[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 194 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51762-51772]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24296]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 950

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-06-23597]
RIN 2125-AF07


Interoperability Requirements, Standards, or Performance 
Specifications for Automated Toll Collection Systems

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is adding a new part to the Code of Federal 
Regulations, to add regulations specifying the interoperability 
requirements for automated toll collection systems for the facilities 
that are tolled under any of the tolling programs contained in section 
1604 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation 
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Specifically, this 
rulemaking requires facilities operating with authority under section 
1604 of SAFETEA-LU to use electronic toll collection (ETC) systems and 
to maximize their system's interoperability with other toll facilities. 
Although a nationwide interoperability standard has not yet been 
established, this rule seeks to accelerate progress toward achieving 
nationwide interoperability by requiring these facilities to upgrade 
their ETC systems to the national standards whenever adopted.

DATES: This rule becomes effective November 9, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Rupert, FHWA Office of 
Operations, (202) 366-2194 or Mr. Michael Harkins, Attorney Advisor, 
FHWA Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366- 4928, Federal Highway 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. 
Office hours for the FHWA are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Access

    This document, the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), and all 
comments received may be viewed on line through the Federal eRulemaking 
portal at: http://www.regulations.gov. The Web site is available 24 
hours each day, 365 days each year. Please follow the instructions.
    An electronic copy of this document may also be downloaded by 
accessing the Federal Register's home page at: http://www.archives.gov 
and the Government Printing Office's Web page at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara.

Background

History

    Section 1604 of SAFETEA-LU (Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144) 
includes provisions related to tolling of highways and facilities. 
Specifically, section 1604 establishes or amends three tolling 
programs: (1) The Value Pricing Pilot Program; (2) the Express Lanes 
Demonstration Program; and (3) the Interstate System Construction Toll 
Pilot Program. For each toll program under this section, section 
1604(b)(6) requires the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a 
final rule specifying requirements, standards, or performance 
specifications for automated toll collection systems.
    Section 1604(b)(6) also requires that in developing the final rule 
to maximize the interoperability of electronic collection systems, the 
Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable:
    (1) Accelerate progress toward the national goal of achieving a 
nationwide interoperable ETC system;
    (2) Take into account the use of noncash electronic technology 
currently deployed within an appropriate geographical area of travel 
and the noncash electronic technology likely to be in use within the 
next 5 years; and
    (3) Minimize additional costs and maximize convenience to users of 
toll facility and to the toll facility owner or operator.
    An NPRM proposing the creation of a new Part 950 of 23 CFR was 
published on September 20, 2007, at 72 FR 53736. The purpose was to 
comply with the mandate of section 1604(b)(6) of SAFETEA-LU to 
promulgate a final rule specifying the requirements, standards, or 
performance specifications for automated toll collection systems 
implemented under section 1604. As stated in the NPRM, FHWA does not 
believe that it can effectively establish a

[[Page 51763]]

national standard at this time. However, FHWA believes that requiring 
toll agencies to take interoperability issues into consideration in 
developing their toll collections systems addresses the objective of 
the statute to accelerate progress toward the goal of nationwide 
interoperability.
    FHWA held two public meetings and received 40 responses to the 
NPRM. A major focus of the comments was that the current IntelliDrive 
\SM\ Program (formerly referenced as the Vehicle Infrastructure 
Integration or VII Program) is expected to result in establishing 
interoperable ETC standards using the 5.9 Gigahertz (GHz) band of the 
communications spectrum allocated for IntelliDrive \SM\ by the Federal 
Communications Commission. Commenters stated that efforts at this time 
to develop an interoperability standard prior to realization of the 
standards from the IntelliDrive \SM\ program were seen as being 
counterproductive and imposed unnecessary costs without apparent 
benefits to toll operators.

Summary Discussion of Comments Received in Response to the NPRM

    The following presents an overview of the comments received in 
response to the NPRM.

Profile of Respondents

    Comments were submitted by a representative cross-section of 
roadway tolling organizations and an individual. The respondents 
included tolling agencies or commissions; State departments of 
transportation; an automobile manufacturer; an international 
organization representing the interests of tolling authorities and 
supporting services; automobile trade associations; a government 
coalition; an association of tolling authorities; and individual firms 
providing tolling equipment and supporting services. The international 
organization representing the interests of tolling authorities that 
provided comments was the International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike 
Association (IBTTA) which is comprised of 280 members in 25 countries. 
The government coalition comments were provided by the I-95 Corridor 
Coalition which is comprised of 17 transportation authorities located 
along Interstate 95. The association of tolling authorities' comments 
were provided by E-ZPass Interagency Group (IAG) which is comprised of 
23 agencies in 12 States. The automobile trade association comments 
were provided by the VII Consortium which is comprised of 6 automobile 
manufacturers and the DOT through a cooperative agreement, and the 
Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) which is 
comprised of 14 international automobile manufacturers.
    There were 40 entries into the docket for comments on the proposed 
rule. Of these entries, 10 were letters of transmittal. Three were 
posted by FHWA (the proposed rule, a copy of the presentation material 
used by the FHWA during the public meetings, and the minutes of the 
proceedings of the public meeting). Two entries were requests to 
reschedule the public meeting or to hold an additional meeting (a 
second public meeting was held). And one entry was a duplicate of a 
previous entry. Of the remaining 23 entries into the docket, the 
comment of 8 entries was to endorse the E-ZPass IAG's comments.
    Half of the respondents expressed support of FHWA's basic goal of 
improving mobility through national tolling interoperability. However, 
most emphasized the importance of considering existing regional 
interoperability standards and the financial investments that have been 
made in them throughout the United States during the establishment of 
national standards, and that the national standard should be backward 
compatible to them.
    The respondents directed their comments within four categories. 
These categories are general comments, comments directed to the NPRM 
preamble, comments directed to specific sections of the proposed rule, 
and comments directed to the questions contained in the NPRM. The 
following summarizes the comments within each category.

