This story first appeared in the May issue of AutoTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
Utilising the latest technology will be the focus of the National electronic Tolling Conference (NeTC) in Sydney later this month.
Organised by Intelligent Transport Systems Australia (ITS), the conference is themed “Converging Smarter Tolling Technologies”.
It will feature more than 40 speakers, including New South Wales minister for roads, maritime and freight Melinda Pavey.
“Well-managed and efficient road transport infrastructure is crucial to business and the liveability of cities, regional and rural communities,” Pavey says.
“Smarter ways of moving people and freight will reduce risks on the roads, ease congestion and positively impact the economy.
“I am looking forward to meeting members of the local, national and international road tolling and transport technology industry, to share information and explore collaborative initiatives to support enhanced mobility.”
The two-day annual event, now in its 13th year, runs from May 23-25.
ITS Australia chief executive Susan Harris says NeTC 2017 is a great opportunity to drive the industry forward.
“Australia is a global leader in ITS and last year’s World Congress in Melbourne was a significant moment for the local industry,” she says.
“The congress connected governments and industry to international markets and enhanced Australia’s reputation across America, Asia Pacific and Europe.
“Key congress messages have been captured in the ITS Australia report ‘Smart Transport for Australia’ in which nearly 50 focus areas for future opportunities have been identified.
“The report is a blueprint for the industry and NeTC will be an opportunity to present key findings to ensure transport is safer, more efficient and sustainable.”
Other speakers at this year’s conference include representatives from government and industry groups.
One speaker, Kapsch TrafficCom senior bids and project manager Andy Tay, says Singapore is a great example of how technology can be used to improve tolling systems.
“Singapore implemented its first congestion charge system in 1975 – a world first. In 1998, it was upgraded to an electronic system and the next generation system will be based on global navigation satellite systems.
“It’s important for the industry to be collaborative and learn from each other to best utilise data and technology to maximise outcomes.”
Another conference speaker, Infrastructure Australia chief executive Philip Davies, says overhauling road networks is one of the biggest opportunities for infrastructure reform in Australia.
“As we argued in the 15-year Australian Infrastructure Plan, introducing a fairer, user-pays system of road charging can deliver secure, sustainable funding for our roads and better services for users,” he says.
“With the Federal Government now committed to a public inquiry on the potential benefits of road market reform, this year’s NeTC Forum is an opportunity to have a frank discussion on how this important reform can be implemented in practice – including the challenge of how we bring the community with us on the journey to a fairer system.”
Go to www.its-australia.com.au
for more information.
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