Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Use mdy dates {{#invoke:Infobox|infobox}}Template:Template otherTemplate:Main other{{#invoke:Check for clobbered parameters|check|nested=1|template=Infobox company|cat=Template:Main other|name; company_name|logo; company_logo|logo_alt; alt|trade_name; trading_name|former_names; former_name|type; company_type|predecessors; predecessor|successors; successor|foundation; founded|founders; founder|defunct; dissolved|hq_location; location|hq_location_city; location_city|hq_location_country; location_country|num_locations; locations|areas_served; area_served|net_income; profit|net_income_year; profit_year|owners; owner |homepage; website }}{{#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown=Template:Main other|preview=Page using Template:Infobox company with unknown parameter "_VALUE_" | ignoreblank=y | alt | area_served | areas_served | assets | assets_year | aum | brands | company_logo | company_name | company_type | defunct | dissolved | divisions | embed | equity | equity_year | fate | footnotes | former_name | former_names | foundation | founded | founder | founders | genre | homepage | hq_location | hq_location_city | hq_location_country | incorporated | image | image_alt | image_caption | image_size | image_upright | income_year | industry | ISIN | key_people | location | location_city | location_country | locations | logo | logo_alt | logo_caption | logo_class | logo_size | logo_upright | members | members_year | module | name | native_name | native_name_lang | net_income | net_income_year | num_employees | num_employees_year | num_locations | num_locations_year | operating_income | owner | owners | parent | predecessor | predecessors | production | production_year | products | profit | profit_year | rating | ratio | revenue | revenue_year | romanized_name | services | subsid | successor | successors | traded_as | trade_name | trading_name | type | website| qid | fetchwikidata | suppressfields | noicon | nocat | demo | categories }}

File:FasTrak transponder.jpg
Mounted FasTrak transponder

FasTrak is the electronic toll collection (ETC) system used in the state of California in the United States. It operates statewide on all toll roads, toll bridges, and high-occupancy toll lanes that are part of the California Freeway and Expressway System.

Like other ETC systems, FasTrak is designed to eliminate the need for vehicles to stop at toll booths, thereby reducing traffic congestion commonly associated with toll collection. Its implementation aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Intelligent Transportation Systems initiative.

California's toll facilities are decentralized and managed by various local public agencies and special-purpose districts, rather than being operated directly by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) or another centralized state agency. Concerned about the potential development of incompatible ETC systems, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1523 in 1990. This legislation required Caltrans to develop a statewide ETC specification that all toll agencies were mandated to follow.<ref name="SB1523">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="reasonOrg" />

In 1993, the Transportation Corridor Agencies opened the Foothill Toll Road in Orange County, marking the first implementation of the standardized ETC system, which it branded as FasTrak. The state continues to delegate the responsibility for issuing and managing FasTrak accounts to individual toll agencies.

Operations and functionalityEdit

TechnologyEdit

File:Fastrak toll diagram.jpg
Diagram of the FasTrak toll collection system: As a vehicle enters the toll point, sensors (1) detect it and antennas (2) read the FasTrak transponder (3) on the vehicle. As the vehicle passes through the exit light curtain (4), a treadle (5) determines its axle count to calculate the correct toll, and the account is charged. A display (6) gives feedback to the driver. If no transponder is detected, cameras (7) photograph the license plate.

FasTrak uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology operating at 915 MHz to identify vehicles via a transponder mounted on the vehicle (typically to the windshield). As a vehicle passes through a toll point, antennas detect and read the transponder, and the system automatically deducts the toll from a prepaid account.