General Comments

    Most of the general comments received are reflected in the 
following excerpts taken from the comments of IBTTA:
    [cir] Some members are concerned that an effort by the Federal 
Government to establish a technical standard for ETC is premature 
without having a better understanding and recognition of the financial 
needs and methods of the toll agencies in assuring financial 
interoperability. More research is needed on the transition and 
coordination of ``back rooms.''
    [cir] Even though the NPRM clearly establishes a narrow scope for 
the application of interoperability standards, some members are 
concerned that codification of a ``standard to be determined'' will 
give Congress the impression that ETC interoperability is a function 
subject to their control. In reality, interoperability is more 
accurately a function of the agencies running the toll facilities and 
their relationships with other toll operators.
    [cir] The NPRM language suggests a potential for creating conflict 
with existing State laws, as in the case of California which requires 
all toll operators to use Title 21 compliant systems.
    [cir] Though the current proposal makes no effort to set an ETC 
standard, it alludes to a future period when FHWA concurrence would be 
required on technology selection and could potentially require the use 
of an ETC system incompatible with the State's requirements. Many IBTTA 
members are concerned about this possibility.
    [cir] The NPRM is vague in establishing a time frame for compliance 
at such time as a Federal standard might be established. Electronic 
toll collection represents an enormous investment of capital in the 
transponders and associated data and communications systems. Toll 
agencies require adequate time to amortize prior investments and 
facilitate the very complex logistics needed to replace millions of 
transponders among their customers.
    [cir] Is there a business case to be made for national 
interoperability? More analysis is needed to determine if sufficient 
value exists, for example, for the occasional traveler from California 
to pay their toll in New Hampshire with their California-based account. 
The tens of millions of dollars it would cost the toll industry to 
establish national account reciprocity may not be worth the limited 
benefit to a few consumers.
    [cir] Barring a significant infusion of Federal funding into a 
tolling system that has historically been denied Federal support raises 
the issue of a potential unfunded Federal mandate that would be borne 
by the customers of current and future toll facilities.
    The FHWA appreciates IBTTA's candor and has carefully considered 
their recommendations. The FHWA believes that this rule accommodates 
the concerns expressed.
    This rule requires toll agencies to consider regional 
interoperability, which should mitigate potential conflicts with State 
laws and FHWA's review, and concurrence will ensure the selection of 
the toll collection technique addresses regional interoperability 
concerns.
    Also, FHWA concurs that the complexity associated with ``back 
office'' billing and financial issues requires caution in addressing 
interoperability. We will cooperate with the industry in identifying, 
studying, and addressing accountability issues in nationwide 
interoperable ETC.

[[Page 51764]]

    Additionally, this rule does not create Federal standards for 
automated toll collection. If and when FHWA creates such standards, a 
separate rulemaking action will be required. Any future rulemaking 
action would address business concerns with nationwide standardization, 
including the economic analysis of the cost and benefit distribution. 
Also, any interested party would be permitted to submit comments to 
FHWA to consider in developing the final rule as part of the rulemaking 
process.
    The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) requested 
clarification from FHWA on whether NCTA is considered ``eligible'' by 
FHWA's proposed rulemaking and whether they fall under section 
1604(b)(6) of the SAFETEA-LU provisions. It is unclear from NCTA's 
comment exactly what NCTA is asking FHWA to clarify with respect to its 
eligibility. With respect to funding, the Value Pricing Pilot Program 
is the only 1604 toll program with funding. Under the Value Pricing 
Pilot Program, State and local governments and other public authorities 
are eligible grant recipients. Since NCTA appears to be a public 
authority, NCTA is eligible to receive a grant under the Value Pricing 
Pilot Program. Also, NCTA may apply directly for toll authority under 
the Value Pricing Pilot Program and Express Lanes Demonstration 
Program, and jointly with North Carolina DOT for toll authority under 
the Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot Program. If NCTA receives 
toll authority under any of these toll programs, NCTA would be subject 
to the requirements of this rule.
    Comments directed at the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The following comments were received in response to the background 
information provided in the NPRM.

[72 FR 53738, first paragraph]

    The AIAM pointed out that, in addition to the Institute of 
Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), other standards development 
organizations are involved in developing standards for 5.9 GHz 
Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), particularly the Society of 
Automotive Engineers (SAE) (see SAE standard J2735).
    The omission of the contribution of SAE in the development of 
standards related to DSRC in the background discussion was not 
intentional, and FHWA acknowledges the efforts of SAE.

[72 FR 53738, second paragraph]

    The AIAM also commented that if the requirements document 
referenced in the NPRM is the document OmniAir recently circulated 
entitled ``Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII), Tolling and 
Payment Applications Concept of Operations,'' there are some 
fundamental assumptions in that document that need to be revised based 
on a consensus of the major IntelliDrive \SM\ stakeholders. This 
document has not yet been sufficiently vetted with the affected 
IntelliDrive\SM\ stakeholders.
    The OmniAir document referenced in the NPRM is its Electronic 
Payment Services National Interoperability Specification, which 
predates the VII document noted by the AIAM.

[72 FR 53738, paragraph under heading ``DOT Outreach Efforts'']

    With reference to the NPRM's statement about IBTTA sharing 
information on their activities, AIAM commented that although ETC 
represents an important subset of the intended uses of 5.9 GHz DSRC, 
there are other major stakeholders planning higher-priority safety uses 
of 5.9 GHz DSRC with whose requirements the ETC requirements must be 
harmonized. The toll collection interoperability requirements and 
specifications should therefore be framed within the constraints of the 
overall IntelliDrive \SM\ system and a National IntelliDrive \SM\ 
Program, which take into account both technical and policy requirements 
of the major stakeholders anticipated to use this IntelliDrive \SM\ 
system.
    The FHWA concurs with the potential of IntelliDrive \SM\ to address 
a range of applications beyond toll collection; however, this 
rulemaking does not specifically address the requirements of 
IntelliDrive \SM\.

Comments Directed at Specific Sections of the Proposed New Part 950 to 
23 CFR

Section 950.1 Purpose

    Raytheon commented that this section states that the proposed 
regulations establish interoperability requirements, standards, and 
performance specifications, but does not present or establish 
performance specifications in the proposed regulations. The FHWA 
concurs and herein revises section 950.1 to reflect that the purpose of 
the rule is to establish interoperability requirements.

Section 950.3 Definitions

    Washington DOT and Raytheon commented that the ETC definition is 
too restrictive. They suggested that the language be strengthened to 
indicate a preference for the use of ETC where tolls are collected at 
highway speed and vehicles are not required to slow down. They 
recommended that the definition of ETC be changed to read:

``Electronic toll collection (ETC) is defined as the ability for 
vehicle operators to automatically pay tolls without altering their 
driving speed or course.''

    They noted that if this change were made, then there would be no 
need for a definition of DSRC, because the term DSRC is never used in 
the proposed rule. Similar comments were made by others in response to 
the questions in the NPRM. The FHWA concurs and substantially adopts 
the alternate definition of ETC in section 950.3.

Section 950.5 Requirements to use electronic toll collection technology

    Washington and Texas DOT, the Port Authority of New York and New 
Jersey, and several toll support firms indicated support of section 
950.5(a), if the definition of ETC in section 950.3 is generalized. As 
noted previously, FHWA concurs and the definitions in section 950.3 
have been modified to remove reference to radio communication and to 
clarify the collection of tolls without altering speed or course.
    Rummel, Klepper and Kahl, LLP commented that this section appears 
to contain ambiguous language when stating cash payments are allowed 
when the use of such methods do not create an unsafe condition. The 
commenter proposed that all cash tolling facilities are unsafe due to 
the stopping of traffic. The commenter based this on a National 
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report following a fatal accident at 
a cash tolling facility where the toll plaza was in the main stream of 
traffic. As demonstrated in the NTSB report, toll plazas in main lanes 
of travel may present some risks, which is one of the reasons these 
regulations prohibit toll booths from being located in the main lanes 
of travel. While FHWA believes that ETC systems are essential to 
facilitating efficient and safe operating conditions, FHWA wants toll 
collection agencies to provide a means for travelers that may not be 
enrolled in an ETC system to use the facility without incurring a legal 
infraction. The FHWA believes that toll agencies are capable of 
designing and implementing the necessary specifications that ensure the 
safe and efficient operation of a toll facility in accordance with the 
standards in this rule. Therefore, FHWA has not made any changes as a 
result of this comment.

