs, January 16, 2025

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More Evidence Congestion Pricing Is Changing Manhattan Traffic Patterns

Data supplied to The Financial Times (FT) by INRIX shows that traffic has already started moving faster during at least one peak period on most bridges and tunnels leading to the Manhattan congestion zone. On the contrary, three bridges not connected to the congestion zone didn’t experience similar traffic speed increases.

The change in traffic movement across each bridge and tunnel is displayed in a chart imbedded in the FT article. The INRIX findings are derived from an analysis of anonymized GPS data collected before and after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launched congestion zone tolling on January 5.

“An FT analysis of hourly traffic data from [MTA] also showed fewer vehicles in affected tunnels during rush hours. Bridges and tunnels outside the zone carried more vehicles.”

The article includes positive observations on changes in Manhattan traffic volume and mobility by an INRIX staffer, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign engineering professor, and Benjamin Moshes, a co-creator of the Congestion Pricing Tracker.

Congestion Pricing Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New Jersey New York New York City Transportation and Infrastructure Research & Development

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TransCore Completes End-To-End System Upgrade For West Virginia Turnpike

A TransCore news release marks the company’s recent successful launch of an “Infinity Digital Lane System with updated E-ZPass infrastructure and fully integrated toll-by-plate transaction processing capabilities” at all four toll West Virginia Turnpike toll plazas. The new roadside collection system fulfills the turnpike’s need for advanced tolling technology that optimizes transaction processing and accommodates motorists’ increasing reliance on electronic toll payment while supporting a range of convenient payment options, toll-by-plate included.

Jeff Miller, executive director of the West Virginia Parkways Authority (WVPA), the turnpike operator, commented, “This system upgrade was crucial for ensuring WVPA can efficiently operate and support our travelers well into the future. . . . Many Turnpike drivers are already experiencing the benefits of the back-office system upgrade we partnered with TransCore to deploy a few months ago, but now that the lane technology is also live, I’m confident that our end-to-end systems are providing more efficient, streamlined travel for our motorists.”

TransCore and the authority also collaborated on deploying the 2008 system that the new, upgraded technology has replaced. Whitt Hall, TransCore President and CEO, commented, “Having worked in close partnership with WVPA for the better part of two decades, it’s exciting to see our technology, people, and combined efforts culminate in a technologically advanced system that continues to improve the user experience for Turnpike motorists.”

ETC Systems Procurement of Tolling Equipment & Services TransCore West Virginia West Virginia Parkways Authority (West Virginia Turnpike)

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ICYMI: View TRB Event Focused On Transportation R&D And Innovation

During the Chair’s Plenary Session of last week’s Transportation Research Board (TRB) annual meeting, Victoria Sheehan, TRB executive director, and Sarah Sharples, chief scientific advisor for the UK Department for Transport, delivered remarks on transportation research and development. TRB also conferred five major awards and hosted a “fireside chat” on “cultures of innovation in policy, practice, and technology.” Representatives of the International Association of Public Transport, PIARC (World Road Association), the World Bank, and the International Road Federation participated in the discussion moderated by Texas Southern University professor Carol Lewis and University of Pennsylvania professor (and former PennDOT and SEPTA chief) Leslie Richards.

A video of the entire session can be viewed on YouTube.

Transportation and Infrastructure Research & Development Transportation Research Board

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These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.

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