FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Drivers on the Ohio Turnpike now have an easier tolling process. On July 23, Conduent Transportation announced the completion of a modernized toll-collection system on the Turnpike.
The project, which is the largest in Ohio Turnpike history since the toll road was completed in 1955 according to the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC), involved upgrades to 216 lanes on the 241-mile-long Turnpike to include self-service and collector-operated toll plazas, as well as open-road, automated tolling options for vehicles using E-ZPass transponders.
According to a press release from Conduent, The new system, managed by OTIC, will help increase traffic flow and vehicle throughput while providing for operational efficiencies — all leading to more convenience and an improved experience for motorists.
“The Conduent team has shown great partnership, professionalism and expertise throughout our implementation and go-live of the modernized toll collection system on the Ohio Turnpike,” said Ferzan M. Ahmed, P.E., executive director at OTIC. “Working closely with our staff, Conduent has implemented Ohio’s first open road tolling system that will help increase traffic flow and provide operational efficiencies.”
As part of the Ohio Turnpike project implementation, Conduent installed and will maintain state-of-the-art, open-road tolling lanes for E-ZPass customers, along with separate lanes with automated toll payment machines that accept coins, cash, and credit or debit cards. In the future, these machines will be equipped for contactless payments using smartphones and digital wallets. The open-road tolling solution incorporates LiDAR (light detection and ranging)-based scanners. Automated license plate recognition technology will also be used to account for vehicles driving through E-ZPass lanes without a transponder.
“Since 2020, our team has partnered with OTIC to make this new tolling infrastructure a reality, and we are proud to complete such an important project on one of the longest-running toll roads in the country,” said Adam Appleby, Conduent’s group president of public sector solutions. “(This) announcement reinforces our leadership in providing tolling solutions that bring lasting value for agencies and the customers who experience the true benefits of modern mobility.”
Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Erica N. Guy decided to stay in her hometown to begin her professional career in journalism. Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Erica has professionally written for several publications about several topics ranging from lifestyle, tech, culture, and entertainment, just to name a few. Continuing her love for her hometown, she joined our team in June 2023, where she is currently a staff writer. Her career goals include continuing storytelling through her writing by being the best professional writer she can be. In her spare time, Erica enjoys trying new foods, cozying up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, and establishing herself as a future businesswoman.