[[Page 51765]]

Section 950.7 Interoperability requirements

    The Washington DOT requested a description and more information 
about the design documents that will be required or needed by FHWA to 
provide concurrence on system design and a definition of non-cash 
electronic technology. They also requested clarification of the 
sentence, ``* * * only applies if tolls are imposed on a facility after 
the effective date of this rule.'' They noted that Washington State's 
Route 167 high occupancy toll (HOT) lane facility toll system is in 
design, but tolls are not yet being collected and inquired if FHWA 
would consider a system that is in design to meet this rule.
    The FHWA will require the same design documentation that is 
routinely required for a Federal-aid project as specified in 23 CFR 
part 940. This documentation must show compliance with 23 CFR 950.7 of 
this rule.
    If a facility is granted toll authority under a section 1604 toll 
program and tolls are not imposed at the time this rule becomes 
effective, the requirements of this rule apply. Section 1604 toll 
programs include only the Value Pricing Pilot Program, Express Lanes 
Demonstration Program, and Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot 
Program. However, this rule does not apply, for example, to facilities 
granted toll authority under section 166 of Title 23 of the United 
States Code, i.e., conversion of high occupancy vehicle to HOT 
facilities.
    Raytheon expressed concern that some of the proposed requirements 
in sections 950.7(b) and 950.7(c) could actually inhibit progress 
toward the deployment of a next generation national system based on 
open standards. They expressed concerns that if FHWA approval is 
required, and if such approval demands that proposed toll system 
designs maximize compatibility with the most widely deployed DSRC 
devices, then agencies seeking approval will have no incentive to 
specify tolling systems with advanced capabilities or open standards. 
This could extend and expand the use of some proprietary or stagnant 
technologies beyond their natural lifetime, and could diminish 
innovation, competition, and user convenience. They suggested that any 
FHWA approval process would need to carefully balance the benefits of 
technological innovation with those of legacy system compatibility. In 
some cases it may be financially or technically impractical to support 
multiple technologies concurrently, and the benefits of a new or more 
capable technology may outweigh the benefits of supporting ``legacy'' 
users.
    The FHWA appreciates the concern expressed by Raytheon. The intent 
of the rule is to advance interoperability and is not technology 
specific. It is incumbent on the tolling authority to demonstrate how 
it is addressing interoperability, including the incorporation of any 
emerging technologies. The review and concurrence by FHWA will evaluate 
the information provided by the tolling authority toward achieving 
interoperability. Accordingly, FHWA has made two changes to this rule. 
First, FHWA has modified subsection 950.7(b) to clarify that FHWA's 
concurrence is not intended to force the use of any particular type of 
technology, and subsection 950.7(c) to clarify that FHWA's concurrence 
will give appropriate weight to current and future interoperability 
with toll facilities. Second, FHWA has added a new subsection 950.7(f) 
to expressly provide that the rule is technology neutral.
    TransCore commented that the NPRM states that ETC systems already 
in operation will not be subject to the present rulemaking. However, 
the NPRM further states in subsection 950.7(e) that ``* * * any change 
to the facility's toll collection system after the effective date of 
the final rule would be subject to the regulations proposed in this 
rule.'' TransCore believes that this proposed language was unclear as 
to whether the rule would apply to facilities that change in technology 
or change in facility size. TransCore believes that because adoption of 
a national standard is not urgent, regions that use existing 
technologies to meet their current and future needs should not be 
hampered from expanding their networks or unduly forced to change 
anything in their systems unless they have compelling internal reasons 
to do so.
    The FHWA believes that the intent and wording of this section 
provides the flexibility needed to permit an assessment based on 
regional needs and requirements. The FHWA concurs with the need to 
clarify section 950.7(e) and modified it to clarify that changes to the 
method or technology for collecting tolls would cause the facility to 
be subject to this rule.

Summary of Responses to NPRM's Request for Comment Questions

    The NPRM requested comments on six questions to provide additional 
information for this or potential future rulemaking actions. Twelve of 
the respondents submitted specific comments to these questions. 
Comments on the questions were received from two tolling authorities 
(NCTA and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey), two State 
departments of transportation (California and Texas), one automobile 
manufacturer (General Motors), two automobile trade associations (AIAM, 
Inc. and VII Consortium), one international tolling and supporting 
services association (IBTTA), one tolling authority association (E-
ZPass IAG), and three tolling systems firms (Mark IV IVHS, Raytheon 
Highway Transportation Management Systems, and TransCore). Their 
responses are summarized below.

1. How should a national electronic toll collection standard be 
pursued?

    In the NPRM, the background discussion states that to ensure 
national interoperability, an ETC standard would need to include 
interoperability consideration for both the ``front-end'' toll 
collection communications technology and the ``back-office'' operations 
of properly identifying and accounting for ETC activities. None of the 
respondents disagreed with this premise and several suggested that the 
pursuit of a national standard should address both.
    Back-office activities identified for standardization included the 
data exchanges that govern transaction details, financial reciprocity 
and settlement, and customer service and accounting. This includes the 
sharing of customer information regarding account status and includes 
confidential information such as name, address, credit card 
information, and vehicle owner information. Several commenters 
suggested that the financial aspect can be addressed by business 
agreements that include standards that identify and validate the 
transponders and standards for reporting toll activities and settling 
payments.
    The IAG proposed that the business agreements and processing 
standards developed by the IAG be accepted by FHWA as a basis for 
developing the financial and administrative aspects of national 
interoperability. Others suggested that the regional solutions to 
interoperability such as the IAG should be studied to extract the 
lessons learned, but TransCore felt that most of these consolidations 
were done in a ``brute-force'' way that is not readily extrapolated to 
a full national system. The tolling Concept of Operations document 
generated by OmniAir was also suggested as a good resource document for 
the back-office standards.
    It was pointed out that back-office standardization is further 
complicated

