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Project Description
New Jersey’s Burlington County Bridge Commission (BCBC) hired Parsons to modernize its existing relay-based toll collection facilities with state-of-the-art, computer-based technologies that include EZPass (an automated, electronic payment alternative) equipment. BCBC chose Parsons because we specialize in high-profile software and engineering projects involving heterogeneous systems and diverse audiences.
The integrated ETC software created by Parsons features a modular, robust, secure, web-based interface for each of BCBC’s main user groups. On the front end, the software captures vehicle data from multiple sources (treadle loops, radar, light curtains, and so on), classifies the vehicle and assigns an appropriate toll, requests payment from the motorist, prints receipts, and controls the toll lane barrier gate. The system even enables toll collectors to process special transactions, such as convoys, entourages, funerals, and parades travelling through the toll lanes. On the back end, the software provides features for shift supervision, cash management, system administration, maintenance, auditing, and reporting. The Parsons electronic toll collection system is supported by a comprehensive training program and documentation suite to address toll collector and administrative employee turn over.
Parsons was responsible for the implementation of a state-of-the-art electronic toll collection system for two bridges with 13 lanes, for hardware and software procurement, software implementation, system integration, network infrastructure, hardware, software and network monitoring and maintenance support. Back office functions and reporting systems are web-based. Parsons’ Business Analysts worked very closely with the BCBC staff, analyzing current business processes, developing specifications for proposed systems and obtaining approvals for system development. Significant network analysis was conducted on this project with links designed to interface with EZPass systems and major T1 networks between the two bridges. Security was addressed at all levels including outside access to data through both Internet and Intranet connections.
The nature of the uptime requirements required a detailed disaster recovery plan, which was designed, incorporated advanced disk arrays, Oracle’s Dataguard, UPS systems and redundant paths between two servers over T1 lines. Numerous web applications were developed for this project including a statistical report front end, vehicle identification system, audit system with video interface capability, shift scheduling module and preventative/demand maintenance module. A complete cash tracking system was developed including an interface to handle EZPass transactions.
Separate databases for reporting and production were created to minimize disruption in the production environment and maximize performance on the ad-hoc query side. Interfaces to very large EZPass databases were built to ‘pull and push’ data in a timely manner. Parsons also developed user documentation and training materials for end users.
As per the Parsons methodology, unit, end-to-end and regression testing was carried out on all application development. Parsons also performed a great deal of hardware integration work on this project, testing and interfacing to many pieces of gear from different vendors including light curtains, treadles, overhead signs, gates, and radar detection devices to name a few.
The new system is a great success, as it was implemented seamlessly, without hindering day-to-day operations. Fraud and vehicle misclassification complaints have decreased significantly.
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