Caltrans was given the mandate to develop and maintain an open, statewide ETC specification known as "Title 21" after it was added to Title 21 of the California Code of Regulations.<ref name="reasonOrg" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> FasTrak transponders are compatible across California toll roads but not with out-of-state systems like E-ZPass. In 2018, the state began a transition to the national ISO/IEC 18000-63 (6C) standard to support future nationwide interoperability.<ref name="its2017">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

If a transponder is not detected, cameras photograph the vehicle’s license plate and attempt to match it to a FasTrak account. If no account is found, either an invoice with no penalty (in locations supporting "pay by plate") or a violation notice is issued and mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tag typesEdit

File:Switchable FasTrak transponder.jpg
A switchable FasTrak device used by the Metro ExpressLanes in Los Angeles County

FasTrak supports multiple transponder types:

  • Standard tag – A hard-case transponder used on all FasTrak toll roads.
  • Sticker tag – A low-cost adhesive tag issued by some agencies.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

  • FasTrak Flex – A switchable tag (settings for 1, 2, or 3+ occupants) required for HOV toll discounts.<ref name="Riverside Express">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Bay Area Tags">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="throughout CA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="SB Express Lanes discounts">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

  • FasTrak CAV – Identifies Clean Air Vehicles (CAVs) for applicable toll discounts.<ref name="Riverside Express" /><ref name="Bay Area Tags" />

Some toll roads allow carpoolers to avoid tolls by placing their standard tag in a mylar bag to block the radio signals, others require a FasTrak Flex transponder.<ref name="Roadshow20150218">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="SANDAG FAQ">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Service center operationsEdit

All Bay Area toll facilities use a centralized billing and customer service system operated by the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Transportation Corridor Agencies, operator of the Orange County toll roads, also operates the billing and customer service system for the San Bernardino County high-occupancy toll lanes.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

Although the 91 Express Lanes is operated by both the Orange County Transportation Authority and the Riverside County Transportation Commission, that facility uses a centralized billing and customer service system operated by the former.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

All other Southern California agencies maintain separate billing and customer service systems.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Some agencies "sell" (charge the initial prepaid toll deposit) transponders in a retail setting, such as Costco stores. Customers must still register their transponders with the issuing agency.<ref name="Bay Area Tags" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

FeesEdit

FasTrak account fees and requirements vary by issuing agency:<ref name="throughout CA" />

Agency Area Monthly fee Initial prepaid toll deposit Notes
BATA San Francisco Bay Area None citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

TCA Orange County and San Bernardino County None citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

SANDAG San Diego County $1 $50 citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

LA Metro Los Angeles County $1 citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

OCTA Orange County None $40 (automatic replenishment)
$50 (manual replenishment)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

$100 setup fee
$2
RCTC Riverside County $2 $40<ref name="Riverside Express" />

SecurityEdit

File:Roadside antennae.jpg
FasTrak antennae that pull data used to generate 5-1-1 traffic information

In 2008, researchers found that FasTrak transponders lacked encryption and could be queried or updated remotely.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="BHslides">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="ABCNews2008">Template:Cite news</ref> As the Title 21 specification is publicly available, this raised concerns about potential misuse.<ref name="Caltrans Title 21" /> Transponders are also used to generate 5-1-1 traffic data, using sensors and antennae placed across various freeways.<ref name="BHslides" /> The Metropolitan Transportation Commission responded by reviewing the system’s security and exploring possible improvements with vendors.<ref name="ABCNews2008"/>

HistoryEdit

After the first electronic toll collection (ETC) system in North America was implemented on the Dallas North Tollway in 1989, various toll agencies in California began expressing interest in similar systems. Given that toll roads and bridges in the state are managed by different government entities, there was concern about the potential emergence of multiple, incompatible ETC systems. To address this, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1523 in 1990, directing the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to create a standardized statewide technical specification for ETC systems.<ref name="reasonOrg">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> California subsequently became the first U.S. state to require all toll facilities to use a uniform ETC system.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This specification was later codified in Title 21, Division 2, Chapter 16 of the California Code of Regulations.<ref name="Caltrans Title 21">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The Foothill Toll Road in Orange County, California became the first toll facility in California to implement ETC when it opened in 1993. The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), which manages the toll road, branded the system as "FasTrak".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> TCA still holds the trademark for the "FasTrak" name and logo.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

File:FasTrak Orange County.jpg
Three-lane FasTrak site in Orange County

The original FasTrak transponder was a device about the size of a Walkman, into which a smart card was inserted.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, the device was costly to produce and the smart card offered little advantage to customers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By 1995, when the 91 Express Lanes opened, the transponders had been redesigned to be coaster-sized.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

FasTrak was subsequently deployed on the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road (1996), the Eastern Toll Road (1998), and the high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on Interstate 15 in San Diego, California (1998).