[[Page 51766]]

by the many and varied restrictions and requirements bound into the 
local authority's existing bonding agreements and other binding 
documents. Many of these requirements and restrictions must be handled 
legally before any further consolidation actions can be taken.
    The FHWA appreciates the comments and information provided by the 
respondents concerning the back-office and financial perspectives to be 
considered when developing a national interoperable tolling standard.
    For the front-end standardization activities, several commented 
that any effort to develop interoperability standards at the lane-level 
should support existing technologies. A common front-end technology was 
identified as desirable in the long run, but it is not necessarily the 
only solution. Several commented that an interoperable lane-level 
solution is relatively easy to achieve today using multiprotocol 
readers, but cannot be implemented because of intellectual property and 
patent restrictions. It was suggested that FHWA should focus its 
efforts on making existing regional systems interoperable through 
negotiation to mitigate these restrictions that prevent existing 
proprietary systems' interoperability on an interim basis while working 
toward an open national standard.
    The FHWA concurs that lane-level interoperability is potentially 
easier to accomplish than back-office interoperability because of 
advances in communication technology, but there may be issues related 
to intellectual property rights. All of these responses are valuable 
inputs in consideration of future development of Federal standards 
either for vehicle-to-roadside communications or back-office 
transactions.
    As part of the interoperability effort, several respondents 
encouraged FHWA to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility 
of Department of Motor Vehicle or Motor Vehicle Commission records 
across the United States. The commenters indicated that tolling 
agencies need cost-effective access to accurate license plate 
information. The FHWA was also encouraged to work with the States to 
establish a more consistent look and coding structure of license 
plates. The FHWA will use these recommendations in considering future 
rulemaking for toll collection interoperability standards and in 
developing any guidance related to automated toll collection systems.
    Several commented that interoperability standards should be open to 
new technologies and governed by data exchange standards. TransCore 
commented that there should be no attempt to specify or dictate 
specific technologies to be used for toll collection, noting that radio 
frequency identification, global positioning system, and video 
technologies all play a role in modern toll collection systems. 
TransCore recommended that any technology standards imposed should, at 
a minimum, allow these proven approaches to continue to develop, while 
simultaneously encouraging new technologies that can further improve 
toll collection efficiencies. The FHWA concurs and believes the 
modifications to the rule related to technology neutrality clarify the 
use of technology independent solutions.
    Over one-half of those responding to the NPRM's questions indicated 
that a national toll collection standard should be pursued as an 
integrated part of the overall National IntelliDrive\SM\ Program. They 
indicated that toll collection systems should use standard interfaces 
that are being defined for the IntelliDrive\SM\ system and should 
function within the operational rules of a National IntelliDrive\SM\ 
Program to provide an integrated technical and policy framework that 
supports nationwide interoperability beyond the confines of the tolling 
applications. General Motors indicated that safety applications should 
have the highest priority.
    It was pointed out that government and industry are working 
cooperatively in IEEE technical committees to define 5.9 GHz DSRC 
standards and with OmniAir to define 5.9 GHz interoperability testing 
and e-payment transaction standards enabling back-office 
interoperability. These efforts should be continued. The IAG also noted 
that pilot projects should be initiated to validate the resulting 
standards.
    Several respondents observed that the NPRM suggests that some sort 
of interim standard is necessary. They contended that implementation of 
an interim standard to be followed by a federally developed 5.9 GHz 
DSRC standard will place undue financial, operational, and logistical 
burdens on those entities covered by the rule without any real prospect 
of attaining the goal of national interoperability. One respondent 
stated, ``The proposed rule should be set aside in favor of the 
inevitable adoption of 5.9 GHz DSRC standards.''
    With the exception of the comment that the rule suggests imposing 
interim standards, the responses and comments above reinforce 
statements presented in the proposed rule. Specifically, the General 
Discussion of the Proposal section of the NPRM stated that, ``the 
Department does not believe that it can effectively establish a 
national standard at this time.'' The General Discussion also states 
that standards published as a result of the DSRC program may form the 
basis for future rulemaking to establish standards for a nationwide 
interoperable toll collection system. The FHWA agrees that any 5.9 GHz 
toll standards should be developed in concert with the IntelliDrive\SM\ 
Program. The Department continues to support the IntelliDrive\SM\ 
program and related activities including the IEEE, SAE and OmniAir 
efforts described previously.
    One commented that the national standard should be developed with 
the FHWA supplying funds to multiple vendors to develop prototype 
equipment which is then tested for interoperability and specification 
compliance by an independent contractor.
    Several commented that when a national interoperability standard is 
adopted, there will need to be a significant window of time for toll 
agencies to migrate to this standard to allow toll agencies to fully 
amortize their existing system costs and facilitate the complex 
logistics needed to replace millions of transponders among their 
customers.
    These comments are appropriate considerations if future rulemaking 
actions are undertaken to identify and adopt a national standard for 
automated toll collection interoperability. These responses and 
comments do not necessitate any changes to this rule.

2. What aspects of electronic toll collection should be standardized?

    Many of the responses to this question were variations of the 
responses provided to question 1 that the front-end, lane-level 
solution, and the back-office data processing solution should be 
considered for standardization. The communications protocols, message 
sets, and all data flows for all transactions should be an open 
specification. Advancing standards that are independent of any specific 
technology allows toll operators the ability to fully amortize existing 
investments in roadside infrastructure and on-board units, while 
allowing for technological evolution and innovation to create new 
functionality, accuracy, and efficiency.
    Several respondents emphasized standardization for the data 
structures, and the format and rules for exchanging ETC that support 
the full spectrum of ETC functions to clear the transactions and 
successfully transfer funds between account holders and facility 
operators. It

[[Page 51767]]

