Bay Area Selects TransCore to Develop Largest Express Lane Network in U.S.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC’s) Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority (BAIFA) has selected TransCore® to develop, integrate, and maintain a network of express lanes providing Bay Area motorists with lower congestion alternatives.

The competitively procured $54.6 million project will convert 90 miles of existing high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes into express lanes on I-680 from Dublin to Walnut Creek; I-880 from the Santa Clara County line to San Leandro; and I-80 in Fairfield. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

The goals of the project are to:

  • Improve connectivity by closing gaps in the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) network
  • Improve freeway efficiency by making the best use of existing capacity
  • Provide motorists with dynamically-priced lane alternatives and carpoolers and buses with a reliable, congestion-free option
  • Enable future improvements with little to no interruption to motorists

“After a diligent evaluation, we found TransCore’s proposal to be the strongest technically and also to provide the best value. The integration of TransCore’s streamlined system architecture design with their proven product suite was a significant factor in their selection. We also based our decision on the team’s experience and demonstrated success in delivering express lane systems that are operating in other large jurisdictions,” said MTC Project Manager Jim Macrae.

To accomplish the project goals, TransCore will implement an express lane tolling system using its Infinity Digital Lane SystemTM. The solution, known as Infinity Express, uses a system of innovative readers, sensors, and imaging devices to dynamically set, based upon real-time traffic conditions, user fees, which will prominently be displayed on road message signs.

TransCore will also integrate its Advanced Traffic Management System, TransSuite®, into a robust communications network. The enhanced connectivity will enable Bay Area agencies to better monitor and respond to traffic conditions in real-time through the immediate exchange of data among transportation agencies and California Highway Patrol.

TransCore has partnered with many Bay Area transportation agencies over the last 30 years to implement traffic management systems. Most recently, TransCore developed and installed an advanced toll collection and accounting system on the seven state-owned Bay Area bridges, including the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

“We are honored to be recognized by MTC as the firm most qualified and capable of delivering this important project. Our team looks forward to working with MTC to improve mobility in the Bay Area, and again demonstrate our leadership by delivering a solution built on a combination of innovative tolling and transportation management products,” said Chris Hall, vice president of West Coast projects, TransCore. “We are privileged and grateful to have this opportunity to partner with them again.”

About the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the is the transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. In October 2011, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) found 270 miles of express lanes eligible for development and operation by MTC under Section 149.7 of the Streets and Highways Code. In April 2013, MTC delegated its express lane responsibilities to Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority (BAIFA). BAIFA was created in 2006 as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) between the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) to plan, develop, operate and finance transportation projects. In September 2011, the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement creating BAIFA was amended to permit BAIFA to participate in developing and operating express lanes. See MTC’s website for more information on MTC, BAIFA and Bay Area Express Lanes: http://www.mtc.ca.gov.

About Bay Area Express Lanes

MTC’s 270 miles of express lanes are part of the Bay Area Express Lanes, a network of ultimately 550 miles of express lanes that will be operational in the Bay Area by 2035 and delivered by MTC and other partner agencies.

About TransCore

A leader in the transportation industry, TransCore provides innovative, technical solutions and engineering services for applications encompassing next generation Open Road Tolling, Traffic Management Systems and Radio Frequency Identification systems that secure access for airports, hospitals, parking garages, border patrols, trucking fleets and rail carriers. TransCore also operates tolling customer service centers for departments of transportation throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Dubai.

Based in Nashville, Tenn., TransCore is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roper Industries, a diversified technology company in the S&P 500, Fortune 1000 and Russell 1000 indices.