File:Fastrak only (7730815530) (2).jpg
San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge toll plaza in 2008. Booths now display "FasTrak or Invoice" following the phaseout of cash payments.

Adapting FasTrak for California’s toll bridges required additional modifications, especially to handle 18 different toll classifications for trucks. After a trial at the Carquinez Bridge in 1996 revealed accuracy issues,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> improvements were made, before the bridge adopted FasTrak in 1997. Despite these developments, other state-run Bay Area toll bridges did not adopt the system until October 2000, due to bureaucratic and technical delays.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The independently managed Golden Gate Bridge introduced FasTrak a few months earlier in July 2000.

The San Diego-Coronado Bridge briefly used FasTrak before tolls were eliminated in 2002. In 2005, the Bay Area FasTrak Customer Center opened, consolidating services for regional bridges and the Golden Gate Bridge.<ref name="Bay Area FasTrak">Template:Cite press release</ref>

FasTrak has since expanded to cover all new toll facilities in California, which are required by law to adopt the system. In 2009, San Francisco International Airport began accepting FasTrak in its parking garages.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

The introduction of the Metro ExpressLanes in Los Angeles in 2012 led to the introduction of FasTrak Flex transponders with occupancy switches (1, 2, or 3+ riders), allowing automated toll calculations for carpools and solo drivers.<ref name="Metro ExpressLanes FAQ">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> TCA began issuing switchable transponders in 2013,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> followed by the 91 Express Lanes and the Bay Area in 2015.<ref name="Roadshow20150218" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The TCA introduced a sticker transponder in 2019 to replace the earlier plastic model. The new sticker transponders cost the agency less than $1 each, compared to approximately $20 for the plastic version. The lower cost enabled TCA to eliminate monthly account maintenance fees and the requirement for a prepaid deposit.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

California continues moving toward open road tolling, eliminating cash transactions in favor of transponders, license plate tolling, and online or phone payments. The Golden Gate Bridge became fully cashless in March 2013,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> followed by TCA-operated toll roads in May 2014.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2019, California approved the phaseout of toll takers on all state-owned bridges.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic-only tolling was implemented in March 2020 and became permanent by 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The only remaining cash-accepting toll road is the South Bay Expressway, which has unstaffed cash machines.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In line with MAP-21 all ETC systems nationwide were required to achieve interoperability by October 1, 2016. In response, California passed Assembly Bill 493 in 2013, enabling collaboration between Caltrans and toll agencies to comply with the mandate.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> California regulators later approved a phase-in of transponder technology using the ISO/IEC 18000-63 (6C) standard. Rollout began in 2018 and was expected to be complete by 2024.<ref name="its2017" />

Toll facilities using FasTrakEdit

CurrentEdit

All eight toll bridges only collect tolls in one direction. All other toll facilities collect tolls in either direction, though some high-occupancy toll lane toll lanes exist in only one direction of their freeway in parts or the whole of their length.