was suggested that the FHWA should develop technology-neutral unified 
standards for data exchange that address transaction details, financial 
reciprocity and settlement, customer service and accounting, and 
revenue collection enforcement. One respondent noted that the most 
important aspects to be standardized are the data structures, formats, 
and exchange protocols that support the full spectrum of ETC functions.
    The NCTA commented that, ``Until a true standard file specification 
for all on-board unit transactions exists, FHWA should either select 
the most suitable file specification in operation or facilitate 
creation of a bridge file specification that includes minimum 
information as to the issuer of the account, the class of the vehicle, 
the vehicle weight, and the entry and exit point for transactions 
occurring on a closed system roadway.''
    Several suggested a standardized vehicle classification system such 
that agencies have common framework for metrics, such as vehicle size, 
axles and configurations to appropriately determine the toll charge.
    The IAG repeated its recommendation that the E-ZPass standards 
provide a basis until such time as a uniform, low cost, easily 
verifiable point of service payment system is established and accepted.
    Several commented that a national clearinghouse should be used for 
financial transactions with the suggestion that the credit card 
transaction system may be a good model to study. The Port Authority of 
New York and New Jersey observed that ``Existing ETC systems in the 
U.S. have largely been developed by having some combination of toll 
operators, systems integrators and back office contractors providing 
the financial clearing functions for toll reciprocity and settlement. 
This has resulted in inherent inefficiencies, redundant investments and 
systems, and delays from extended financial settlement processes. As 
the U.S. considers electronic tolling interoperability, the focus 
should be on more fully integrating established financial institutions 
in the financial clearing functions.''
    At the lane level, it was suggested that it is important to avoid 
specifying a single technical approach to allow the industry to take 
maximum advantage of new technologies as they emerge. As a general 
statement, the eventual standards should not be overly prescriptive and 
should allow as much latitude as possible to the local toll 
authorities.
    General Motors suggested that regulatory requirements for ETC 
devices must help ensure that operation does not interfere with other 
vehicle signal transmissions, operations, and functionality. The 
standard should specify testing to specific performance criteria 
stipulated in the regulations for vehicle-based ETC and for automated 
tolling booths to allow developers of on-board vehicle devices to 
develop and validate independent of the manufacturers of the automated 
tolling booth technology. Testable performance criteria were mentioned 
by several other responders as well.
    Both of the automobile associations indicated that the Human 
Machine Interface in the vehicle, or other internal vehicle system 
components or operations, should not be standardized and are not part 
of the IntelliDrive\SM\ system. Further, the applications themselves 
should not be standardized; rather message sets should be standardized 
to support interoperability allowing for proprietary application 
differentiation and innovation.
    Mark IV IVHS, Inc. indicated that, in the short-term, none of the 
aspects should be standardized pending the outcome of the 5.9 GHz 
program. In the long-term, both technical and financial compatibility 
aspects should be standardized, although the latter is not an absolute 
requirement, as the same device can be registered for use in multiple 
systems with different accounts.
    The FHWA appreciates the comments and contributions of the 
respondents. The information provided will serve as valuable input if a 
national interoperability tolling standard is developed. Since this 
rule does not address development of a specific standard, no changes 
are needed based on these comments.

3. How critical is the timing for establishing a national electronic 
toll collection standard?

    One-third of the respondents considered the timing to be non-
critical, with one referring to it as a ``back-burner'' issue. Another 
respondent felt the timing of the proposed rule is ill-conceived and 
counter to the federally sponsored 5.9 GHz DSRC effort. The California 
DOT commented that the timing of a national standard is critical. They 
suggested that it should have a rapid development time with an 
aggressive implementation plan.
    Almost one-half of the respondents felt it was important to 
harmonize the timing for establishment of a national ETC standard with 
the overall National IntelliDrive\SM\ Program development and potential 
deployment. This is considered important so that consensus on common 
issues can be maintained. Such harmonization would help to foster 
coordinated deployment of the necessary vehicle, infrastructure 
communications equipment, and complementary applications. Several 
commenters indicated that the tolling community should take advantage 
of the capabilities afforded by the national IntelliDrive\SM\ 
initiative, but it is not practical to mandate its use in the near 
future.
    General Motors suggested that regulatory requirements for ETC 
systems should be paced to, and coordinated with, the standards for 
vehicle safety and mobility applications. The IAG observed that a 
critical concern with the 5.9 GHz system is the rollout of the fleet 
and the timing for massive capital investments in roadside equipment to 
support a small portion of the users. A program, providing for an 
initial in-vehicle device that is provided as an after market 
transponder, could make the establishment of a national standard more 
realistic.
    The IAG stated that establishment of a national standard must be 
done in a manner that takes into consideration existing standards and 
the financial investments made in deployed systems. They emphasized 
that it is important that any call for implementation recognize that 
the E-ZPass network alone has over 3,000 toll lanes, which would have 
to be equipped or renovated to make the overall system work. The time 
to replace or supplement existing systems would be critical since most 
lanes must operate with daily traffic. They believe that at least a 4-
year window would be necessary between the date on which the standards 
are established and the day the ETC systems are expected to be fully 
operational. Another respondent suggested it should be fully deployed 
within 5 years of adoption.
    Several respondents stated that hardware interoperability is 
available to any who need it through use of multimode, multiprotocol 
devices that are available today. It was suggested that FHWA should 
explore facilitating a negotiation process to mitigate current patent 
restrictions to allow agencies to utilize multiprotocol readers. This 
should be accompanied by the timely implementation of the data 
interchanges, financial, and procedural requirements to allow current 
and future interoperable systems.
    As noted previously, FHWA concurs that any national interoperable 
tolling standard developed for the 5.9 GHz DSRC effort must be 
coordinated with

[[Page 51768]]

the overall IntelliDrive\SM\ Program. Implementation and adoption of 
any future standard must address the transition to the new standard and 
consider current and future investments by the tolling authorities.

4. How should the national standard incorporate current technologies 
and functions?

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recommended that a 
plan for national interoperability should begin with an evaluation of 
the applicability of the E-ZPass standards for data exchange, file 
formats and financial reciprocity, and settlement practices to a 
national approach. The Texas DOT suggested that the first step was to 
emphasize video aspects that enhance ETC and establish uniform 
standards for the collection of data between the camera, the 
classification system, and the data network. The second step was to 
establish standards to create a national data repository to facilitate 
the exchange of information between agencies, similar to that used by 
the credit card industry. The IBTTA suggested that any national 
standard should incorporate the functions articulated by IBTTA's ETC 
performance specification document.
    A majority of the respondents stated that compatibility with 
existing standards should be incorporated in a national 
interoperability standard to lessen the impact of transitioning from 
regional standards to the national standards. Any movement toward a 
national standard must recognize that there is a large investment in 
place in roadside equipment, transponders, and multiyear back-office 
contracts that support regional interoperability today. Several noted 
that the migration period must include a transitional period for the 
current technologies to operate in parallel with the national standard 
until tolling agencies are assured it mirrors and captures all of the 
transactions that the legacy system capture. One respondent commented, 
``It would be unconscionable to develop a national standard that does 
not recognize the investment made in ETC systems and accommodate the 
existing technologies and functions.''
    Several respondents recommended integrating the ETC standard into 
the overall IntelliDrive\SM\ technology approach so that compatibility 
with planned technologies under development will be ensured, including 
the collective agreement of the major IntelliDrive\SM\ stakeholders. 
General Motors suggested that national interoperability standards 
should focus on performance-based standards that include requirements 
to ensure ETC devices do not impact vehicle operation and safety 
communications.
    Raytheon suggested that a national 5.9 GHz DSRC standard should not 
incorporate legacy technologies; rather, it should focus on the next 
generation. They also suggested that current tolling functions will 
apply to future systems. However, Raytheon does not believe that it is 
necessary or efficient for FHWA to standardize all tolling functions 
and performance parameters.
    The comments above will provide valuable input should a national 
interoperable tolling standard be developed and adopted in the future. 
As noted previously, this rule does not impose the creation of 
standard; hence, there are no changes needed to the rule.

