Free-flow tolling system for expressway with fusion of 5G communication and high-precision positioning technology

This study tackles the inefficiencies of the prevalent electronic toll collection (ETC) systems on expressways, which are hindered by limited communication ranges and notable processing delays that significantly reduce actual transportation throughput compared to theoretical capacities. To address these issues, we have developed an innovative free-flow tolling system that integrates cutting-edge 5G communication and high-precision localization technologies, aiming to streamline the tolling process and boost efficiency.We constructed a comprehensive traffic flow model that factors in diverse vehicle classifications and distinct driving patterns. This model serves as the foundation for simulating the tolling operations and evaluating the performance of the proposed system. Employing a cellular automaton framework, our simulation study meticulously assesses the service level of the tolling system, enabling us to fine-tune the design of tolling channels and enhance traffic organization schemes.The findings indicate that the proposed system has the potential to significantly improve traffic flow, minimize congestion, and elevate the overall efficiency of expressway transportation networks. Our research provides robust theoretical support and practical insights for the deployment of future expressway free-flow tolling systems.