 Telematics Applications for Transport Research Information4th Framework ResearchProjects
 CARDME TR 4102 & 1109
CARDME Support
The CARDME concerted action provides a forum at government level for the discussion of cross-border inter-operability of motorway tolling systems.
Setting the Scene
The action was initiated to enable the obstacles to cross-border inter-operability of European tolling systems to be identified and discussed at government level. A Steering Committee of national representatives, chaired jointly by DG INFSO and DG TREN, reviews and approves the work.
In this third phase of the action, the emphasis has been on the specification of a common payment service which can be implemented in a short timescale without significant changes to existing infrastructure and which leads easily to one or more memoranda of understanding. In achieving this the CARDME team has worked closely with other projects in the field including A1 and CESARE (Trans European Network Program).
Approach
The objectives of CARDME-3 are consequently to develop a specification for a common payment service which can be implemented alongside present systems, with minimum changes to existing equipment and infrastructures. In parallel, a strategy will be proposed to enable existing operators to migrate to standard EFC systems.
Approach
Initial attempts at overcoming obstacles to inter-operability between EFC systems were focussed on harmonising the different approaches. However, it was recognised that the different objectives of each system led to different requirements. The approach taken by CARDME-3 is to recognise the different requirements and priorities of local systems, and to accept that the technical solutions will also be different. The new approach was adopted, to consider the minimum additional requirements for an inter-operable payment service.
Key features of the service
Taking this approach has resulted in a specification for a common inter-operable payment service which could be offered alongside existing EFC systems. A single new EFC application has been defined, which could be added to all existing systems. The intention is that each system would be enlarged to accommodate the common system without affecting the functionality of the local systems.
Between existing systems, the proposed service can provide inter-operability by the addition of a single inter-operable application to any existing applications which local operators may provide. It is suitable for use in open or closed systems, in mono-lane or multi-lane mode, and for both passenger cars and HGVs.
For those countries which do not at present have toll collection systems, it can provide a complete stand-alone service.
In existing mono-lane systems it can provide a "stop-and-pay" capability with an IC card which may also be used with the on-board unit. In the case of systems using monolithic tags the card will replicate the contract and vehicle data held in the tag.
The proposed service depends on operators making bilateral agreements to provide the equivalent of "roaming". As in the case of mobile telephones, the user can receive a single invoice covering all toll charges from his home operator.
The first stages of inter-operability become available when as few as two operators sign an agreement. Over a period of time, as larger numbers of operators decide to join, the bilateral agreements can migrate to an MoU type of agreement such as that currently being developed by the CESARE project. It is proposed that, in the first instance, a central account type of contract will be offered. It is probable that a credit/debit card method of payment can be incorporated as soon as cards with embedded IC chips are generally available: the possible use of an inter-operable electronic purse is some way away.
The transaction proposed in this document exactly follows the recommendations of the A1 project with regard to the exchange of data between vehicle and roadside beacons.
It is not necessary for all users to have the same equipment installed in their vehicles. The essential requirement is that on-board equipment in any individual vehicle provides a constant interface with the driver regardless of which country the vehicle is in.
Conclusions and Plans for the Future
There is now no technical reason to delay the introduction of a Europe-wide inter-operable EFC service using DSRC links between roadside and vehicle. The proposed service requires the minimum possible changes to existing systems and can be introduced quickly, progressively and at relatively low cost.
A further project (Cardme 4) will study the transaction based on the common service definition, and will include in the process the necessary elements to use electronic purses and smart cards as payment means.
Contact Details
Project Coordinator:
Brian Bourne
Tel: +44 1428 717 012
Fax: +44 1428 717 012
E-mail: CARDME@btinternet.com
Research Area: Transport Telematics
Timescale: 1998-1999
Keywords: Tolling, Inter-operability, electronic fee collection, standardisation.
Key Project Participants:
Orchidnote Ltd (GB)
Grøner A/S (NL)
ISIS (FR)
Lisitt (ES)
Rapp Ingenieure+Planer (GH)
Regioplan GmbH (DE)
Transport Research Laboratory (GB)
TRUTh (GR)
TÜV Rheinland (DE)
Public Deliverables
D 3.1 Requirements for interoprable EFC payment
D 3.2 Functional specification for interoperable European EFC - Final
D3.3 Functional Specification for interoperable European EFC
D4.1 Project system architecture description and assessment methodology
D 5.1 Review of current possibilities for migration of EFC Systems
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