5. How should the national standard allow for changes in technologies 
over time?

    A number of the responses reiterated points made in response to 
previous questions. The point reiterated that the standard should 
provide a way for any system to evolve over time, but remain backward 
compatible for a reasonable time. Electronic identification appears to 
remain the most cost-effective means going forward, but other forms of 
electronic identification will also be important and should be 
anticipated and provided for in the standards. The standard should 
emphasize approach rather than a technology, device, or vendor. It was 
again noted that the national standard should be harmonized with the 
IntelliDrive\SM\ program.
    The Texas DOT recommended that technology should be viewed as a 
tool to support the interoperable network, by focusing on not only ETC, 
but also the supporting agreements, networks, and procedures, plus 
video tolling so that changes in technology can be more easily 
integrated into the manner in which revenue is collected. Several 
others responded that if there are to be changes in any of the 
standardized fundamental technologies, these changes should always be 
accomplished in a way that allows backward compatibility to support 
existing vehicles and infrastructure equipment. General Motors 
suggested focusing on performance-based requirements with open-
standards developed through industry voluntary consensus process 
consistent with the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 
1995.
    It was suggested that the national standard must provide for 
flexibility to handle future methods for charging a toll to customers 
by providing expandability within the financial standards to associate 
potential multiple devices and business rules to an account. The 
standards should extend beyond today's norms for ETC by considering 
electronic payment systems that would employ more ubiquitous data 
collection, account management, and payment methods than are available 
in today's transponder-based electronic tolling business models.
    Several suggested that a national ETC standard should focus on the 
data protocol, how the data is stored in a device, and how it is 
presented to the toll agency, not the means by which the data is 
transmitted. Similarly, the automobile manufacturers' associations 
suggested that by focusing on standards for message sets, rather than 
applications, innovation in applications development may proceed 
unabated. Similarly, by not standardizing the vehicle human machine 
interface, automobile manufacturers may proceed rapidly with innovation 
and product differentiation in this area to best meet the needs of 
their customers.
    Mark IV noted that toll operators must be allowed to realize the 
safety, efficiency, and environmental benefits of the investments they 
have made and commitments to amortization schedules. They must be 
allowed to make their own decisions on conversion based upon the 
financial, operational, political, and practical considerations unique 
to their organization.
    The FHWA generally agrees with the comments. They will provide 
valuable input should a national interoperable tolling standard be 
developed and adopted in the future. As noted previously, this rule 
does not impose the creation of standards; hence, there are no changes 
needed to the rule.

6. What are the personal privacy aspects of a national electronic toll 
collection standard and the technologies that may be used to achieve 
it?

    All of the respondents expressed the importance of preservation of 
personal privacy. However, Mark IV IVHS commented that there are no 
personal privacy aspects related to the technology. They indicated that 
privacy issues should be legislated rather than regulated and, in that 
context are beyond the scope of this proposed rule.
    The NCTA recommended that privacy principles be developed under the 
national ETC standard to ensure that individuals using the national 
standard equipped vehicles may be able to do so anonymously. They 
recommended that personal information used within a national standards 
program should be limited to information necessary to carry out an 
articulated and valid national standard purpose.

[[Page 51769]]

    More than one-half responded that transaction information, spending 
patterns, and all information related to the personal and financial 
sources backing an account should be adequately protected. Personal 
information including account status, credit card information, address 
information, and travel must be kept private and used solely for the 
collection of tolls and fines. If the standards accommodate devices 
that exchange information for multiple purposes, there should be 
safeguards to ensure that the data flow involving payment transactions 
is unique and not able to be replicated by legitimate equipment 
designed for other purposes.
    The NCTA noted that, for the collection of tolls for non-toll 
applications, it recommends the practice of utilizing fair information 
practices, such as notice and consent by patrons that will establish 
their agreement that certain private information will be used in the 
conduct of the business function in which they have agreed to 
participate. The national standard must contain the tools necessary for 
the careful protection of personal information and set limits that can 
be audited on how long personal information will be retained by users 
and administrators in a national program. The national standard must 
also provide the opportunity for a customer to terminate their 
participation (i.e., opt-out) in a non-ETC function.
    The automobile manufacturers' associations noted that the VII 
Coalition has devoted considerable effort and consensus-building into 
the development and adoption of the ``VII Privacy Policies Framework.'' 
This document forms the basis for privacy rules expected to govern a 
National IntelliDrive\SM\ Program. As a potential IntelliDrive\SM\ 
application, it is important that ETC systems intending to use the 
IntelliDrive\SM\ system are designed in ways that meet the principles 
and limits expressed in the ``VII Privacy Policies Framework.''
    Raytheon suggested that FHWA should consider requiring that the 
subject privacy policies be developed in accordance with specific 
recognized guidelines such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation 
and Development Privacy Guidelines on the Protection of Privacy or the 
more recently developed Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Privacy 
Framework.
    The previous comments provide valuable input toward potential 
development of national interoperable tolling standards, or guidance 
for implementing toll collection interoperability. The comments 
reiterate the need for privacy policies as required in section 950.5(c) 
of this rule. No changes to the rule are needed based on these 
comments.