^ indicates that carpools require the switchable "FasTrak Flex" transponder.
HOV 2+ indicates that carpools require two or more persons.
HOV 3+ indicates that carpools require three or more persons.
indicates that two-person carpools are tolled differently than solo drivers or carpools with three or more, typically at a rate intermediate between the solo and 3+ rates

Toll bridgesEdit

Name Highway(s) Location South or west terminus North or east terminus Direction tolled HOV Account agency Template:Abbr
Antioch Bridge Template:Jct San Joaquin River Antioch Sacramento County Northbound 3+ BATA citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Benicia–Martinez Bridge Template:Jct Carquinez Strait Martinez Benicia Northbound 3+ citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Carquinez Bridge Template:Jct Carquinez Strait Crockett Vallejo Eastbound 3+ citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Dumbarton Bridge Template:Jct San Francisco Bay Menlo Park Fremont Westbound 2+ citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Golden Gate Bridge Template:Jct Golden Gate San Francisco Marin County Southbound 3+ citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Richmond–San Rafael Bridge Template:Jct San Francisco Bay San Rafael Richmond Westbound 3+ citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge Template:Jct San Francisco Oakland Westbound 3+ citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

San Mateo–Hayward Bridge Template:Jct Foster City Hayward Westbound 2+ citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Toll roadsEdit

Name Highway Location South or west terminus North or east terminus HOV Account agency Template:Abbr
Eastern Toll Road Template:Jct Orange County Irvine SR 91 in AnaheimYorba Linda None TCA <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Foothill Toll Road Template:Jct Oso Parkway near Rancho Santa Margarita SR 133 near Irvine
San Joaquin Hills Toll Road Template:Jct I-5 in Mission Viejo Bison Ave in Irvine
South Bay Expressway Template:Jct San Diego County SR 11 / SR 905 in Otay Mesa SR 54 near Chula Vista SANDAG citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

High-occupancy toll lanesEdit

Name Highway Location South or west terminus North or east terminus HOV Account agency Template:Abbr
I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
(El Monte Busway)
Template:Jct Los Angeles County Alameda Street in Los Angeles I-605 in Baldwin Park ^† LA Metro citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-10 San Bernardino Express Lanes Template:Jct San Bernardino County I-10 at the Los Angeles County line Etiwanda Avenue in Ontario ^3+ SBCTA / TCA citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-15 Express Lanes
(San Diego County)
Template:Jct San Diego County SR 163 in San Diego SR 78 in Escondido 2+ SANDAG citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-15 Riverside Express Lanes Template:Jct Riverside County Cajalco Road in Corona SR 60 in Jurupa Valley ^3+ RCTC <ref name="Riverside Express"/>
SR 85 Express Lanes Template:Jct Santa Clara County Central Expressway in Mountain View US 101 in Mountain View ^† BATA <ref name="101/85 Express Lanes-SC"/>
91 Express Lanes Template:Jct Orange and Riverside Counties SR 55 in Anaheim I-15 in Corona 3+ OCTA citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-110 Metro ExpressLanes
(Harbor Transitway)
Template:Jct Los Angeles Harbor Gateway Transit Center Adams Boulevard ^2+ LA Metro <ref name="Using Metro ExpressLanes"/>
US 101 Express Lanes Template:Jct Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties SR 237 near Mountain View I-380 in San Bruno ^† BATA citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref name="101 Express Lanes-SM">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref name="San Mateo County Express Lanes">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

SR 237 Express Lanes Template:Jct Santa Clara County Mathilda Avenue in Sunnyvale I-880 in Milpitas ^† BATA citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

405 Express Lanes Template:Jct Orange County SR 73 in Costa Mesa I-605 in Seal Beach ^† OCTA citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-580 Express Lanes Template:Jct Alameda County Hacienda Drive in Dublin/Pleasanton<ref name="I-580" group=lower-alpha>The westbound I-580 Express Lanes extend further west to San Ramon Road/Foothill Road in Dublin/Pleasanton</ref> North Greenville Road in Livermore ^2+ BATA citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-680 Sunol Express Lanes Template:Jct Alameda and Santa Clara Counties Auto Mall Parkway in Fremont<ref name="I-680 Sunol" group=lower-alpha>The southbound I-680 Sunol Express Lanes extend further south to SR 237 in Milpitas</ref> SR 84 near Sunol ^2+ citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-680 Contra Costa Express Lanes Template:Jct Contra Costa County Livorna Road in Alamo<ref name="I-680 CC" group=lower-alpha>The southbound I-680 Contra Costa County Express Lanes extend further north to Marina Vista Avenue in Martinez</ref> Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon ^2+ citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-880 Express Lanes Template:Jct Alameda and Santa Clara Counties Dixon Landing Road in Milpitas/Fremont line<ref name="I-880" group=lower-alpha/> Lewelling Boulevard in San Lorenzo<ref name="I-880" group=lower-alpha>The southbound I-880 Express Lanes extend further north to Hegenberger Road in Oakland and further south to SR 237 in Milpitas</ref> ^† citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Planned or proposed facilitiesEdit

