The solution, based on the forward-looking Ascom MultiToll concept, provides AENOR with on-line access to all functions and thereby simplifies system management dramatically. The contract worth euro 8.7 million (about CHF 12.8 million) confirms Ascom’s leading position in the promising international market for innovative toll solutions.
Ascom is equipping a motorway in northern Portugal with a forward-looking solution for the collection of motorway tolls; under a contract placed by Auto-Estradas do Norte S.A. (AENOR). The system based on Ascom’s MultiToll approach, which manages 22 stations with 166 lanes on a 170-kilometre long motorway section subject to a toll, provides AENOR’s monitoring personnel with access to all of its functions and tools via Internet and Intranet. Following Birmingham (UK), Benin and Vietnam, the modern MultiToll solution now gets its chance for the fourth time in Portugal.
Besides the technical and technological competence demonstrated, it was the extreme flexibility of the Ascom solution which proved decisive for the order being placed. Compatibility with existing installations and straightforwardness as towards other components, offer wide-ranging protection to the investment. In addition, on-line access to all parts of the system simplifies maintenance, elimination of errors and up-dating both the system as well as the subsequently integrated processes connected to it.
As pioneer in the market for toll systems, Ascom Transport Revenue has developed, with MultiToll, a forward-looking modular software concept which is designed for simple integration in existing system components, such as computers, receipt printers and traffic lights at tool booths. The software can be adapted to any specific customer requirements and can control an unlimited number of lanes.
As the only solution world-wide for collection of motorway tolls, MultiToll is based on an Internet architecture which progressively develops with new technology. It provides authorised users with access to the system via Internet or Intranet and a commercially available web browser, without the need to install special software for this. Thus operators have, among other things, the opportunity of servicing on-line in real time the total networked system down to individual components, and of eliminating problems with remote access. At the same time, the support personnel identifies the defective components via Internet or Intranet, determines the type of intervention, and finally brings the stock of spare parts up to date automatically. Reports and statistics specific to needs can also be prepared, amended and adapted to new requirements, as a result of MultiToll’s architecture.
“The large-scale project for AENOR in Portugal confirms our leading position in the international market for innovative traffic solutions”, said Stefan Kalt, Head of Ascom Transport Revenue. “The further standardisation of our system demonstrates that we have relied on the right business model. We are in a position to implement a particular tailor-made solution through simple applications. With that, we offer our customers a real added value and at the same time protect their investment, thanks to total, forward-looking solutions”.
Ascom’s experts have at their disposal about 40 year’s experience in toll systems. They have successfully equipped many thousands of motorway, bridge and tunnel traffic lanes in Europe, Asia, South, Central and North America, with installations for collecting tolls.