Rulemaking Analysis and Notices

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    The FHWA has determined that this rule is a significant regulatory 
action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866 and is significant 
within the meaning of Department of Transportation regulatory policies 
and procedures. This action is considered significant because of the 
substantial State and local government and public interest in the 
requirements for automated toll collection systems. This rule provides 
interoperability requirements, standards, or performance specifications 
for toll projects initiated under section 1604 of SAFETEA-LU that use 
ETC. Section 1604 of SAFETEA-LU establishes or amends three tolling 
programs: (1) The Value Pricing Pilot Program, which has a maximum of 
15 cooperative agreements; (2) the Express Lanes Demonstration Program, 
which has a maximum of 15 tolling projects; and (3) the Interstate 
System Construction Toll Pilot Program, which has a maximum of three 
tolling projects. This rule only establishes conditions on a Federal 
grant of authority for toll programs under section 1604 and does not 
require a State to impose tolls on any particular facility nor mandate 
how a State or toll authority operates, maintains or enforces its 
tolling program.
    It is expected that the economic costs of this rule will be minimal 
while the benefits could be significant. These changes are not 
anticipated to adversely affect, in a material way, any sector of the 
economy. Since this rule only applies to new projects initiated under 
section 1604 of SAFETEA-LU, no significant encumbrances are added to 
the project's design or implementation.
    Interoperability will afford potential reductions in implementation 
and operating costs in several ways for the implementing agencies and 
the public. First, it will allow the leveraging of existing resources, 
specifically the toll transponders that are being used by vehicle 
operators. By designing for interoperability, a new ETC project will 
not need to distribute as many toll transponders as it would if it 
designed a unique toll collection system. The public users will not 
need to purchase or fund additional devices and accounts. According to 
the proceedings of a seminar conducted by the World Bank Group in March 
1999, agencies implementing a toll facility may realize additional cost 
savings of installed equipment of $5,000 per toll collecting lane for 
ETC versus traditional manual methods.\1\ Studies indicate that the 
costs for adding ETC to existing or already constructed roadways varies 
from $1.7 million (in 2005 dollars) for seven collection sites along 26 
miles of Interstate route 5 in San Diego \2\ to $35.7 million for 31 
miles of roadway in Dade County, Florida.\3\ Different levels of 
communication and technology infrastructure help account for the 
variation in implementation costs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Seminar proceedings on ``Tolling Options'' from ``Asian Toll 
Road Development in an Era of Financial Crisis,'' March 1999, World 
Bank Group and the Japanese Ministry of Construction. Link: http://www.worldbank.org/transport/roads/toll_rds.htm#options.
    \2\ I-5 North Coast Managed Lanes Value Pricing Study: Concept 
Plan Volume 1, prepared by PBConsult for the San Diego Association 
of Governments (SANDAG), California; April 2006. Link to Portable 
document format (PDF) file: http://www.sandag.org/uploads/publicationid/publicationid_1227_5523.pdf.
    \3\ Miami-Dade Expressway Authority: Open Road Tolling Master 
Plan 2007-2011, prepared by Dade Transportation Consultants for 
Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, Florida; March 2006. Link ITS Costs 
database: http://www.itscosts.its.dot.gov/its/benecost.nsf/ID/9A6D1C1362BD54C3852573EC0049CD49.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, the operating cost for an electronic toll lane is less than 
one-tenth that of a standard lane. A 1997 report indicated that the 
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority spent approximately $16,000 per year on the 
operational cost of an ETC lane. In contrast, the Authority spent 
approximately $176,000 per year to operate a manual toll collection 
lane. While this report represents a rural implementation, and may not 
be fully representative of a more metropolitan implementation with a 
great number of transactions, the increased number of tolled lanes and 
the cost savings of automating toll collection lanes versus staffed 
lanes provides for similar cost savings for operations.
    Third, there are also environmental savings associated with 
congestion reduction. Increasing access to electronic toll lanes will 
decrease time spent waiting to pay tolls. As an example of reduced 
delays, attended toll collection facilities can process approximately 
300 vehicles per hour, or 12 seconds per vehicle. Dedicated ETC 
facilities can process approximately 1,200 vehicles per hour, or 3 
seconds per vehicle.\4\ Using a conservative

[[Page 51770]]

estimate for a queue of four vehicles for processing per lane, the 
delay for not using ETC equals 36 seconds. During peak periods, queues 
would be longer and delays increased. When multiplied by the number of 
transactions, these time savings can be considerable based on the value 
of $15+ per hour that an average person in the United States earns. 
While the total savings are dependant on how many new systems are 
built, they could be considerable. Costs would be dependent on the 
methods that are instituted to collect payments. For example, it may 
take longer to pay using a lane that allows for multiple types of 
payment as opposed to lanes dedicated to ETC or barrier-free collection 
techniques. However, the Department believes that these differences 
would be minimal or more than offset by the delays caused by current 
systems.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Tollways Volume 2, Number 3, by IBTTA, 2005; The Path to 
Open Road Tolling, by Timothy O. Gallagher and Harold W. Worrall, 
pgs. 11-21.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Toll plazas and barriers reduce a facility's throughput of 
vehicles, resulting in traffic congestion and its associated hazards as 
the demand and volume of vehicles increase. Electronic tolling helps to 
mitigate congestion by eliminating the bottlenecks caused by toll 
plazas and barriers. For example, in 1995, researchers compared vehicle 
throughput on lanes with manual toll collections versus ETC on the 
Tappan Zee Bridge in New York. The manual collection lane accommodated 
up to 400 to 450 vehicles per hour while an electronic lane peaked at 
1,000 vehicles per hour.\5\ Also, in another example, the E-ZPass ETC 
system saved commuters approximately 2.1 million hours of delay on the 
New Jersey Turnpike in 2000.\6\ An evaluation from Florida indicated 
that enhancing ETC with open road tolling decreased delay by 50 percent 
for manual cash customers and by 55 percent for automatic coin machine 
customers, and increased speed by 57 percent in the open road tolling 
lanes. The addition of open road tolling also decreased crashes by an 
estimated 22 to 26 percent.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Lennon, L. ``Tappan Zee Bridge E-ZPass System Traffic and 
Environmental Studies,'' Paper presented at the 64th ITE Annual 
Meeting: 1995. ITS Benefits Database Link: http://www.itsbenefits.its.dot.gov/its/benecost.nsf/0/BFFD6D277991A8C385269610051E2BE.
    \6\ Operational and Traffic Benefits of E-ZPass to the New 
Jersey Turnpike, Prepared by the Wilbur Smith Associates for the New 
Jersey Turnpike Authority, New Jersey: August 2001. ITS Benefits 
Database Link: http://www.itsbenefits.its.dot.gov/its/benecost.nsf/0/78B2ACEBB79ED67785256AC0006E29ED.
    \7\ Klodzinski, J. and Gordin, E. and Al-Deek, H. M. 
``Evaluation of Impacts from Deployment of an Open Road Tolling 
Concept for a Mainline Toll Plaza.'' Paper presented at the 86th 
Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, January 2007. 
ITS Benefits Database Link: http://www.itsbenefits.its.dot.gov/its/benecost.nsf/ID/0786EF6A8384D176852573E5006D0C33.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Therefore, this rule will result in only minimal costs to those 
affected. In addition, these changes will not interfere with any action 
taken or planned by another agency and will not materially alter the 
budgetary impact of any entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan 
programs. Consequently, a full regulatory evaluation is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354, 
5 U.S.C. 601-612) the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this rule on 
small entities and has determined that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    This rule does not change the roles or responsibilities of small 
entities in ETC projects. The rule neither improves nor worsens small 
entities' opportunities to participate in ETC projects, so it results 
in no economic effect on the small entities. For these reasons, FHWA 
certifies that this action will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This rule will not impose unfunded mandates as defined by the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4, 109 Stat. 48). 
This rule will not result in the expenditure by State, local, and 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of 
$128.1 million or more in any one year (2 U.S.C. 1532). This rule only 
establishes conditions on a Federal grant of authority for toll 
programs under section 1604 and does not require a State, public 
authority, or private entity designated by a State, to impose tolls on 
any particular facility nor mandates how a State or toll authority 
operates, maintains or enforces its tolling program.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism Assessment)

    This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 13132, and FHWA has determined 
that this action will not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment. The FHWA has also 
determined that this action will not preempt any State law or State 
regulation or affect the States' ability to discharge traditional State 
governmental functions.

Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities do not apply to this program.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501, et 
seq.), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget for each collection of information they conduct, 
sponsor, or require through regulations. The FHWA has determined that 
this action does not contain collection of information requirements for 
the purposes of the PRA.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The FHWA has analyzed this action for the purpose of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321) and has determined 
that this action will not have any effect on the quality of the 
environment.