The following is a partial list of toll facilities that are either in the planning or proposal stages (sorted by highway number):

Name Highway Location South or west terminus North or east terminus Scheduled to open
I-5 Express Lanes Template:Jct San Diego County La Jolla Village Drive in San Diego Harbor Drive in Oceanside citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-10 Metro ExpressLanes Extension Template:Jct Los Angeles County I-605 in Baldwin Park San Bernardino County line citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-10 San Bernardino Express Lanes Phase 2 Template:Jct San Bernardino County Etiwanda Avenue in Ontario Pepper Avenue in Colton TBD<ref name="I-10 San Bernardino Express Lanes"/>
I-10 San Bernardino Express Lanes Phase 3 Template:Jct San Bernardino County Pepper Avenue in Colton Ford Street in Redlands citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

SR 11 Toll Road Template:Jct San Diego County SR 125 / SR 905 Otay Mesa East Port of Entry citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

SR 37 Sears Point Toll Road Template:Jct Sonoma and Solano Counties SR 121 at Sears Point Mare Island in Vallejo TBD<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
I-80 Express Lanes Template:Jct Solano County Red Top Road in Fairfield Leisure Town Road in Vacaville citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Yolo I-80 Express Lanes Template:Jct Yolo County Solano County line West El Camino Avenue near the Sacramento County line citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Silicon Valley Express Lanes Phase 4 Template:Jct Santa Clara County SR 87 in San Jose Central Expressway<ref name="101-85" group="lower-alpha">Not including the already completed portion of the Express Lanes from the Central Expressway to US 101 north</ref><ref name="101/85 Express Lanes-SC"/> in Mountain View citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Silicon Valley Express Lanes future southern extension Template:Jct Santa Clara County US 101 in Southern San Jose SR 87 in San Jose TBD<ref name="Silicon Valley Express Lanes Phase 4"/>
Silicon Valley Express Lanes Phase 5 Template:Jct Santa Clara County I-880 in San Jose SR 237 near Mountain View citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Silicon Valley Express Lanes future southern extension Template:Jct Santa Clara County Dunne Avenue in Morgan Hill I-880 in San Jose citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-105 Express Lanes Template:Jct Los Angeles County SR 1 in Los Angeles Studebaker Road in Norwalk citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-405 Sepulveda Pass Express Lanes Template:Jct Los Angeles County I-10 in Los Angeles US 101 in Los Angeles citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-680 Sunol Northbound Express Lane Southern Extension Template:Jct Alameda and Santa Clara Counties. SR 237 in Milpitas Auto Mall Parkway in Fremont citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

I-680 Sunol Express Lanes Northern Extension Template:Jct Alameda County SR 84 in Sunol Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Facilities not under FasTrakEdit

While the California state highway system officially treats the following routes as discontinuous through the following national parks, respectively, signs within these parks and some commercially produced maps may show these highways as continuous. The park entrance fees are handled by the National Park Service, not FasTrak or Caltrans.

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The 17-Mile Drive, a scenic toll road in Pebble Beach is owned and operated by the Pebble Beach Company and does not utilize FasTrak for toll collection.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

NotesEdit

Template:Notelist

ReferencesEdit

Template:Reflist

External linksEdit

FasTrak account agencies
Other links