Modern Toll Systems - OBU and eTOLL in Poland

1. What is an OBU device and how does it work in road toll systems?

The OBU device, or on-board-unit, is equipment primarily installed in heavy vehicles to record the vehicle’s route and enable automatic toll payments for certain road sections. With an OBU, drivers can make toll payments automatically without stopping at toll booths. Poland's road toll systems have evolved over the years, moving from gate-based technology in the viaTOLL system to the more advanced GPS and data transmission-based eTOLL system.

2. How did the viaTOLL system with gate-based technology work?

The viaTOLL system operated in Poland from 2011 to 2021 and relied on specialized gates that recorded a vehicle’s passage on toll roads. OBUs installed in vehicles emitted a signal detected by these gates, allowing for vehicle identification and toll calculation. This system required extensive infrastructure and incurred high costs for gate maintenance and servicing.

3. Transition to the eTOLL system – a modern approach to road tolling

Since 2020, Poland has adopted the eTOLL system, which is based on GPS and cellular data transmission. In the eTOLL system, OBU devices transmit location data to the National Revenue Administration (KAS), which analyzes the route and calculates tolls. Unlike viaTOLL, eTOLL doesn’t require physical gates, which significantly reduces maintenance costs and simplifies the introduction of toll changes on various road sections.

4. Advantages of the eTOLL system – lower costs and greater accessibility

The transition to eTOLL has brought several benefits:

• Lower maintenance costs: The absence of gates eliminates construction and maintenance expenses.
• Simpler management: GPS and cellular network usage make it easy to implement changes to toll roads.
• Technology accessibility in smartphones: Any smartphone with the right app can now act as an OBU device, which reduces costs for drivers.

5. Does the OBU device enable direct toll payments in the eTOLL system?

It’s essential to note that OBU devices and eTOLL applications only serve to transmit vehicle location data. To fully use the system, drivers must register in eTOLL, set up an account, fund it, and link the device to the account. The user account handles toll payments, while the OBU or app serves only as a tracking tool.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About OBU and eTOLL Systems

How many OBU devices are currently installed?

The exact number of OBU devices on Polish roads isn’t always available in reports, but the popularity of this solution is growing due to the benefits offered by eTOLL. Data on the number of registered users might be accessible in MF statistics.

What is the cost of OBU devices?

OBU device costs vary by provider, with some models priced between a few hundred and over a thousand PLN. Alternatively, drivers can use the free eTOLL app on their smartphones, lowering expenses.

What were the construction and maintenance costs of the viaTOLL system?

The construction and maintenance costs for the viaTOLL system were substantial. The cost of installing a single gate and its annual service was part of the larger system expense, covering infrastructure and personnel. The chosen solution was not only costly but also required regular maintenance efforts.

What are the construction and maintenance costs of the eTOLL system?

The eTOLL system requires lower financial investment than viaTOLL. These costs include infrastructure, technology development, and personnel managing the system. Although system maintenance still incurs regular expenses, they are significantly lower compared to the viaTOLL system.

7. Conclusion – Is eTOLL the future of road tolls?

The eTOLL system appears to be a modern and economical solution for managing road tolls in Poland. The use of GPS technology and smartphone app availability makes it accessible to a wide range of drivers, and the absence of complex infrastructure lowers maintenance costs. While the system isn’t without drawbacks – such as the lack of immediate payment confirmation upon entering toll roads – it marks a significant step forward in managing road tolls in Poland.

In our next article, we’ll explore how similar solutions function in other countries and discuss alternative toll options that may be implemented in Poland.