Executive Order 12630 (Taking of Private Property)

    The FHWA has analyzed this rule under Executive Order 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interface with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights. The FHWA does not anticipate that this action would 
affect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking 
implications under Executive Order 12630.

Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    This action meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children)

    The FHWA has analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, 
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks. The FHWA certifies that this action will not cause any 
environmental risk to health or safety that might disproportionately 
affect children.

Executive Order 13175 (Tribal Consultation)

    The FHWA has analyzed this action under Executive Order 13175, 
dated November 6, 2000, and believes that this

[[Page 51771]]

action would not have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian 
tribes; would not impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian 
tribal governments; and would not preempt tribal laws. The rule 
addresses interoperability requirements, standards, or performance 
specifications for toll projects initiated under section 1604 of 
SAFETEA-LU that use ETC and would not impose any direct compliance 
requirements on Indian tribal governments.

Executive Order 13211 (Energy Effects)

    The FHWA has analyzed this action under Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use dated May 18, 2001. We have determined that this 
is not a significant energy action under that order since it is not 
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy. Therefore, a Statement of Energy 
Effects is not required.

Regulation Identification Number

    A regulation identification number (RIN) is assigned to each 
regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. 
The Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda 
in April and October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of 
this document can be used to cross reference this action with the 
Unified Agenda.

List of Subjects in 23 CFR Part 950

    Communications equipment, Electronic products, Highways and roads, 
Motor vehicles, Radio, Telecommunication, Transportation.

    Issued on: September 29, 2009.
Victor Mendez,
Administrator.

0
In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA adds a new part 950 to 
subchapter K, chapter I, title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, to read 
as follows:

PART 950--ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION

Sec.
950.1 Purpose.
950.3 Definitions.
950.5 Requirement to use electronic toll collection technology.
950.7 Interoperability requirements.
950.9 Enforcement.

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 109, 315; sec. 1604(b)(5) and (b)(6), Pub. 
L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144; 49 CFR 1.48.


Sec.  950.1  Purpose.

    The purpose of this part is to establish interoperability 
requirements for toll facilities that are tolled under section 1604 of 
the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A 
Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (Pub. L. 109-59; 119 Stat. 1144) that use 
electronic toll collection.


Sec.  950.3  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    1604 toll program refers to any of the tolling programs authorized 
under section 1604 of SAFETEA-LU. These programs include the Value 
Pricing Pilot Program, the Express Lanes Demonstration Program, and the 
Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot Program.
    Electronic toll collection means the ability for vehicle operators 
to pay tolls automatically without slowing down from normal highway 
speeds.
    Toll agency means the relevant public or private entity or entities 
to which toll authority has been granted for a facility under a 1604 
toll program.


Sec.  950.5  Requirement to use electronic toll collection technology.

    (a) Any toll agency operating a toll facility pursuant to authority 
under a 1604 toll program shall use an electronic toll collection 
system as the method for collecting tolls from vehicle operators for 
the use of the facility unless the toll agency can demonstrate to the 
FHWA that some other method is either more economically efficient or 
will make the facility operate more safely. If a facility is collecting 
tolls pursuant to section 1604(b) of SAFETEA-LU, the toll agency shall 
only use electronic toll collection systems. Nothing in this subsection 
shall prevent a toll agency from using cash payment methods, such as 
toll booths, in areas that are not located in the toll facility's lanes 
of travel if the location and use of such methods do not create unsafe 
operating conditions on the toll facility.
    (b) A toll agency using electronic toll collection technology must 
develop and implement reasonable methods to enable vehicle operators 
that are not enrolled in a toll collection program that is 
interoperable with the toll collection system of the relevant toll 
facility to use the facility.
    (c) A toll agency using electronic toll collection technology must 
develop, implement, and make publicly available privacy policies to 
safeguard the disclosure of any data that may be collected through such 
technology concerning any user of a toll facility operating pursuant to 
authority under a 1604 toll program, but is not required to submit such 
policies to FHWA for approval.


Sec.  950.7  Interoperability requirements.

    (a) For any toll facility operating pursuant to authority under a 
1604 toll program, the toll agency shall--
    (1) Identify the projected users of the facility;
    (2) Identify the predominant toll collection systems likely 
utilized by the users of the facility; and
    (3) Identify the noncash electronic technology likely to be in use 
within the next five years in that area.
    (b) Based on the identification conducted under subsection (a), the 
toll agency shall receive the FHWA's concurrence that the facility's 
toll collection system's standards and design meet the requirements of 
this part.
    (c) In requesting the FHWA's concurrence, the toll agency shall 
demonstrate to the FHWA that the selected toll collection system and 
technology achieves the highest reasonable degree of interoperability 
both with technology currently in use at other existing toll facilities 
and with technology likely to be in use at toll facilities within the 
next five years in that area. The toll agency shall explain to the FHWA 
how the toll collection system takes into account both the use of 
noncash electronic technology currently deployed within an appropriate 
geographic area of travel (as defined by the toll agency) and the 
noncash electronic technology likely to be in use within the next five 
years in that area. FHWA, in determining whether to concur in the toll 
agency's proposal, will give appropriate weight to current and future 
interoperability with toll facilities in that area. The facility's toll 
collection system design shall include the communications requirements 
between roadside equipment and toll transponders, as well as accounting 
compatibility requirements in order to ensure that users of the toll 
facilities are properly identified and tolls are charged to the 
appropriate account of the user.
    (d) A toll agency that operates any toll facility pursuant to 
authority under a 1604 toll program must upgrade its toll collection 
system to meet any applicable standards and interoperability tests that 
have been officially adopted through rulemaking by the FHWA.
    (e) With respect to facilities that are tolled pursuant to the 
Value Pricing Pilot Program, this part only applies if tolls are 
imposed on a facility after the effective date of this rule. However, 
such facility is subject to this part if the facility's toll collection 
system's method or technology used to collect tolls from vehicle 
operators is changed or

[[Page 51772]]

upgraded after the effective date of the regulations in this part.
    (f) Nothing in this part shall be construed as requiring the use of 
any particular type of electronic toll collection technology. However, 
any such toll collection technology must meet the interoperability 
requirement of this section.


Sec.  950.9  Enforcement.

    (a) The tolling authority of any facility operating pursuant to 
authority under a 1604 toll program shall be suspended in the event the 
relevant toll agency is not in compliance with this part within six (6) 
months of receiving a written notice of non-compliance from FHWA. If 
the toll agency demonstrates that it is taking the necessary steps to 
come into compliance within a reasonable period of time, FHWA shall 
extend such tolling authority.
    (b) The FHWA may take other action as may be appropriate, including 
action pursuant to Sec.  1.36 of this title.

[FR Doc. E9-24296 Filed 10-7-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P