Citing "lackluster service," the department will be seeking a new technology provider.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is ending its contract with its toll road operator, reports R.A. Schuetz, citing "unnecessary challenges" for users and a recent error that resulted in overcharging some drivers.
Marc Williams, TxDOT executive director, said "We take the responsibility of providing a quality and trusted customer experience very seriously, and regret the impact and inconvenience these past many months of lackluster IBM service have had on our toll road users."
The operator, IBM, disputes the charge, saying in a statement that TxDOT failed to fulfill obligations on its end, and that "[d]espite TxDOT’s failure, IBM’s performance and the system IBM has implemented far exceed operational requirements anticipated when the contract was signed to the benefit of Texas motorists."
The state is now using an "emergency contract" to provide toll services until a new operator is selected. "TxDOT assured customers that the interim technology providers would make sure that information remained secure and that the billing system would remain accurate, timely and usable. TxTag is not charging late fees during the transition."
FULL STORY: We simply could not move forward': TxDOT cuts ties with toll road operator
Texas Would Need $24 Billion to End Highway Tolls
Texas politicians are wondering how much it would cost to remove tolls from hundreds of miles of roads around the state. Though the political cost of tolling is high, the actual cost, it turns out, is higher.
Utah to Test Personalized Road Usage Pricing
A pilot program will use GPS-enabled devices to track driving habits, allowing cities to use the data to create road pricing fee structures based on hyper-local and individual driving needs.
Oregon Toll Road Proposals Raise Cost, Equity Concerns
The state’s plan to implement tolls to reduce congestion and promote alternate transportation modes is facing some backlash as critics argue the revenue shouldn’t fund road expansion projects.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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